Having a child with a disability can be life altering. Your little one will bring you joy, warmth, sweetness, and affection, but their unique needs also mean that even the simplest things can become more complicated.
Taking a day trip is a perfect case in point. Although parents of disabled children want to give them all of the same experiences as their peers, the organisation involved in planning days away from home can be a real deterrent, and means that you might choose to stay close to your comfort zone instead.
This needn’t be the case. Provided that you think ahead, there are lots of fantastic experiences that you can enjoy together – you just need to know how…
#1: Check Out Your Venue Beforehand
One of the simplest ways to ensure that the whole family has a great day out is by planning it well in advance, and you’d be surprised by how many venues aim to be inclusive. Most visitor-oriented attractions will be regulated by government rules, and these aim to embrace equality wherever possible. Thus, most historical sites, theme parks, and so on will have wheelchair access, as well as facilities to enhance the experience of those that are impaired in other ways. The best way to ensure that you’re visiting one of them is to check out their website in advance, and telephone beforehand if you’re still unsure of its suitability.
#2: Plan Your Travel
Having a disabled child can also cause some extra difficulties when it comes to transport. Luckily, public transport in most first world countries will be designed to accommodate those using wheelchairs, as well as those who are impaired in other ways, such as suffering from blindness or deafness. You can check out routes beforehand to see how close they will take you to your required destination. However, if you’re not comfortable travelling by bus or train, you might want to consider investing in a wheelchair accessible vehicle as a more long-term solution. These can be purchased from companies like Allied Mobility, and can transform your life when it comes to helping you get out and about again.
#3: Ask for Support If You Need It
Finally, don’t be embarrassed to ask friends or family members for some extra support if you need it. This is not a sign of weakness or bad parenting on your part, just an acknowledgement that your role can be a little difficult sometimes. If you don’t have help at home, you might also want to try contacting relevant support groups. You’ll find that they may be able to put you in touch with carers who can tag along to assist you, and ensure that you have a perfect day with the whole family.
Why not plan your next day trip now?
