When the warmer months roll around, families feel drawn to spend a fun vacation together. Be it relaxing in the sun, at an amusement park, or exploring a new destination, all families could use some time away. What do you do and where do you go when you have a special needs child in your family? Children with special needs may necessitate specific accommodations during your trip, but that's no reason to stay home. There are some welcoming vacation spots with great accommodations for special needs children.
Disney Theme Parks and Resorts
Disney's Theme Parks are the best amusement parks for families with special needs children because, not only are the parks wheelchair accessible, but families with special needs children can receive special seating during meals and can use special entrances to access rides and attractions. There are special viewing areas at the parades and show areas for disabled guests, and Disney's theme park has trained associates who can provide specific information related to special access.
Families who choose the Disney resort accommodations can complete a form, requesting a room suitable for children with special needs. Bed rails, a tub with handrails in the restroom, a room without scented chemicals, a cleaned room with new linens due to peanut allergies, rubber sheets, or a wheelchair accessible restroom are just a few of the options available. Disney Resort guests can also request special rooms for hearing impaired or visually impaired children.
Disney's Cruise line offers accommodation options for special needs children. There are wheelchair accessible cabins available with handrails and shower seats, according to the Special Needs Group organization. There are also special viewing areas for the shows.
To make the family cruise experience richer for special needs children, they can participate in a children's group, appropriate to their developmental level. Parents can receive a communication device, so they can be contacted if the child has physical or emotional needs. Parents should contact the cruise line with information about their children so that an extra counselor may be available, according to the Disney Cruise Line. The cruise, however, does not provide one-on-one care. The cruise line provides counselors who can communicate in sign language, as well.
Cruises with Extras for Children with Special Needs
In general, most major cruise lines, like Carnival Cruise lines are accessible to disabled children and many have children's groups. The beauty of an experience on a cruise is that parents are never too far from their children, however, both parents and children can experience the cruise on their own. Like Disney's cruises, other cruise lines give parents cell phones, so parents may be contacted if they are needed. Royal Caribbean provides a one-on-one counselor, if contacted in advance. Carnival Cruise lines, actually has a registration form for parents to complete. Parents can complete a checklist of behaviors that a child may display and suggestions for managing the behaviors. If needed, children can move one age group down to socialize with children closer to their level.
Resorts with Nannies and Understanding Counselors
As far as resorts go, try Beaches resorts. With several locations available, these all-inclusive resorts has a kids program, and for $8 an hour, visitors can hire a nanny to give parents alone time.
Club Med Punta Cana is also a good choice for families with special needs children. The counselors are accommodating, taking special care to supervise special needs children, and this attention may give your children the opportunity to participate more freely in other activities with other children.
