Traveling With A Disabled Family Member

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 40 million Americans have some level of disability, and depending on the type of disability, it might affect a family member’s mobility. This summer, as you plan your family’s excursions, you may have to do some advanced preparation if traveling and you or a family member is affected by a disability. The Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality has some tips for preparing for your trip.:

• If you are traveling by bus, plane or train, call the carrier in advance to reserve suitable seating.
• Don’t hesitate to ask a security officer for help as you go through checkpoints. Let them know your level of ability so that they can better help you through the screening process.
• If you use a wheelchair and are traveling by air, the airline may want to pre-board you, so make sure to arrive to the airport early.
• For those traveling with autism, it might be helpful to carry informational handouts with details of your condition in order to help security and staff so they are better prepared to help you through.
• If you wear a hearing aid, make sure to pack extra batteries or a spare hearing aid in case of failure. And be sure to let the flight attendant, train conductor or other assistants know of your hearing impairment so you will be notified of announcements and emergencies.

For those of us with a disability, traveling can be a challenge. But with the right preparation, there are many exciting opportunities available. Check out the Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality’s site for more information and advice on how you can be better equipped for any kind of travel.