We've assembled three experts to discuss the tips and tricks, and unique challenges and joys of taking a family vacation with a child with a disability.
Sheila Harman is a mom to four, some of whom have special needs, and a Travel Agent with Magical Vacation Planner. Sheila was led to her career after realizing that even families of children with special needs wanted...and NEEDED a vacation but vacations didn't always appear to be accessible for one reason or another. Sheila works to take the stress out of the planning. She provides everything from individualized packing lists to local emergency services information to families, just in case! IYKYK!
Dr. Brandy Brown is an Occupational Therapist and mom to a child with a disability. As an OT, she has worked with countless children to participate in and enjoy daily life. In this episode, she shares strategies from her professional lens for preparing a child with special needs for vacation and enjoying it. She also shares from her momma lens all of her own travel and vacation successes and even those times that weren't so successful...
Sandy Corbett is a Clinical Social Worker with the Positive Behavior Support program at the CED. Challenges associated with traveling or vacationing are not limited to accessibility and mobility equipment, many families experience struggles related to their child's behaviors when vacationing. Sandy is here to remind parents to give themselves and their children grace during the stressful chaos that is leaving home for a vacation. Sandy shares how to prepare a child for the overstimulating experience and how to navigate sensory overload, meltdowns, and judgement from others.
All in all, our expert panelists have a consensus view on taking that family trip with your child with special needs....Just Go.
Autism specific travel resources and directory
Autism on the Seas - includes programs for all special needs
Traveling with a disability - Department of Transportation guidelines
Connect with us Facebook and join our episode discussion
Ask a Question
Get Connected to a Parent Network Specialist
Sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Maternal, Child, and Family Health/Children with Special Health Care Needs Program and the West Virginia Family 2 Family Health Information Center and Produced by the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
Popular Podcasts
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.