By the time February rolls around, many of us have had more
than enough of wintry weather. And while the calendar tells us that spring is
just around the corner, “Old Man Winter” doesn’t always cooperate. That’s why
many families choose to get away to warm weather destinations during March and
April.
A successful family vacation takes careful research and
planning. For families with children with special needs, choosing the right
vacation spot is especially crucial. If you’re planning a spring break getaway,
now’s the time to book it. But no worries. We’ve scoured the Internet to find
an up-to-date list of the best warm-weather vacation resorts for families whose
children have special needs.
Traveling with a kid on the spectrum can be challenging.
Waiting on long lines, bright lights, loud noise, unfamiliar foods, and stressful
social situations aren’t exactly conducive to relaxation and fun. Autism On The
Seas to the rescue! Founded in 2007, the company works with cruise lines such
as Royal
Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney
Cruise Line to provide individualized services for cruise guests with special
needs. And don’t be fooled by the company’s name. Autism On The Seas is not
just for children on the spectrum. The company’s staff members, all trained to
work with children with special needs and to anticipate the needs of their
families, are also able to accommodate children with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome
and a range of developmental and cognitive disabilities. Families who travel as
part of the Autism On The Seas charter don’t wait on lines, can request special
diets and take part in activities especially designed for them. In addition to
enjoying activities together, families have opportunities to socialize with
other families whose children have special needs. Since staff members are able
to manage all kinds of behavioral challenges, parents are free to have some
much needed alone time to refresh and rejuvenate.
What child doesn’t dream of a trip to Disney? Fortunately,
Disney resorts are among the most accommodating vacation spots for people with
disabilities. They offer advanced ticket purchase, stroller and wheelchair rental, a rider switch program that saves
waiting time, accessible attractions, break areas, companion restrooms and
dietary accommodations.
Check out Walt Disney’s guide
for guests with disabilities and its
resource guide for guests with cognitive disorders including autism, which rates
each attraction on sensory stimuli such as noise, smells, lighting, periods of
darkness, wetness, bumpiness and elements of surprise. Once you’ve got the lay
of the land, pack your bags and prepare to enjoy “the happiest place on earth!”
Tradewind’s Island
Grand and Outpost resorts, located side by side on St. Pete Beach in St.
Petersburg, Florida, earned the “autism friendly” designation by the Center
for Autism and Related Disabilities in 2010. Employees at the resorts receive comprehensive training about
autism that teaches them how to make resort guests on the autism spectrum feel comfortable
and enjoy their vacations. Families with children with autism receive “safety kits” containing outlet covers, corner
cushions for tables and hanging door alarms to alert family if a child with
autism wanders out of their room. In addition, the resorts’ kids clubs welcome children with special needs at
no extra charge. The clubs offer sensory and recreational activities, leaving
parents free to enjoy some down time.
Located in San Antonio, Texas, where the weather usually
reaches 70-plus degrees in March, Morgan’s Wonderland is the first theme park
ever built especially with people with disabilities in mind. Founder, Gordon
Hartman created the park to honor his daughter, Morgan, who had physical and
cognitive disabilities. According to its website, Morgan’s Wonderland is “completely
wheelchair-accessible … [and] features more than 25 elements and attractions
including rides, playgrounds, gardens, an eight-acre catch-and-release fishing
lake, 18,000-square-foot special-event center, 575-seat amphitheater, picnic
area and rest areas throughout the park.” New for 2017 is Morgan’s Island, “the
world’s first ultra-accessible splash park.”
The island, as well as the rest of Morgan’s Wonderland is committed to “inspiring
guests with special needs to achieve things previously thought to be
impossible.”
An
added benefit— children with disabilities pay no admission!
In
2016, LEGOLAND, Florida partnered with Autism
Speaks to
enlist the organization’s expertise on making the popular destination more
sensory-friendly. According to the Orlando Sentinel, last March, the resort
“installed a large panel of hands-on, sensory-stimulating activities in a quiet
space within its theme park.” Other projects such as additional quiet spaces
and online social stories to help prospective guests to know what to expect
during their visits are also in the works. Especially significant is the resort’s
commitment to providing autism education to all staff members so that they can
better serve their visitors with autism.
P.S. Not everyone can afford to take a family vacation. However,
the following organizations offer opportunities for vacation grants. With a
little luck, you could be lying on a beach in no time!
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