Disneyland accessibility tip: The medic station near the entrance has full-sized changing areas with changing tables that will fit kiddos of all sizes.

This week the question that I’ve been asked most is, ”Where are the best places to go for a family vacation with a special needs child?” It’s that time of year again; everyone’s thinking about summer vacation.

It surprises people when I tell them that question is the wrong place to start. It’s too limiting. There are a lot of great destinations that are well-suited to special needs families, but I think the first priority is to find a place that fits your family with something for everyone – then find destinations or resorts that meet that criteria. This is a family vacation, there needs to be something for everyone. I love Disney, but it’s not the be all end all of family vacation destinations, and it’s not for everyone, every time. If this is your first family vacation with your special needs child, consider starting small to have a more enjoyable first outing.

Cannon Beach, Oregon accessibility tip: Cannon Beach Police Department can issue free, short-term vehicle beach access permits to people with disabilities.

Tips to finding a destination for a family vacation with your special needs child:

1. Determine your family’s vacation style.

   The vacation should be fun for everyone, so think about what your family loves to do – ski, beach, cruise, explore. Don’t be limited to special needs destinations or to what you see other families doing. One of our best family vacations was the first time we took my special needs daughter skiing at Park City. My husband, older daughter and I love to snowboard, but we’d never taken a family ski vacation because I wasn’t sure if my special needs daughter would get too cold, have problems with altitude, or even like skiing. The trip ended up really unifying our family as we shared our love of the sport together. My special needs daughter enjoyed participating with us through an adaptive ski program and my older daughter said it “made her feel like a real family.”

   

   Silver Start Resort in British Columbia is awesome for families and have a great adaptive ski program.

2. Make a list of destinations your family is interested in.

   Ask your friends and family for their favorite vacation spots and see which ones fit your family’s vacation style.  Put the question out on Facebook, you’re sure to find out about destinations and resorts that hadn’t thought of. Narrow it down to a top few.

   

   Disney cruise – Castaway Cay

3. Research the logistics and determine the best fit for your family.

   

   Look at that smile! V loved our trip to Salvation Mountain. It’s in the California Desert, so it’s definitely better in the winter months!

   Check out your destination finalists and really think about how they’d work for everyone. Are they easy to get to?  What about getting around? Are they wheelchair-friendly? Where are local medical facilities? Do they have special needs programs or resources? What is there for your family to do together, and individually? There should be something for everyone – including you!

4. Make a list of the things that your family needs for accommodations.

   

   Hotel Del Coronado – Coronado Island is beautiful, fun and very accessible. San Diego is one of our favorite places to visit. Check out the accessible surfing and free beach wheelchairs in this link.

   Think about what it takes for your family to be comfortable. Amenities like a kitchenette, or at least a mini-fridge and microwave, a pool with a lift, close proximity to local attractions, a one-bedroom suite for down time for your special needs child (or you), an ADA room or a bench in the shower might be on your list depending on your individual needs. Also consider options like a room in a quieter part of the hotel, and a view if you think you might be spending some time in your room. Most hotels and resorts have a lot of options that aren’t listed on their website, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. When you ask questions, remember, the hotel representative or travel agent doesn’t really know what you mean when you say you’re trying to accommodate your special needs child. By having a list of the features that you need, you can ask specific questions and make sure that you are setting you and your family up for a more enjoyable vacation.

5. Get your family involved.

   

   Arches National Park

   Have everyone do some research about the destination and find something that they really want to do or see.  That way everyone is part of the planning and has at least one activity that they are looking forward to.  The family vacation starts before you leave home with the excitement of planning.

6. Bonus tip: Relax and enjoy the ride.

   The planning may be done to perfection, but things have a way of changing along the way. Try to adjust and keep a good attitude, after all, it’s about the time with your family, it doesn’t have to look a certain way. In years to come you’ll look back with a smile, sometimes it’s the things that didn’t go as planned that make the best memories.

Alderbrook Resort and Spa