Many families "hit the road" in July for family vacations. How can parents check out services for the disabled ahead of time?
Maybe you are heading out to the local theme park. Perhaps you plan to stop at one while on the family vacation. Before you leave home, check out the services for the disabled.
Look on the Internet
- Enter the name of the park.
- Go to search and enter Services for the Disabled
Accommodations and Services to Check
- Is there a reduced cost for admission for visitors with disabilities?
- Is documentation of the disability required?
- Does the park provide a pamphlet or booklet that is a guide to the park's accessibility?
- Can wheelchairs be rented at the park? Is there a fee? Are electric wheelchairs available?
- Which rides, shops and restaurants are accessible?
- Is there a special pass to avoid lines?
- Does the park provide personnel to aid in getting on and off rides?
- What type of emergency medical services are available in the park?
- What buildings / services in the park are available to take a break from the heat?
- What accommodations are made for service / guide dogs?
Things to Take
- Documentation of disability
- Handicapped parking tag
- Park guidebook
- Special equipment needed
- Medications
- Emergency information: medical condition, allergies, medications, doctor contact
- Water
- Healthy energy snacks
What about the siblings?
- Consider going to the park as a family.
- Make sure enough adults are along to help with supervision and physical needs.
- Also consider giving your child with special needs a day just for him at the theme park.
- Do the same special outing on a different day for the siblings.
Ready? Set? Go have some fun!
Never hesitate to call if you have questions about the park and its services. A well planned outing without surprises is always good. . . Unless, of course, the surprises come from the rides themselves!
Note: Activities represented here are ideas. Parents (not the author) are responsible for choosing an appropriate activity for a particular child and for the consequences of that activity.
The copyright of the article Theme Parks and Disabled Children in Special Needs Parenting is owned by Lynn Moore. Permission to republish Theme Parks and Disabled Children in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
