Take a trip to beautiful Sonoma County for a hot air balloon ride. "In Spring 2011, Up & Away Ballooning became the first hot air balloon operator in the United States to offer wheelchair adventurers the opportunity to soar above the magnificent hills and vineyards of the Sonoma County Wine County.
The Pegasus Project’s specially-designed and crafted passenger basket makes it possible for wheelchair users, to break the bounds and float away on the gentle winds. The special basket with a lowered rail, easy access ramp and window makes it possible for the seated passenger to enjoy more than 180-degree visibility. The basket is only the fourth of its kind in the world. Others fly in Austria, England and Italy." According to their website.
This first class company flies the newest F.A.A certified balloon equipment in the area and also does weddings, birthday, and anniversary celebrations.
The Pegasus Project’s specially-designed and crafted passenger basket makes it possible for wheelchair users, to break the bounds and float away on the gentle winds. The special basket with a lowered rail, easy access ramp and window makes it possible for the seated passenger to enjoy more than 180-degree visibility. The basket is only the fourth of its kind in the world. Others fly in Austria, England and Italy." According to their website.
This first class company flies the newest F.A.A certified balloon equipment in the area and also does weddings, birthday, and anniversary celebrations.
Physical Disability and Wheelchair Accessible International Travel. Flying Wheels Travel "Provides people with physical disabilities, chronic illness or difficulty walking the opportunity to extend their lifestyle with unique travel and recreation destinations while empowering individuals and their family members to explore the world." They offer escorted, independent, hosted, and cruise itineraries. Some of their upcoming tours are:
Check out all their tours @ flying wheel travel
Check out all their tours @ flying wheel travel
Alzheimer's Art Therapy. Hosted by Memphis Brooks Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. This art exploration is offered once per month for individuals with mild to moderate memory loss from Alzheimer's Disease as well as related dementia. Admission is free.
Reservations are required. Call 901.544.6215
Reservations are required. Call 901.544.6215
Medically fragile travelers to Europe. Check out Jumbulance, a luxury coach, and an ambulance that services tours to mainland Europe as well as Poland, Italy, and Austria. Caters to special medical needs and their families.
"The Jumbulance Trust exists to make it possible for severely disabled and unwell adults, children and dependent elderly people to travel on holidays and day outings which for most would be well nigh impossible by air, rail, standard coach or any other means. You can hire a Jumbulance to take a party to see local places of interest or maybe disabled supporters of your favorite sports club to watch a match or sporting event.
You can hire a Jumbulance for a longer period, perhaps to take a group on holiday, to go skiing or on a pilgrimage to places all over mainland Europe, as far as Poland, Austria and Italy. With all the special facilities in a Jumbulance you can travel safely and in comfort all day and throughout the night subject to EU Regulations, with no need even to leave the Jumbulance when crossing the Channel, if your disability or illness makes it inappropriate to do so."
"The Jumbulance Trust exists to make it possible for severely disabled and unwell adults, children and dependent elderly people to travel on holidays and day outings which for most would be well nigh impossible by air, rail, standard coach or any other means. You can hire a Jumbulance to take a party to see local places of interest or maybe disabled supporters of your favorite sports club to watch a match or sporting event.
You can hire a Jumbulance for a longer period, perhaps to take a group on holiday, to go skiing or on a pilgrimage to places all over mainland Europe, as far as Poland, Austria and Italy. With all the special facilities in a Jumbulance you can travel safely and in comfort all day and throughout the night subject to EU Regulations, with no need even to leave the Jumbulance when crossing the Channel, if your disability or illness makes it inappropriate to do so."
Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and all Cognitive, Intellectual, and Developmental Disabilities
Autism at Sea Is the leading disability cruise provider. This amazing organization provides for special assistance on several cruise destinations and itineraries. Each cruise is staffed with a minimum of one experienced staff member for every three special needs guest.
Autism of the Sea provides and coordinates activities, respite, and services as described on their website brochure.
Some of the service they provide are : dining and dietary, disability accommodations (mobility, service animals, etc.), vacation pre-planning & services, respite (youth programs & Autism at the Sea staff respite) , services and activities (adults & teenagers with special needs-on cruise lines and resort as well as private), special needs accommodations, as well as staff on Autism at Sea and at cruise lines/resorts.
Check their website Autism at Sea for dates and destinations as well see look over their brochure
Autism at Sea Is the leading disability cruise provider. This amazing organization provides for special assistance on several cruise destinations and itineraries. Each cruise is staffed with a minimum of one experienced staff member for every three special needs guest.
Autism of the Sea provides and coordinates activities, respite, and services as described on their website brochure.
Some of the service they provide are : dining and dietary, disability accommodations (mobility, service animals, etc.), vacation pre-planning & services, respite (youth programs & Autism at the Sea staff respite) , services and activities (adults & teenagers with special needs-on cruise lines and resort as well as private), special needs accommodations, as well as staff on Autism at Sea and at cruise lines/resorts.
Check their website Autism at Sea for dates and destinations as well see look over their brochure
Wilderness-access facility Wilderness On Wheels Foundation operates a wilderness-access facility which makes Colorado mountain environment accessible to all for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Their mission is to "Stimulate the development of access for disabled persons to natural outdoor environments."
http://www.wildernessonwheels.org/location.html
Photo provided courtesy of Wilderness on Wheels.
http://www.wildernessonwheels.org/location.html
Photo provided courtesy of Wilderness on Wheels.
Adaptive Programs and Autism Snow Camp Smugglers' Notch in Vermont offers adults and kids winter programs that provide therapeutic recreation, with the use of adaptive equipment.
They also host an "Autism Snowman Camp is a 5-day camp for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Campers will participate in a variety of different Winter activities including sleigh rides, alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, dog sledding, ice skating and swimming. Instructors will support each camper to reach their fullest potential in every activity." Inclusion activities are also part of their program.
They also host an "Autism Snowman Camp is a 5-day camp for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Campers will participate in a variety of different Winter activities including sleigh rides, alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, dog sledding, ice skating and swimming. Instructors will support each camper to reach their fullest potential in every activity." Inclusion activities are also part of their program.
Ultra-Accessible Family Fun Park Morgan's Wonderland. Have you heard of this wonderfully magical place? Located in San Antonio, Texas, Morgan's Wonderland was the
world's first accessible family fun park and was created to accommodate people
with cognitive and/or physical disabilities and/or other special needs. Encompassing 25 acres, this theme park is for kids of all ages, adults, and their families to enjoy fun, adventure and exploration. Morgan's Wonderland even "features locator wristbands and touch screen display monitors so parents can keep track of their children".
Guests with disabilities are admitted free of charge and everyone is able to bring in their own food. Family members have a few packages to choose from, but a current day pass is $10/child (ages 3-10) and $15/adults general admission.
With an amazing park like this there are too many highlights and unique features to mention but we will try. They offer Braille signage, service animal rest areas, a butterfly playground, a wonderland express, catch and release fishing, accessible rides, walk and roll wheel chair stroll paths, and even a Sensory Village.
world's first accessible family fun park and was created to accommodate people
with cognitive and/or physical disabilities and/or other special needs. Encompassing 25 acres, this theme park is for kids of all ages, adults, and their families to enjoy fun, adventure and exploration. Morgan's Wonderland even "features locator wristbands and touch screen display monitors so parents can keep track of their children".
Guests with disabilities are admitted free of charge and everyone is able to bring in their own food. Family members have a few packages to choose from, but a current day pass is $10/child (ages 3-10) and $15/adults general admission.
With an amazing park like this there are too many highlights and unique features to mention but we will try. They offer Braille signage, service animal rest areas, a butterfly playground, a wonderland express, catch and release fishing, accessible rides, walk and roll wheel chair stroll paths, and even a Sensory Village.
Outings and trip ideas that are wheelchair and special needs friendly We absolutely love the Friendship Circle website! They are a great resource for special needs travel. This link leads to a great collection of vacation and travel ideas that are wheelchair and special needs friendly.
Special Assist and Services Cruises: Many of the cruise lines have special needs modifications. Make sure you check before you board on what is available for your particular cruise. A few of the more accessible lines
are:
Holland America's Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Westerdam, and Noordham: With 23 accessible cabins, in-room special equipment, windows-eye computer software to read on the internet, and unique wheelchair accessible tenders. These ships rate as a special needs plus.
Disney Magic and Wonder: On board theaters offer wheelchair seating, assisted-listening devices, braille bingo cards, and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, is easily accessed by guests with mobility impairments. Ships dock right at the island, rather than tendering. As a huge bonus for beach vacation, Disney offers special wheelchairs, designed to make navigating sandy beaches a whole lot easier.
Royal Caribbean's Freedom, Liberty, and Independence have 32 accessible cabins, Braille menus, Sign language interpreters, as well as one pool and one whirlpool with lifts.
are:
Holland America's Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Westerdam, and Noordham: With 23 accessible cabins, in-room special equipment, windows-eye computer software to read on the internet, and unique wheelchair accessible tenders. These ships rate as a special needs plus.
Disney Magic and Wonder: On board theaters offer wheelchair seating, assisted-listening devices, braille bingo cards, and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, is easily accessed by guests with mobility impairments. Ships dock right at the island, rather than tendering. As a huge bonus for beach vacation, Disney offers special wheelchairs, designed to make navigating sandy beaches a whole lot easier.
Royal Caribbean's Freedom, Liberty, and Independence have 32 accessible cabins, Braille menus, Sign language interpreters, as well as one pool and one whirlpool with lifts.
Special Needs traveling advice
Airport Travel advice TSA recommends calling 72 hours in advance with any questions regarding special needs travel.
Their toll-free number is 1-855-787-2227. If you will be needing a wheelchair service, make sure to call the airport you will be traveling to and from so they can make sure a wheelchair service is reserved for you in advance. If you do not call in advance, talk to the sky cap to request a wheelchair at check in.
Do not sit for prolonged periods of time Regardless of the manner in which you travel, make sure you get up and move around every few hours to prevent the risk of dangerous blood clots in your legs or thighs. Ask your doctor about any travel restrictions you may have and for recommendations on compression stockings.
Overseas Travel The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers, or IAMAT, offers many resources for the most current and credible medical resources when traveling. Their site includes information on food safety, a world immunization chart, advice on packing a medical travel list, and referrals to English-speaking local doctors around the world just to name a few. The generous list of information makes this website an invaluable resource for travel.
Air-Medical Transport membership According to their source " MedjetAssist, is the premier global air-medical transport membership program for travelers – it’s not insurance but a good supplement to existing plans. Many travelers think they are covered under standard trip insurance and/or their credit card – which is not the case. If a Medjet member is hospitalized more than 150 miles from home – virtually anywhere in the world – the company reviews his or her condition with the attending medical staff, and arranges medical transfer to the hospital of their choice in their home country. There are no health restrictions, co-pays or cost limitations – zero additional charges whatsoever after a membership fee (just $260/individual or $395/family per year) is paid. The difference between Medjet and many other medical evacuation services is that Medjet will provide transportation to
the member’s hospital of choice in their home country – the majority of other services only provide transport to the closest accredited hospital.". Visit Medjet to view their policies and information.
Our Special Needs Travel page is dedicated to the memories of my son Ryan, and my sister-in-law Tammy. I hope that you are proud of how far these amazing companies, as well as the world on special needs travel, have come.
We are currently working to build our resources for special needs travel for our viewers. If you have a tip or advice that can help, please go to our contact page and let us know. Thank you.
Their toll-free number is 1-855-787-2227. If you will be needing a wheelchair service, make sure to call the airport you will be traveling to and from so they can make sure a wheelchair service is reserved for you in advance. If you do not call in advance, talk to the sky cap to request a wheelchair at check in.
Do not sit for prolonged periods of time Regardless of the manner in which you travel, make sure you get up and move around every few hours to prevent the risk of dangerous blood clots in your legs or thighs. Ask your doctor about any travel restrictions you may have and for recommendations on compression stockings.
Overseas Travel The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers, or IAMAT, offers many resources for the most current and credible medical resources when traveling. Their site includes information on food safety, a world immunization chart, advice on packing a medical travel list, and referrals to English-speaking local doctors around the world just to name a few. The generous list of information makes this website an invaluable resource for travel.
Air-Medical Transport membership According to their source " MedjetAssist, is the premier global air-medical transport membership program for travelers – it’s not insurance but a good supplement to existing plans. Many travelers think they are covered under standard trip insurance and/or their credit card – which is not the case. If a Medjet member is hospitalized more than 150 miles from home – virtually anywhere in the world – the company reviews his or her condition with the attending medical staff, and arranges medical transfer to the hospital of their choice in their home country. There are no health restrictions, co-pays or cost limitations – zero additional charges whatsoever after a membership fee (just $260/individual or $395/family per year) is paid. The difference between Medjet and many other medical evacuation services is that Medjet will provide transportation to
the member’s hospital of choice in their home country – the majority of other services only provide transport to the closest accredited hospital.". Visit Medjet to view their policies and information.
Our Special Needs Travel page is dedicated to the memories of my son Ryan, and my sister-in-law Tammy. I hope that you are proud of how far these amazing companies, as well as the world on special needs travel, have come.
We are currently working to build our resources for special needs travel for our viewers. If you have a tip or advice that can help, please go to our contact page and let us know. Thank you.