Travel Tips and Advice for the Safety of People with Disabilities

Disabled individuals have a varied set of needs to think of while doing external activity. They have different priorities and responsibilities to think about and so do their caregivers. Many travelling destinations may not have disabled-friendly equipment and access to different aspects such as transport. So, activities like travelling need a different kind of planning that takes into account these needs and foresees such situations.

1. Inform your doctor

It is imperative to meet your doctor and let them know the details of your trip so they can give precautions if any, and prescribe medicines or any other medical necessities if they find the need. This is important to plan for any medical emergencies that may happen while travelling, as also to be aware of any environmental factors that may impact negatively. Since your doctor knows your condition and needs best, it will be useful to discuss these things to be prepared for any scenario. Make sure to also check the medical facilities available at your destination so you can look up if specialised centres for your medical requirements are around. It may also be more expensive so it is important to be prepared or insured accordingly.

2. Choose transport that is disability-friendly

Not every airline or other public transport is designed with disability care as a priority. Many do not have the right equipment, or medications, or accessibility for all travellers. Hence, declaring your disability and finding airlines that are accommodative of those needs is very important so as to not have an uncomfortable journey. In case of medical emergencies, the crew will also then be prepared if they are disability-friendly, such as during situations of medical evacuation. You can also put forth a request on anything you may need that they must provide, as you rightfully deserve a comfortable journey and the authorities are rule-bound to ensure it.

3. Taking equipment or service animals

It is important to notify the transport authorities, and the place you’ll be living in at your travel destination, about the equipment and service animal you may be bringing in. Not every transport facility or place of residence may allow animals, so it would be useful to clear this while booking so there are no troubles when you reach the place. You may also need to vaccinate your service animal or bring in extra documents, which may need to be discussed prior so you are prepared. Extra baggage for equipment may also be charged extra, and not all kinds of wheelchairs are allowed. Some airlines do not allow battery-powered wheelchairs on the flight. It is important to go through the rules or discuss this with a personal travel agent to not face any issues during the trip.

4. Research the destination thoroughly

Not every place is disability-friendly and accessible. It is important to read and understand what may be the challenges that you might face in the region you’re travelling to. There are many instructions given on the official websites of many places that inform you of the facilities available. Go through these to find out what you will need to prepare for, if there are any extra items you need to bring to travel in inaccessible areas, emergency language cues if this is a foreign land, etc. A booklet that is particularly for disabled persons would be useful so you can get around the place by yourself and get help by using the instructions provided in these booklets to communicate with locals.

5. Get Travel insurance

Speak to your insurer about your disability so you get the right kind of insurance that covers your needs. There is no chance of them denying you insurance; it is just so extra costs due to the disability are also covered under the insurance. Be informed about all that will be provided under the insurance and be sure of its coverage before you choose one. See if they cover your medical equipment or devices, services like seeing a local doctor, costs of medication, and emergency medical evacuation costs if the situation arises. If you are comfortable with whatever is insured and you are aware of all the terms and conditions, go ahead with your choice Group Home Disability.

In Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme funds many needs that come under disability care. However, this is not the case in every country. It would be useful to see if there are such allowances in the country you are visiting, either as a traveller or as a permanent citizen, to be prepared in advance. There are many disability care organisations that also allow NDIS funding and let their caregivers accompany you while travelling if you need somebody. Be sure to also look into these details, or find out if such services are available at your travel destination.