holidays

There are holiday companies that specialise in providing breaks for people with disabilities and mainstream travel agents are getting better at providing information on facilities for disabled people.

holidayThere are plenty of sources of useful information that will help you plan a holiday. And there are grants and subsidies that can help keep the cost down if money is very tight. Disabled holidays – BRIGHTON & HOVE [pdf 780kb] for more information or read the tips below.

Be clear what’s on offer

If you’re planning to book a holiday, double check your child’s need will be catered for and consider asking the company to confirm arrangements in writing. It’s remarkable how many people still think that an entrance up half a dozen steps is accessible for a wheelchair user!

Insurance

Are you properly covered? Make sure holiday insurance is appropriate; in the small print you’ll probably find, for example, that ‘pre-existing conditions or illnesses’ aren’t covered. If this affects you, look for a policy that suits you better.

Help with holiday costs

If you’re really struggling to afford a break, there are subsidised holidays around, or grants that may help you pay for them.

The 3H fund runs subsidised group holidays for physically disabled children and provides grants for holidays in the UK when funds are available. The Family Fund can provide grants towards family holidays and the charity Happy Days funds and organises holidays and days out for families with children with additional needs aged 3-17.  The Family Holiday Association is another charitable organisation that can help to fund breaks for disadvantaged families.

Finding information

The national charity Tourism for All (TFA) is a good place to begin when you’re starting to think about taking a break. TFA’s web site has travel advice, transport information, a useful directory that lists places to visit and accommodation to stay in – and much, much more. You’ll also find some really useful web links to other organisations that can help. Visit the Tourism for All website for more information.

The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain is a huge online publication that’s packed with ideas and practical advice for planning days out and holidays. All the locations mentioned have been reviewed by disabled people. You can view it for free at www.accessibleguide.co.uk.

Contact a Family publishes a booklet, ‘Holidays, play and leisure’. It lists organisations that provide holidays and holiday accommodation for families with disabled children.

It’s taken me quite a bit of time to adjust to the need to do all this preparation, but then it’s been worth it because it’s made our holidays easier and then I’m less stressed.
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