Planning a holiday abroad with a disabled child
Robin Williams, London
My daughter Katie was born with a rare genetic disorder called Wolf Hirschhorn Syndrome (4p-). Despite the difficulties that came with the condition, we resolved to give Katie the very best that life had to offer. Including her on family holidays abroad was a major part of that. However, overcoming some of the many challenges her needs presented meant planning holidays with military precision (or at least it seemed that way).
Below is a refined list of the many considerations/action points which had to be addressed when planning a holiday abroad with Katie.
Location/journey time
- Suitability of accommodation and surrounding area – wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair servicing beforehand and afterwards (sand gets everywhere)
- Investigating disability-friendly activities balanced with activities to cater for everyone
- Climate – time of year
- Airline policy and airport facilities (transferring Katie to and from the plane; security restrictions on liquids for her medication)
- A doctor’s letter (fitness to fly and explaining medications)
- Insurance issues/medical cover
- Translation of medical condition and information specific to Katie
- Location of hospitals/medical facilities in resort
- Medication/syringes
- Packing sufficient food and other essentials in case of delay
- Suitable hire car to accommodate a wheelchair etc.
- Disabled access to beach (wooden path on beach – not common years ago)
- Restaurants with disabled access/toilets
- Private pool (safe, accessible swimming – Katie’s favourite activity)
- Privacy to avoid feeling awkward around ‘normal’ families
- Safety in numbers/plenty of helping hands.
- We have many happy memories of family holidays abroad with Katie during her short life and this is of great comfort to us. We all learned a great deal about the challenges involved in taking a disabled child abroad, something that would never have occurred to us previously.