Traveling With Children With Disabilities: 4 Safety Tips for the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many families’ travel plans for school breaks. And if you are the parent of a child with a disability, you may be wondering if going on vacation during the pandemic is even a possibility for your family. By seeking out organizations like Ability Tree, you can show your child a good time, whether you want to stay in town for a staycation or explore elsewhere. Here are a few tips for taking advantage of school breaks during the pandemic.

Choosing Low-Risk Transportation

Are you hoping to go out of town during breaks? If so, taking a road trip rather than flying is your safest option. Traveling by car with your own family will limit your exposure to COVID-19. Should you decide to take a road trip, Galvin Therapy Center recommends making sure that you have any medications or comfort objects that your child needs before setting out. You should also plan out a few stops along the way for bathroom breaks.

Staying Close to Home

Perhaps the added stress of the pandemic has prompted you to consider having a staycation rather than a vacation. You can still have lots of fun with your child while staying home! For instance, you could cook some new recipes, have a family movie marathon complete with
homemade popcorn, or visit interesting locations in your area, like museums or play centers for children with disabilities. If you do choose to leave your own home, keep masks and hand sanitizer at the ready.

Prioritize Outdoor Activities

Many children with disabilities love the outdoors, and whether you’re planning a vacation or staycation, you can enjoy some time in nature with your family. Adaptive Mall recommends visiting parks with trails that are accessible with mobility aids, renting adaptive kayaking equipment if your child is comfortable on the water, or doing arts and crafts with leaves, pinecones, and other materials you can find outside.

If you want to make your backyard as secure as possible for your child, you’ll want to build a fence around your property. This is especially important if your child is prone to wandering. Rather than trying to install a fence on your own, you can hire local contractors for the project. To choose the best fence contractor, browse reviews of a few companies online before asking for price estimates. When you do chat with contractors, double-check that they are licensed and insured and know where underground utility lines are located in your area. Depending on the size, location, and materials used for the fence, you can anticipate spending around $4,500.

Smart Safety Decisions

When you have a child with a disability, their safety is always at the forefront of your mind, and protecting them throughout the pandemic has been paramount. During school breaks, you can take some additional steps to prevent your child from contracting COVID-19.

Stay in contact with their healthcare providers to ask questions and evaluate their risk levels. Avoid crowded spaces, and do not spend time around other friends or relatives who may be showing symptoms of illness. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to sanitize your space with disinfecting wipes regularly. Finally, if your child expresses fears about the pandemic, reassure them that you are going the extra mile for their safety.

Planning excursions for school breaks can be complicated when you have a child with a disability. And the pandemic has created some additional obstacles. But with these tips, you and your family can enjoy your child’s school breaks at home or on the road!

Looking for a space where your child with disabilities can learn and have fun? Get involved with Ability Tree First Coast! Add yourself to our contact list by subscribing today!