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Traveling can be difficult for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), regardless of the distance or duration of the trip. A change in routine, unfamiliar or overstimulating surroundings, and physical barriers can present challenges when traveling.

Taking time to prepare before a trip can help people with disabilities and their families have a more positive experience. When planning a trip, it may be helpful to list some potential challenges or triggers that may cause distress or inconvenience.

Of course, it is impossible to predict every situation that will arise, but try to make predictions based on past experiences and known environments on the upcoming trip that will be new and unfamiliar. It may also be a good idea to identify another list of some tools you may already have in your toolkit to help with challenging situations. Think about what coping skills, equipment, or physical devices have been useful in the past.

In addition to personal preparation, it can be useful to find external resources that may be available to help meet certain needs. Learn what accommodations can be made during transportation, lodging, and activities. Inquire with your transportation and hotel entity directly or utilize services available through organizations focused on accessible travel for people with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Through preparation, and allowing potential challenges to inform potential solutions, traveling with a disability can become more manageable. Here are some tools and resources that may help you or your loved one have a great trip!

Many people with IDD depend on routine for security and a sense of independence. Therefore, the changes in routine that traveling presents can be unsettling. While straying from some parts of a routine will be unavoidable, it can be beneficial to maintain routine where possible. This could look like keeping the same mealtimes, bedtime, and wake up time, or making sure safe and familiar food options will be available. Maintaining aspects of daily routine that can be controlled may ease some of the anxiety a trip can cause.

Similarly to routine, physical objects can provide a sense of security and comfort for those with IDD. Be sure to pack any toys and digital devices that may provide emotional or sensory support, or any equipment that may provide physical support. It is especially important to pack communication devices for those who depend on them to maintain independence and autonomy.

Call your hotel, campground, theme park, etc. prior to your trip to communicate the needs you or your family member has and ask how they can help ensure those needs are met. Many will be able to tell you where and how to access accessible paths, dietary safe foods, shaded areas, fast passes, and more. They may even tell you about accommodations that are available that you hadn’t thought about.

If your trip involves unfamiliar situations and environments, it may be helpful to run through what to expect in order to minimize surprises during the actual trip. This can include looking up pictures of your destination or going to the airport or train station ahead of time. Creating a sense of familiarity with your destination may help limit feelings of being overwhelmed.

Travel can be both mentally and physically tiring for everybody, especially for those with IDD. Furthermore, sleeping in a different environment is not always easy. Consider bringing things like blackout curtains, a sound machine, or a fan to recreate the sleep environment from home as best as possible. It may also be helpful to plan time for rest during the day. Make sure to find places to stop and eat, hydrate, or simply sit and regain energy. By planning for quality sleep and incorporating rest into the daily itineraries, everyone will be better able to enjoy the more exciting activities throughout the trip.

Air Travel can present several challenges for people with disabilities. In fact, reports of negative passenger experiences in recent years have led to proposed legislation to improve air travel for people with mobility assistance needs. These initiatives call for safe transport of mobility aids, accessibility requirements for aircraft restrooms, enhanced compensation requirements for damaged mobility aids, and enhanced notification for when an aircraft cannot accommodate safe transport of mobility aids.

In addition to physical challenges, airports and airplanes can be anxiety-inducing environments for those with sensory sensitivities. From security screenings, to boarding, to takeoff, to layovers and delays, air travel can be difficult. Thankfully, there are programs in place meant to help make air travel more manageable for people with disabilities and their families. Here are some great resources!

TSA Cares provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, and other special circumstances information about what to expect during the security screening process. TSA Cares also provides additional assistance with TSA Passenger Support Specialists (PSS). A PSS is a TSA officer who has received specialized training, including how to effectively assist and communicate with individuals with disabilities or medical conditions. You can request a PSS up to 72-hours prior to your departure by completing this form or calling TSA Cares at (855) 787-2227.

With the “Wings for Autism” program, The Arc and TSA Cares host airport ‘rehearsals’ to allow people with autism and their families to go through the steps of the check in, security screening, and boarding processes. These realistic airport experiences are a great way to prepare for an upcoming trip.

All Wheels Up is advocating for regulations that require redesigned airplane seating to accommodate mobility devices, as well as better reporting practices for damaged mobility devices among airlines. All Wheels Up also provides resources and education for accessible air travel, including a comprehensive checklist to help make traveling with a wheelchair a smoother experience.

A lack of accessibility can be limiting for those with intellectual and physical disabilities during transportation and beyond. These travel planning organizations can help ensure necessary accommodations are available while traveling to and from your destination and during your stay!

Wheel the World can help book hotels and find experiences that meet your accessibility needs. On the Wheel the World website, you will find city guides, preplanned group trip opportunities, and more! They even have a list of verified destinations with photos and measurements.

AccessibleGO will help confirm accommodations with hotels, car rental companies, equipment rental companies, and more. AccessibleGo also hosts a community forum where travelers ask questions and share resources and experiences.

With improvements in accessibility and increased awareness of accommodations needed for the IDD community, more travel opportunities are developing for people with disabilities. Still, traveling when you or your loved one has a disability can require a lot of planning, but that planning is worth it when it makes for a more enjoyable journey!