without limits
Vivid Sydney Lighting the way for accessible & inclusive events
DISNEYLAND
An accessible guide to the happiest place on earth
SUPPORT ON THE ROAD
Travelling with a support worker
NEW ZEALAND
Accessible accommodation options
VOL 1 AUTUMN / WINTER 2019 AUST $7.95 ISSN 2652-0656
+ Adaptive ski
+ Tips & Tricks
+ Holiday Packages
BLAIR (10) lives with Severe Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy loves airplanes. His dream of becoming a 'real pilot' came true when he got to fly in (and steer) a Cessna at Central Coast Airport, Warnervale. facebook.com/blairswish
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Readers Photos
01 02 01 - LACHLAN (7) has cerebral palsy and thoroughly enjoyed his recent family holiday to Fiji, especially swimming in the pools! 02 - ARCHER is an active 7 year old. He has a rare genetic syndrome, Coffin-Siris syndrome and partial agenesis of the Corpus Callosum. He loves finding new treasures in his travels.
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04 - SRIN MADIPALLI is an entrepreneur with a disability who sold the accessible travel company he co-founded, Accomable, to Airbnb in November 2017. He now leads Airbnb’s global efforts to improve accessibility on the platform and is a global ambassador for technology, entrepreneurship and inclusion.
Image: Naomi Sirianni
03 - JAMES GRIBBLE broke his neck in late 2008, becoming quadriplegic. With extensive rehabilitation he can swing a golf club again and is now one of the only quadriplegic golfers in the world. empowergolf.com.au
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Escape the cold this winter Book one of these accessible accommodation packages, road-tested by the Travel with Special Needs team.
Cairns
Hamilton Island
• 3 nights at DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns Esplanade • 2 ½ hour Skyrail Rainforest Cableway experience including the Red Peak and Barron Falls Stations • Companion card holders travel free on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
• 4 nights at Reef View Hotel • Breakfast daily • Great Barrier Reef full-day tour • Return transfers on the island
Tropical North Queensland, where the rainforest meets the reef, is a perfect holiday haven for adventurers of all abilities.
From
$350 for 2 people twin share Price valid for selected dates 6 Jan – 31 Aug19.
CALL US
Whether you’re looking for plenty to do or nothing at all, Hamilton Island is the ultimate Great Barrier Reef getaway.
From
$1,114pp twin share
Prices may vary based on the specific dates of travel. Call to confirm pricing for your specific travel dates.
1300 404 100
Gold Coast
Stay at Australia’s only theme park resort and experience the family holiday of a lifetime. • 3 nights’ accommodation at Sea World Resort • VIP Pass: Unlimited entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild and Paradise Country. • Complimentary fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool
From
$259pp quad share
Prices quoted are per person, based on 2 adults and 2 children 3 to 13 years on 3 night-package, valid Sun to Thu on selected departure dates
.com.au
Welcome to the first issue of Travel Without Limits, a magazine which aims to inform and inspire you to travel despite any challenges you or your family may have. Often, the information needed to travel with confidence when you have additional needs requires specific and detailed stories. We believe these should be written by people with lived experience. So we’ve brought together contributors and partners to share stories, experiences and to help you plan, prepare and feel like you can travel without limits. We believe in and promote accessible and inclusive travel in the mainstream media (our sister publication Family Travel publishes stories in each issue) but we also want to give accessible tourism the space it deserves. Travel Without Limits gives us that freedom. In this issue we are sharing how-to guides to get your adventure planning started, equipment to enhance your travel experience and venues and events with exceptional accessible features. With winter fast approaching we explore ways to embrace a holiday to the snow fields but also show you how to escape to the tropics if you prefer. Travel is a wonderful escape from day-to-day life, a great educator, something to look forward to and provides great memories. We hope Travel Without Limits will help you make what you’ve dreamt of possible. Happy reading! Julie & Janeece
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Image: Tim Barnsley, Myoko Snowsports
Hello!
Kate Swain
CONTENTS Access all areas
Travel
06 Vivid Sydney Leading the way in accessibility and inclusion for events
16 Adaptive skiing Why you should give it a try
10 Scooters A great option to get out and about Founders & executive editors Julie Jones & Janeece Keller Sub-editor Eleanor Cant Art director Jon Wolfgang Miller Communications manager Natasha Keller
Contributors Gallileo West James Gribble Jaxon Taylor Josh Brass Julia Sawer Julie Jones Kate Swain Kimberly Graham Kirsty Russell Marlena Katene Naomi Sirianni Srin Madipalli Tanya Savva Tegan Morris Victoria de Ryck
Published by Bound Round Pty Ltd 431 Warringah Rd, Frenchs Forest NSW 2086
Copyright © Bound Round Pty Ltd 2019 Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders. Bound Round Pty Ltd cannot accept unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. If such items are sent to the magazine, they will be returned.
12 Road Tripping In a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle 15 The Beach is Open to All
Tips & Tricks 38 Parks Victoria Making inroads into getting off road 42 Kids tips 44 Passport applications 46 Directory
21 Cruising Why it makes a great, accessible holiday 22 Disneyland An accessible guide to the happiest place on earth 26 Travel supplies Healthcare supplies delivered as you travel 28 Travelling with Autism Tips for making it easier for the whole family 30 New Zealand Guide to accessible accomodation options 34 Travelling with a support worker Insights and experiences from the road
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Did you know? In 2018, more than 3,100 visitors identifying as having a disability or a family member with a disability visited Tumbalong Lights.
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Lighting the way Vivid Sydney leads the way in accessibility and inclusion for events For many people with disabilities as well as families with young children, large festivals with teeming crowds can be daunting. However Vivid Sydney, the largest festival of light, music and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere, is continually setting the benchmark for access and inclusion in major events. Vivid Sydney will transform the harbour city into a colourful creative canvas from 24 May to 15 June, 2019. This is the third year Vivid Sydney has partnered with Cushman & Wakefield to make the festival more inclusive and encourage as many people to come and experience the spectacular large-scale light installations, contemporary music performances, public talks by renowned thought leaders as well as creativity workshops. Para-athlete Kurt Fearnley visited Vivid Sydney with his family last year and speaks highly of the event’s accessibility and inclusion initiatives. “Considerations such as featuring wheelchair friendly venues, providing Auslan interpreters at music and speaking events and offering audio described tours are exactly the kind of things we need to make their way into mainstream events and Vivid Sydney is leading the way,” Mr Fearnley said. Here are six of the trailblazing initiatives. 01 ACCESSIBLE VIEWING AREAS Managed, accessible viewing areas offer a less obstructed
view and are also great places to just chill out from the crowd. Each will be open from 6pm every night. • Sydney Opera House This managed area has seating on the western boardwalk and is entered near Portobello Caffe, Circular Quay. • Hickson Road Reserve, Dawes Point Enjoy views of the Sydney Opera House and other harbourside lighting attractions. • Darling Harbour There will be a managed viewing area on the Western Promenade of Cockle Bay. 02 TUMBALONG LIGHTS Tumbalong Lights will be a feature of Vivid Sydney for a second year. This is an inclusive play space where all children can play, participate and belong no matter what their level of ability. 03 AUSLAN INTERPRETERS Auslan Interpreters will be present at the two Vivid Ideas Game Changer events. 04 AUDIO DESCRIPTIONS For a memorable Vivid Sydney experience, listen to audio descriptions of featured Light Walk installations and projections. 05 TEXT TO TALK Listen to a description of each of the Light Walk installations on the Vivid Sydney website. Use your screen reader or smartphone device with accessibility options.
06 INTERACTIVE GUEST EXPERIENCES The Vivid Sydney Light Walk interactive guest experience allows small groups or those who cannot venture too far along the Light Walk to participate in Vivid Sydney more fully. Take a tour of the Walk via a Samsung Galaxy Tab A with the support of trained volunteers. This service will be available Monday to Thursday at Hickson Road Reserve and the Sydney Opera House accessible viewing area. PLANNING YOUR TRIP To make the most of the event, it’s best to plan ahead. The website vividsydney.com/ accessibility has up-to-date information on accessible
viewing areas, drop-off and pickup points or you can download an accessible map. You can also contact the Access and Inclusion Team via email at vivid.access@ dnsw.com.au or call Access and Inclusion Co-ordinator Denise Willis on 02 9931 1190 or 0427 897 028 to discuss options for accessible travel. Remember to inform the venue of your access requirements when booking tickets for a Vivid Ideas or Vivid Music event. As crowds build at the weekends, it is a good idea for people with disabilities and families with young children consider attending on a Monday to Thursday, for easier access due to road closures. vividsydney.com
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Iconic NSW Escapes From unspoilt beaches to sleepy coastal villages, there’s great accommodation whatever your accessibility needs If you’re looking for accessible holidays and activities with easy access, Reflections Holiday Parks has you covered. Located on prime NSW Crown land, not only do we offer a variety of accessible holidays, but our parks are in some of NSW’s most iconic locations, set alongside amazing stretches of coastline and vast inland waterways. FAR NORTH COAST If you’re heading to the Far North Coast of NSW, you’ll find accessible options at Clarkes Beach in Byron Bay, Ferry Reserve, Massy Greene and Terrace Reserve all located in Brunswick Heads, as well as Evans Head and Shaws Bay in the Ballina region. With easy access beaches, accessible playgrounds and an incredible seaside holiday atmosphere, the Far North Coast is a perfect choice for your next getaway. COFFS REGION Head to the ever-popular Coffs Coast and switch off by the beach or river with accessible accommodation available at our Mylestom, Urunga and Scotts Head locations. A highlight of the accessible experience in this region is the Urunga boardwalk. With spectacular views of the river and wheelchair access for the entire length of the boardwalk, it’s perfect for spotting the wildlife and birds nestled in the mangroves and really immersing yourself in nature.
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MID NORTH COAST Nestled on the Mid-Coast, you’ll love our accessible options at our Bonny Hills, Jimmys Beach, Hawks Nest, Seal Rocks and Tuncurry locations. These sleepy beachside towns are ideal for watching incredible sunsets, spotting abundant wildlife and enjoying fantastic food and wine. SOUTH COAST Down south on the unspoilt Sapphire Coast of NSW you’ll feel like you’ve found treasure when you stay at our beautiful Bermagui’s accessible accommodation. Don’t miss the Mimosa Rocks Walk - a wheelchair friendly walking track with amazing views. UP COUNTRY Further inland, near the country town of Inverell, you’ll find our renowned Copeton Waters location which offers accessible accommodation with an authentic Australian feel, set alongside the impressive Copeton Dam. On a hot day, there’s no better place to cool down and have some fun than Copeton’s wheelchair accessible splash park. Likewise, Burrinjuck Waters offers an authentic country experience overlooking the mighty Burrinjuck dam with accessible accommodation. Whatever experience you’re after, Reflections Holiday Parks has a range of accessible holiday options on offer with something to suit everyone. reflectionsholidayparks. com.au
Quick Tip The magnificent Urunga boardwalk is right at the doorstep of the Reflections Holiday Parks Urunga and is known as one of the best accessible boardwalks on the east coast.
Choosing a wheelchair to keep you on the go A wheelchair may be practical but there’s no reason for it to be boring, especially when you’re out and about. Here are some of the best features to consider for a wheelchair that keeps up with you. WORDS: JULIE JONES
By keeping a few things in mind when choosing your next wheelchair, the result may be a chair which makes travel and day-to-day outings easier. With the addition of a couple of features and the option of customising the design during its manufacture, you can make it a better travel companion. TAILORED TO FIT As a travel-loving family, we appreciate the extras that Mogo Wheelchairs can custom make into our son’s chair. We just received his third wheelchair from them and with each one we tweak the design to reflect his needs and personality. Mogo’s founder is a wheelchair user himself so his son, who now runs the business, is passionate about building chairs which are both functional and individualised. ATTENTION TO DETAIL When we start the process of getting a new wheelchair our focus is on the comfort of the chair and whether it will suit our son’s dayto-day needs. Once seating and support are taken into consideration, we look at elements which make it easier to travel. We want it to be user friendly on outings for us and our son’s support workers. For example, a zippered pouch attached to the back rest is a handy place to keep sunscreen, hand santiser and our son’s wallet. It’s also where I keep my keys and wallet.
TRAVEL FEATURES Under the seat cushion we have a built-in zippered compartment where we keep valuables when we travel. Passports and other items are safer there than in a backpack which can be easily stolen. Given the zippered compartment is discreet it could also be used as storage for a change throughout the day for a child who uses continence aids. When our daughter was little, we had a bar custom welded to the back of the chair for her to stand on when she wearied after long days out and about. It was a life saver at a time when I had two dependent children. INDIVIDUALISED DESIGN Wheel guards and spray painting can add to the character of a chair and in turn provide a great conversation starter. Our son is non-verbal, and his Superman arm rests are a great way of people connecting with him. We find kids don’t point at his chair or him, they are just entranced by the cool Superman air brushing. It’s particularly good when we travel. We find people want to interact but are unsure where to start and Superman is a universal language it seems. ALL TERRAIN TREKKING Manual wheelchairs are designed for every
day use on good sealed paths. While they work well day-to-day, they often struggle with the challenges of travel. For this reason, it’s worth considering off-road tyres and a Freewheel to expand your travel horizons. Off-road tyres work like BMX tyres. They’re thicker and give a smoother ride over rough surfaces. Travelling well over gravel tracks, on bush walks and uneven surfaces, they are our go-to when we travel. We switch over to off-road tyres and they’ve taken us around the base of Uluru, to Franz Josef Glacier and on hard-packed sand on beaches. The Freewheel attachment can further enhance this off-road capacity ensuring the front castor wheels don’t dig in on the rough surfaces. And if you want to add a bit of oomph to your ride and have a rest from selfpropelling, a Batec will take your chair to the next level. The Batec Electric attaches and detaches quickly and easily from your manual chair so you can choose when and where you use it. Mogo Wheelchairs supply all these products and through their lived experience understand your needs. We love the way they work with us on our ideas and make them a reality. mogowheelchairs.com.au
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Navigate your way to greater independence and freedom
A scooter provides a great option to get out and about on a very cool set of wheels
Mobility is something many people take for granted and often it’s not until a family member is less mobile that we look for solutions. Although a wheelchair is suitable for some people, it isn’t the only choice. A lightweight scooter can often be the preferred option for a person who only needs a mobility aid for longer distances. It can also help conserve much-needed energy for someone living with a health condition that causes fatigue. And don’t assume scooters are only used by the more senior members of the community, a scooter can be a cool way to get around for the younger generation too. A TEENAGER’S PERSPECTIVE Anna Blinks, born with Athrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, is one of many young people with a disability looking for a lightweight scooter to get around school. Anna has a busy life between school, her social life and delivering speeches at functions for Variety, a charity for which she is an ambassador. As a teen she craved independence and after spotting a scooter while on holiday she investigated getting her own. At high school she was able to experience that independence thanks to her Luggie Scooter. Apart from short distances, Anna had been dependent on others to get around. Now she is like any other teenager, independently moving around the city and out seeing movies with friends. Anna says, “It's great. It folds up really easily, it’s rechargeable and I can put it in the boot of the car. I use it to get to all my classes and it carries everything — all my books, my computer and my trumpet, which I need because we all learn a musical instrument at school.” A TRAVELLER’S PERSPECTIVE Avid jet-setter Peta has travelled extensively throughout the world but on her last two overseas holidays she required a wheelchair due to limited mobility. Peta found people wanted to be helpful by pushing the wheelchair, but she felt this took away her
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independence, opportunities and ability. She decided to look to a lightweight scooter as a solution. Peta’s first trip with her Luggie Scooter was to Melbourne. And while her list of firsts from her trip may be another person’s regular travels, to Peta it was an experience of independence. From being able to manage to pull her own bag behind her scooter to going off the beaten track and choosing where she went, it was all a thrill. Peta sums it up by saying, “With Luggie, the doors have opened to explore my own city and beyond — Luggie has given me a new-found level of freedom and independence.”
EASE OF USE The Luggie folds in three easy steps. When travelling on organised tours and for car hire there’s benefits in having mobility equipment which folds so easily. Many tour operators are only able to accommodate a folding chair and car hire is significantly easier and cheaper if you don’t need a larger vehicle. When not in use the Luggie can be pulled like a travel case or packed in its own travel bag on wheels. It’s great for taking on a cruise, on a plane or packed into the boot of a car giving travellers the freedom of mobility at their destination. luggieaustralia.com.au
Quick Tip For Peta, “The doors have opened to explore my own city and beyond — Luggie has given me a new-found level of freedom and independence.”st suits your needs.
Anna using her Luggie
Pack a Wonsie for Stress Free Outings & Travel Travelling is an exciting experience which everyone looks forward to, but it can also be a stressful time which requires careful organisation and preparation. When you’re travelling with someone who has additional needs, you need to do extra planning to cater for their requirements and any unexpected situations. ONE FOR EVERY SITUATION Whether you’re going half way across the world or just out and about on a fun weekend, the last thing you want to worry about is if the person you’re travelling with has a unique behaviour which could be very difficult to deal with in a public and unfamiliar environment. The Wonsie range of unisex kid- and adult-sized bodysuits are designed to make life less stressful by assisting with everyday needs. Their large onesies help to minimise unwanted behaviour, such as undressing in public, and provide easy access to nappies or other incontinence products, helping to prevent smearing and other anti-social behaviours. A bodysuit is also a great option for people who are in wheelchairs as it makes sure that clothing won’t ride or bunch up, keeping the wearer comfortable and covered. FEEDING ACCESS A popular part of the range is the Tummy Access range which was adapted with tube feeding in mind. These special bodysuits have a discreet opening at the stomach area allowing for easy
access for tube feeding, keeping the body covered at all times for modesty and warmth. ESCAPE ARTISTS If you have a magician who loves to undress (especially in public), the Back Zip Wonsie is designed to make escape tougher for any Houdini! The off-centred back zip helps to promote a comfortable sleep as it won’t rub against their backbone when lying down and the pressstudded tab at the top of the neck helps to restrict access to the zipper. COMFORT AND MODESTY All styles are suitable to wear day or night and come in different sleeve lengths for every season. The range has a lower leg length than regular bodysuits to fully cover nappies and to help minimise access for modesty. All the suits are tag-free to prevent irritation from labels and are made from soft comfortable cotton for easy washing and durability. ANY SIZE The best thing about the range is that there’s a size to suit everyone. Wonsie bodysuits come in hard-to-find sizes for toddlers through to large adults which make them very popular for the aged community too. Each garment is designed to look like regular clothes, just like their peers, so no one will know that they are much more than that. Wonsie is proud to be a registered NDIS provider and offers worldwide delivery. wonsie.com.au
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Road Tripping in a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Road trips are a great way to get to know this vast land, they’re also one of easiest ways for wheelchair users to travel — with the right cover Driving is undoubtedly one of the best ways to see Australia. The country’s unique scenery and expansive landscapes lend themselves perfectly to countless road trip experiences – whether you prefer a long and lazy trip or something short and sweet, Australia can offer a myriad of options for you to choose from. GET COVERED While the fun part is in setting off on your journey, it’s important to remember that having the right car insurance policy is critical when you go on road trips. The last thing you want is for your trip to be cut short because of an accident that impacts your car or its accessibility. This is why it’s important to ensure that your car is fully protected with a specialised policy that understands your disability modifications and has the know-how to get you back on track as quickly as possible. SPECIALISED POLICY The Blue Badge Insurance policy has been designed specifically for wheelchair accessible vehicles and disability converted cars to fully protect your car while on the road. Some of the benefits of Blue Badge’s insurance policy includes*: • Discounted premiums, by up to 25%^ • New for old replacement option for disability conversions
• Cover for your family, friends, Carers or Support Workers who drive your car • Your choice to insure your car for agreed or market value • Up to $5,000 cover for assistive technology (wheelchair, walkers, mobility scooter etc.) while in your car • Up to $150 rental car benefit for up to 28 days following theft (if a suitable rental car cannot be sourced you will receive up to $150/day for up to 28 days to use towards taxis or public transport) • Up to $1,000 cover for emergency repairs to your vehicle if you have an incident during your travels • Up to $2,000 cover for travel and accommodation for you and your passengers if you have an incident that impacts your travels • Your choice of repairer • Roadside assistance PEACE OF MIND Before heading on a road trip, make sure you review your insurance to ensure it suits your personal circumstances, and why not consider the specialist services provided by Blue Badge Insurance who understand the importance of your independence and mobility. BlueBadgeInsurance.com.au.
* For full details of the conditions, terms, limits and exclusions and to decide whether this cover is suitable for you please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement at www.BlueBadgeInsurance.com.au. ^ Discounts for the Blue Badge Insurance Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance will be applied to the base vehicle rates subject to the customer holding a permanent Disability Parking Permit and/or the vehicle has been converted for use by a driver or passengers that have a disability. The discounts do not apply to the Blue Badge Roadside Assistance Optional Benefit. Underwriting criteria will be applied to the consideration of the risk. Additional excesses will apply to drivers under 25 or those drivers who have held a full Australian drivers licence for less than 2 years. This offer may be withdrawn at any time.
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This story is for anyone who travels with a disability WORDS: GALLILEO WEST
The Adventures of Kenzie-Moo by Tanya Savva is a must read for every person who says “I’m too busy” as an excuse for not travelling. It’s also an important addition to the bookshelf of any family who has children living with a disability. Imagine travelling around Australia and using your senses to feel the world. KenzieMoo is blind. But that doesn’t stop her from having an adventure. The Adventures of Kenzie-Moo follows the journey of Kenzie-Moo and her mum from Sydney to Cape Tribulation. It’s based on a true story, and when you read it, you realise they found more than Cairns along the way. To understand the importance of the book, you need to look at the life of the author, Tanya Savva. In 2016, Tanya was working full time. Her daughter Mackenzie, who was born
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blind, hadn’t reached certain developmental milestones. Tanya knew she needed to spend more time with her daughter but, exhausted, couldn’t see how. Inspiration struck, and its catalyst was a man who had decided to simplify his life and drive around Australia in a motorhome. Following his example, Tanya and Mackenzie drove from Sydney to Cape Tribulation, a distance of more than 2500km. Every noteworthy event that happened, every new discovery went into a leather-bound diary. Along the way Tanya learned how to attach the caravan to the car, teach her daughter and plan out a route. Highlights included swimming with dolphins in Coffs Harbour and a visit to Daintree Rainforest. While those experiences created fantastic memories, the best moment of all was
watching Mackenzie reading her first words in braille. Mackenzie's story perfectly describes how she uses her four other senses to compensate for her lack of sight. This book shows us all that travel with a disability is possible and beneficial.
The beach is open to all Accessing our beautiful coastline is now easier for people of all abilities. We share our tips on the options available to make the most of a day at the beach. Days at the beach are part of Australian culture, whether it’s taking a walk on the sand or accessing the water. While this is not easy if you have a mobility restriction or use a wheelchair, the good news is that in recent years it’s become much easier for everyone to access the beach. A range of beach chairs is available for purchase at many locations, and some beaches have them available to borrow for free for the day. PURPOSE-BUILT BEACH WHEELCHAIRS For the ultimate in independence and choice, purchasing a beach wheelchair is ideal. They come in a variety of sizes and styles and many come with the option of additional support including chest harnesses and head rests if needed. The Beachwheels Australia Sandpiper and Hippocampe (XS and SML) are the only true all-terrain chairs on the market that cater for children, with their smaller size ensuring comfort. Funding a beach wheelchair can be difficult but people are increasingly including them in their NDIS equipment wish-list. Others are having them generously funded by local Lions or Rotary Clubs. WHEELCHAIR CONVERSION KITS Converting a manual wheelchair frame to a beach wheelchair can be a good option both for the budget and for those with limited space for storage. It’s a great way to utilise a wheelchair frame no longer in use
Quick Tip A beach wheelchair allows you to travel to any beach, or lake, knowing you have the equipment which best suits your needs.
and cheaper than purchasing a purpose-built chair. Beachwheels Australia have a conversion kit available to purchase for this purpose. ALL-TERRAIN WHEELED WALKERS Taking a walk on the beach is something people often take for granted, but for someone using a regular walking frame it’s impossible — the wheels are unable to cope in soft sand and dig in instead. The WheelEEZ All-Terrain Rollator has been specifically designed to navigate challenging off-road terrain, including soft sand, gravel and grass. The balloon tyres make exercising and taking that stroll at the beach possible. FREE COUNCIL OPTIONS And if you are unable to getting funding for a chair, don’t forget to take advantage of the range of beach wheelchairs available at many beaches around Australia. Some Councils and Surf Lifesaving Clubs supply them for free to visitors to use for the day and you can take advantage of these by organising your day trip or holiday around their location. Don’t forget to check the type of beach chair on offer, the hours and days it’s available, and if there’s more than one on offer. Beachwheels Australia has the Sandcruiser, Sandpiper, Hippocampe and WheelEEZ All-Terrain Rollator available to purchase to help you enjoy the great outdoors. beachwheelsaustralia.com
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5 REASONS TO TRY ADAPTIVE SKIING
Image: Tim Barnsley, Myoko Snowsports
WORDS: KATE SWAIN
Kate Swain
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Emily Champaluc, Italy
Trying a new sport and putting your trust in others can be daunting at first but sit skiing is worth it. I loved it from the first time I tried it on a school camp as a teenager. It has since become a hobby and a passion. I’d love to share my top five reasons to give it a go.
01 EVERYONE CAN DO IT
Organisations and resorts make it possible for people of all abilities to enjoy adaptive sports. There are trained and passionate adaptive instructors, adaptive equipment to hire and bonus discounts for people with a disability. Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA) is a great organisation to join to be able to experience adaptive snow sports during the Australian winter. They offer equipment hire, guides to assist and they have camps. If you’re wondering what a sit ski is like, I’d describe it as being similar to sitting in a bucket. It’s a snug fit with padding used to fill any gaps and straps to ensure you don’t fall out. A variety of sit skis are available and it’s a matter of trying the different types to work out what works best for you. A mono ski, as the name suggests, has only one ski and a bi ski has two skis. The bi ski is more stable which makes it easier to balance and lessens the chance of falling. Outriggers go on each arm to help control the sit ski. The beauty of the sport is you can do as little or as much as you’d like to do. If you’d like to sit back and let someone else do all the work, you can do that, or you can work towards achieving independence on the snow. A good place to start is to be bucketed in a bi ski. This means you sit in the sit ski and let an instructor do all the work to turn the ski. It helps to get a feel for how it works while enjoying the view.
Image: Alister Buckingham
02 IT’S FUN
Kate Swain
I love the soft powdery snow of Japan. I’ve been buried deep in snow and popped up looking like a snowman which added to the fun! I also love skiing under sunny skies in Australia. Taking care of a few practicalities will ensure you have a good time on your snow holiday. My top tip is to wear many layers so you can add or remove layers depending on conditions. Keeping warm is essential. And remember, if you’re a wheelchair user, it can be tricky to push a wheelchair on the hills, snowy ground and with the many layers of clothes. Wearing gloves can help with gripping the slippery rims when they get wet. Wheel blades (mini skis that attach to the front wheels of a wheelchair) will prevent the front wheels from sinking and ensure you glide through the snow.
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Emily With Kevin from Antenne Handicap visiting Les Saises France
03 THE BEAUTIFUL SCENERY
Adaptive equipment has enabled me to see some beautiful snowy scenes. The views from the top of mountains are incredible. There are so many places to explore with different views! I’ve enjoyed the accessible Peak to Peak Gondola in Whistler which connects Whistler to Balckcomb mountain. But, don’t look down if you are afraid of heights! I’ve even been able to enjoy views from above in a helicopter between Falls and Hotham resorts.
04 NEW FRIENDS & GOOD TIMES WITH FAMILY It’s enjoyable to chill out with like-minded people. Chairlift and gondola rides are a great way to get to know your instructors and guides. It’s also an opportunity to ride and share the experience with family and friends.
05 LEARN & GROW
I love to learn and grow stronger. I’ve learnt so much about how to be able to ski. I also feel stronger and I am now able to do so much more. Over time I’ve gained more confidence and skills.
Favourite Adaptive Ski resorts
01 Falls Creek, Vic, Australia 02 Thredbo, NSW, Australia 03 Myoko Japan because there are so many great resorts in the area
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You can read more of Kate’s tips on her website Kate Swain – The Wheel Life kateswain.com
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Ask your travel agent for prices for other dates and room types." to "Ask your Travel with Special Needs specialist for other dates & room types
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Cruise on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas Ovation of the Seas is the fourth largest cruise ship in the world. The onboard activities include indoor skydiving, an X-Box zone, bumper cars, a trapeze school and North Star, an aerial observatory with 360-degree views that ascends a huge 90-metres above sea level. The accessible and inclusive offerings are also outstanding. a
3 night sampler cruise Sydney - Cruising - Sydney
HIGHLIGHTS • Sail in and out of Sydney Harbour on the 4th largest cruise ship in the world • Road test cruising to see if it's a holiday option that's right for you • No passport required Departs: 10 Nov 2019
From
$832pp twin share
Prices based on inside cabins and correct at 18 March 2019. Prices may vary and are subject to availability at the time of booking.
CALL US
1300 404 100
10 night New Zealand cruise
Sydney - Cruising - Milford Sound - Doubtful Sound Dusky Sound - Dunedin - Wellington - Napier - Picton Cruising - Sydney HIGHLIGHTS • Experience the spectacular Doubtful, Dusky & Milford Sounds on the way to Dunedin • isit New Zealand's cool capital Wellington plus the Dunedin with its Scottish heritage and grand Victorian and Edwardian architecture • All meals included onboard Departs: 13 Nov 2019 From
$2,724pp twin share
Prices based on inside cabins and correct at 18 March 2019. Prices may vary and are subject to availability at the time of booking.
.com.au
WHY CRUISING MAKES A GREAT ACCESSIBLE HOLIDAY Cruises are proving a popular choice for Australian travellers. Not only do they offer great value for money with all meals and many activities included in the package price, but there’s good accessibility on many of the ships. Passengers with mobility restrictions can take hoists, commodes and shower chairs on board making it easier to travel with specific equipment.
accommodate wheelchair users. Check with your travel consultant ahead of time.
CABIN CHOICE Book accessible cabins well in advance as they are in high demand. The Travel with Special Needs travel consultants know the ships well and will help you with your cabin choice. The location can make the difference between a good cruise experience and a nightmare one (imagine being in the cabin beneath the dance floor).
GUESTS WITH A VISION IMPAIRMENT Some cruise ships will provide large print menus and orientation tours. Enquire when making a booking about this service.
RESEARCH SHORE EXCURSIONS PRIOR TO BOOKING Not all shore excursions will be accessible. Some tenders may not be able to
GUESTS WITH AUTISM OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES Priority boarding and dietary accommodation services are provided by some cruise lines.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS Cruises can cater to specific dietary requirements and provide blended foods if needed. Travel with Special Needs will advise the cruise company at the time of booking if this is required.
GUESTS WITH A HEARING IMPAIRMENT Some cruise lines will provide visual or tactile alert systems for guests.
ACCESSIBLE FEATURES ON BOARD Not all cruise ships are created equal when it comes to access. Some ships offer pool hoists and other facilities which may make your holiday more inclusive and fun. Travel with Special Needs can assist with your cruise booking. Call 1300 404100 or email us at travelwithspecialneeds@boundround.com
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Image: Marlena Katene
Marlena and Bert Disneyland
DISNEYLAND ACCESS GUIDE
If you’re dreaming of a trip to the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ here’s what you need to know. Firstly, we think Disneyland could also be one of the most accessible places to visit. Not only is there great physical access but the staff go out of their way to assist – it’s just the Disney way. The cast members (staff) at Disney are some of the most accommodating you’ll meet and show great knowledge of the needs of people visiting with a disability. Before you even leave home, you can start planning. Disneyland’s website has extensive information regarding the suitability of rides for people living with
epilepsy, cognitive disabilities, hearing, visual and physical disabilities. Guests can research and plan which rides will be the most suitable, saving valuable time once in the parks. • Disney caters well to guests who have food allergies and provides this information online so you can plan where to eat. Disney dining chefs will puree food and assist with dietary needs. • If you’re travelling with someone who struggles with conventional queues due to their disability, the Disability
Access Service card (DAS) is your friend. Guests with a disability need to visit City Hall on arrival to discuss their needs with staff and if required a DAS card will be issued. This allows guests who cannot queue to receive a scheduled return time comparable with whatever the current wait queue wait is for the ride. • For guests with a visual impairment, audio description devices, Braille guidebooks and paper Braille maps are available to assist with enjoying the park.
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Disneyland’s magic extends beyond the rides. The accessibility for all makes it a fantastic holiday which leaves us returning again and again 24
• Sign language interpreted performances and handheld captioning devices are available for some performances and rides. • If you have an older child, or adult, who needs changing or a place to do a PEG feed in private, First Aid is where you need to go. There are change tables and the staff can organise privacy for you. • The parades at Disney have a magic you don’t want to have obscured, so the accessible viewing areas ensure you don’t miss out on a good view. Ask a Cast Member to direct you to the reserved accessible viewing. • Disney has a range of properties on site which are close enough to duck back to for a break during the day. In the warmer weather it’s also refreshing to take time out of the park for a swim. The pools are fitted with
multiple pool chairs for easy access and lifeguards are on duty to help guests use them. • Staying at a Disney Hotel provides a distinct advantage, guests from the hotels receive early entry into the parks. Known as an extra magic hour, this is only available to Disney Hotel guests and maximises your time in the parks by avoiding the queues which grow when general entry opens. • If your budget can extend to purchasing a MaxPass (US$15 pp per day) it’s a gamechanger. Using the Disneyland app, you can book FASTPASSES and order food from your phone. This avoids queues and saves time. Disneyland is truly magical and our booking team at Travel With Special Needs can help you 1300 404100.
Experience Vivid in Sydney Spend time in Sydney to explore all the lights and colour of Vivid (24 May to 15 June 2019). Both packages include a 2 night stay + a Captain Cook Sunset dinner Cruise for 2 people.
Vibe Hotel Sydney
Hilton Sydney
Located close to the many attractions Sydney has to offer including Darling Harbour, Chinatown and shopping districts, Vibe Hotel Sydney features spacious and well-equipped hotel guest rooms and suites. Take a dip in the rooftop pool, relax in the sauna, work out in the gym, or simply lay back and take it easy in your spacious room.
With exceptional facilities, Hilton Sydney is superbly located right in the heart of the city, with magnificent views and convenient access to Sydney's favourite attractions , including Darling Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach. Hilton Sydney boasts stylish bars, with dining by celebrity Chef Luke Mangan at the famous glass brasserie. Relax with a cocktail on the rooftop terrace at Zeta Bar and enjoy live music at the iconic Marble Bar.
2 nights from
$369*pp twin share
Valid for travel 24 May - 15 Jun 19. Prices are correct as at 7 Feb 19. but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Offers subject to availability.
CALL US
1300 404 100
2 nights from
$499*pp twin share
Valid for travel 24 May - 15 Jun 19. Prices are correct as at 7 Feb 19. but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Offers subject to availability.
.com.au
HEALTHCARE SUPPLIES DELIVERED AS YOU TRAVEL
You no longer need to pack a trip’s worth of supplies in your luggage have them delivered to your door even as you see the world! Any travel involves organisation – flights, hotels, tickets, perhaps car hire. Added into the mix is ensuring you have all the healthcare supplies you need, and that everything arrives at your destination in one piece and on time. For many people, this will include supplies that are bulky or heavy. Who wants to take up valuable packing space when it’s not necessary to carry them yourself? BrightSky Australia has been a registered NDIS provider since 2013 and now supplies specialised healthcare products to participants in all states and territories. With our extensive knowledge of specialised healthcare supplies and the NDIS, we have come to understand a lot about the needs of people when travelling. Our well-developed transport network means we can get products to you, whether you’re travelling interstate, internationally, or holidaying just a couple of hours away. Our flexible shipping system enables you to have
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL Depending on your destination, taking your supplies with you may be the better idea. For certain countries, the time and process required can make shipping, quarantine and other import regulations to the destination too complicated and prohibitive. BrightSky can advise you which option is best when you enquire.
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supplies delivered anywhere in Australia and most places in the world. Delivery location can be adjusted as you travel. It’s not unusual for us to deliver to several locations for a customer during their journey, plus discreet packaging is available on request. NDIS participants with consumables in their plan can purchase supports from BrightSky’s extensive range, including: • Continence products • pads, pants • catheters, drainage bags and accessories • bowel management products • Nutritional supplements and specialised foods • Wound care • dressings and bandages • ceansers, gels and creams • tapes • Skin care • cleansers and moisturisers • skin barriers and protectives, wipes
• Respiratory products • tracheostomy and suction supplies • nebulisers • Ostomy consumables If you are unsure about which product will suit your needs, our experienced team of Customer Care Consultants and Clinical Nurse Consultants can provide brandneutral advice, as well as small and bulk ordering options. BrightSky offers flexibility with ordering. Although many customers prefer online ordering, we are more than happy to assist with telephone advice or feel free pop into one of our retail outlets. Please note that at times some of our retail stores may need to buy in the items you need after you have placed your order. Delivery is free of charge within Australia for online orders over $50. All proceeds from BrightSky Australia go towards supporting people with disability. brightsky.com.au
Travelling with a wheelchair has its challenges, but there are steps you can take to make the process easier. PLAN AHEAD Before booking your flight, ensure you have the dimensions and weight of the wheelchair on hand. And if travelling with a powerchair advise the battery type. The airline will need these to complete your booking. INSTRUCTIONS Write instructions for operating the wheelchair, laminate it and attach them to the chair so they can easily be seen by baggage handlers.
ALLOW ADDITIONAL TIME Extra time is needed for check in and security clearance. It will make travel more relaxed for everyone.
Image: Tracey Reed Borszem
TRAVELLING WITH A WHEELCHAIR
Luke at Universal Studios
SECURE YOUR CHAIR Take any items off the wheelchair that are removable including the cushion, armrests and joystick. Tape up any cables for power chairs. CHECK IT On arrival at your destination, check your wheelchair over before leaving the airport. If there’s any damage from the flight, report it to the airline immediately.
Travel with Special Needs can assist with your holiday. Call 1300 404100 or email us at travelwithspecialneeds@boundround.com
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TRAVELLING WITH AUTISM WORDS: KIRSTY RUSSELL
Travelling with a family member living with autism has its challenges so we asked a Mum who does it for her top tips. 01 START SMALL Don’t book an overseas holiday for your first adventure. Start with an overnight stay with family or friends or consider staying in a hotel/motel in your local area. This is a low risk way to identify whether travel is a viable option for your family, discover potential issues and find ways to deal with them. 02 DON’T COMPROMISE You may need special diets, accommodation for service animals, extra security if your child is likely to run away or access to a secure outdoor area. Make sure the needs of your family come first – don’t compromise, even if you are tempted to do so for convenience or budget reasons. 03 USE SOCIAL STORIES Social stories are a great way to help reassure kids, make them aware of what’s going to happen and guide their behaviour. For your trip, include a map, copy of your itinerary, calendar, photos & anything else that will help reassure them and make them feel less anxious about the holiday.
Read more of Kirsty's tips and stories at positivespecialneedsparenting.com
06 BE HONEST WITH THE DIAGNOSIS Share the diagnosis with your travel agent, airline, cruise line or tour operator. If you don’t share the diagnosis, you won’t be able to access the help you need. Put your child’s needs first by being honest and asking for the accommodations you need as an autism family. 07 PLAN CONTINGENCIES You need to be prepared for things to not go to plan such as weather, venue availability, tour schedules, etc. When things go wrong, make sure you have an alternate plan in place or strategies to help your kids cope. Try to look at each adventure in a positive light so you can help your kids through it too. 08 MINIMISE TRAVEL AND MOVEMENT Your family is more likely to be settled and relaxed if you base yourself in a single location. Where this isn’t possible, try to stay in a central location instead, and take day trips to your chosen destinations. If you need to travel to multiple locations, stay a few nights in each place to avoid constant travel.
04 IDENTIFY SENSORY TRIGGERS Know what triggers your child (e.g. smells, sounds, sights, textures) and have strategies in place to deal with them. Pack sensory items such as noise cancelling headphones, ear muffs, fidget toys, weighted blankets and chewy jewellery to keep your kids calm and address their sensory needs.
09 DON’T OVERLOAD YOURSELVES It’s stressful to constantly anticipate potential issues, support your kids and try to stay calm yourself. So, build rest time into each day – make it part of your itinerary. Encourage your kids to have down time by making sure you have quiet time yourself. In other words, lead by example and take a break!
05 INCORPORATE SPECIAL INTERESTS Special interests help centre and calm your child in periods of stress and anxiety and they can also be used as a powerful motivator. Where possible, include your child’s special interest in your holiday planning to get them interested in the trip and to give them a sense of control and reassurance.
10 INVOLVE THE KIDS IN PLANNING Talk to them about the holiday and ask for their input. Laminate a map and put it up on the wall as a handy visual guide to where they could be headed. Highlight destinations aligned to their special interests and give them two options to choose from, so they feel included without being overwhelmed.
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ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATION IN NEW ZEALAND WORDS: KIMBERLY GRAHAM
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Image: grabyourwheels.nz
Kim's blog Grab Your Wheels is all about sharing experiences, writing reviews and creating awareness of the need for barrier-free travel in New Zealand. It's a great resource for anyone looking for accessible travel ideas in the land of the long white cloud grabyourwheels.nz
Kim and her son Finlay live in Auckland, New Zealand and are passionate about travel. Finlay has Cerebral Palsy and uses wheels for his mobility. To enable their family to keep experiencing new places, they have had to overcome barriers and adapt their lives accordingly. They have wheels for every occasion, a wheelchair – both power and manual, a wheelchair bike called The Duet, an all-terrain wheelchair called the Hippocampe that allows them to access the beach and sea and a Hart Walker to keep up Finlay’s physiotherapy on the road. As New Zealand locals they've created this guide to accessible accomodation options around this favourite destination for Australian travellers.
HOTELS
Hotels are pretty standard worldwide and you will find all the top international hotel chains here. They are mostly located in all the main centres like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch plus in the key holiday destinations such as Bay of Islands, Queenstown and Rotorua. Hotels will supply room service and have a restaurant or café, bar and often a gym on site. The general hospitality tends to be very high, and you will often find they provide larger room sizes and have more accessible rooms on offer. The accessible rooms tend to be of a higher standard as they are part of a larger international network.
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Image: grabyourwheels.nz
BOUTIQUE HOTELS
These will vary in price according to luxury levels, but generally memorable for personality and individual character.
LUXURY LODGES & BOUTIQUE LODGE STYLE
You will find Kiwi hospitality in a diverse range of accommodation which will include historic estates, vineyard cottages, spectacular alpine vistas, scenic lake views and luxury lodges where your every need is taken care of - fine gourmet cuisine and highest standard of hosting and facilities.
APARTMENTS
Apartments are often found within a hotel or motel complex. Apartments are ideal for travellers wanting to be more selfsufficient with the flexibility of self-catering facilities. Prices are similar to high-quality hotel suites which are regularly serviced. Many have access to gyms and swimming pools.
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MOTELS, MOTOR INNS AND MOTOR LODGES
These are mostly found along the main driving routes. Compared to many other countries, motels are generally of a high standard. They will often come with a Qualmark and Rating system so you can judge the quality of the motel. They usually provide a selection of studios, one and two bedroom units. The prices range from budget to quality motels which can be similar to hotels with restaurants, swimming pools and laundry facilities. They generally have a good number of rooms on ground level with parking directly in front. However, the selection for accessible rooms can be limited to as little as one or two studio units within a motel.
HOLIDAY PARKS
Holiday parks are unique to New Zealand, equipped to please a wide range of people at a minimal cost. They are set in mainly landscaped settings with a playground and
often have a swimming pool and spa pool to utilise making it a favourite amongst families. There are tent and caravan sites with simple cabins that have use of a communal kitchen, laundry, shower and toilet block. You will often find a full wet-floor shower and toilet that service the standard cabins and camping areas. The parks also include well-equipped motel units and tourist flats at a very affordable option.
HOLIDAY HOUSES
Holiday houses are a popular choice in New Zealand and are often booked up well in advance - particularly around peak season and school holidays. Good accessible houses are always hard to source. They are fantastic for having a base to explore from and particularly useful for those of us needing to travel with assistive equipment. However, there is no 'standard' needed for accessibility, so owners do not have to meet the same level that exists in the commercial sector. The owners can easily say their
house is 'wheelchair accessible' and it might just mean you can get through the front door.
BED & BREAKFASTS
Bed & Breakfasts can be a wonderful way to experience good Kiwi hospitality. They are run by people who love to host and make you welcome in their homes. This is a good way to learn a lot about the local area you are staying in. There is also nothing like starting your day with cooked breakfast.
FARMSTAYS
Image: grabyourwheels.nz
Farmstays are a really unique and authentic Kiwi experience. It's a chance to find out how it feels to live on a farm. You will often have the chance to be hands on with some of the chores around the farm. This option is very popular with children. You will be served up a breakfast to start your day, making it a similar option to a Bed & Breakfast.
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TRAVELLING WITH A SUPPORT WORKER WORDS: TEGAN MORRIS
Have you ever thought of travelling with a support worker? It’s often difficult to know where to start, how to negotiate pay and hours with a potential worker and how to ensure you pick the right person. Tegan is 30 years old and lives independently in Hamilton, New Zealand and regularly travels with the assistance of support workers. Tegan has agreed to share her insights in the hope of helping others, so we’ll let Tegan take it from here. I use a power-wheelchair for mobility and I have Muscular Dystrophy. It means I require round-the-clock physical support to be able to do all of the normal things plus all the exciting things involved with travelling. When I am not travelling, I am at home working as a life coach/mentor with people seeking support and encouragement to progress towards their goals. In my free time I dream of writing my next novel and travelling again.
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CHOOSING A SUPPORT WORKER FOR TRAVEL
For most of my travels over the last decade, I have travelled with people who are already part of my support staff team and others who are familiar with my care – such as previous employees, or friends and family. As most of the people I have travelled with have already been experienced with my care, it has been easy to decide who I’d like to take with me. Mostly the choice has involved practical considerations such as availability and physical capabilities. As pretty much all of the people I work with are people who would make a good travel companion and support worker. I have only travelled with people who were not part of my support team on two occasions. The first time I did this, it didn’t work out ideally as I realised the important factor of personality match and
social connection was missing. Even though my support needs in a practical sense were being met well, I was not able to fully enjoy my holiday experience because of this mismatch. However, the second time I travelled with one person who was not part of my support team alongside two others that were – it was a far better experience. I believe this was due to a better personality and character match and the added comfort and familiarity of people I was used to working with.
SUPPORT WORKER QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
Even though I have generally found people within my existing support network, it has taken consideration and sometimes a lot of asking around to find people who have the interest, time and resources available. When I was searching for people outside of my immediate support network, I put the request out on social media and talked to local media about my search as well as the traditional word of mouth approach to try and find interested people to interview for the opportunity. When I am assessing people as candidates to travel with, I take the same approach as I do with interviewing support workers for my home life. Below is a list of things I take into consideration and they are listed in the level of priority I give them:
THE INTENTION THEY BRING TO THE ROLE/ HOW THEY SEE THEIR PART IN THE EXPERIENCE
• Personality match/match of interest. • Communication skills and how we get along. • Understanding personal routines, e.g. night person or morning person, how much sleep do they need and how they handle a busy schedule. • Useful skills they can bring to the trip, e.g. driving, practical fix-it skills, and useful language skills. As you can see, my main concerns are how well I get along with them and their commitment and intention they bring to the support role. This is because I feel like almost anyone can learn the practical skills of providing support, whether it is personal care or more straightforward practical
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Tegan has travelled from coast to coast in the US with the assistance of her support team
assistance. However, not everyone will have the right personality and approach to match what I am looking for.
NEGOTIATING PAY AND HOURS
Every time I have travelled with support staff, I have – as a minimum, paid the primary travel costs including flights, accommodation and (shuttle) transfers. The payment of staff has varied depending on the trip. Several of my trips where I have travelled with four people have involved an agreement that staff were not paid in exchange for their travel costs and additional visitor passes to attractions being paid for. For other trips staff have received partial pay or full hours pay. This has, at times, been pre-set and the staff may either accept or decline the offer. Other times, there has been negotiation involved.
FREE TIME FOR SUPPORT WORKERS WHEN TRAVELLING
I have found that it is best to roster my support team and then give the option
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for them to negotiate with each other if they need a change in schedule so that they can participate in a certain activity. It works best having scheduled hours for my care because I require full-time support in the sense that there is very little that I can do independently. Although I don’t need constant monitoring, if I want to do something, I need assistance to make this happen. Therefore, a roster keeps things fair and manageable so I know who I should ask first at specific times. Having a roster also allows people to have time off to be able to go and visit places or do things that I am not interested in or unable to participate in.
GOOD SUPPORT WORKER EXPERIENCES
Because of the connection I have with the people I travel with, it is hard to say that there is one outstanding experience, as each has been unique and amazing. I think, however, where it has been most memorable is when I have had people who have helped me engage with every opportunity possible during our travels. Whether this was doing something
spontaneous and daring, like finding the confidence to introduce myself to a YouTube creator – who I had the opportunity to meet during one of my trips. The other factor that makes these experiences stand out has been how well the support team members get along with each other – which, in turn, becomes an added positive dimension to the trip. This may include the various in-jokes that are developed, or the complimentary range of skill sets and personality traits which all contribute to a smooth and positive experience.
WHEN IT DOESN’T WORK
I have only had one trip in which I wasn’t completely happy with the team I was travelling with as we didn’t totally connect. It was the first time I had travelled with people I didn’t know very well but three of them knew each other. I had underestimated the impact of social and emotional connection on how I would experience the trip. I had also not taken into consideration the importance of working with people who understood how to be inclusive and help me engage in opportunities as much as
I am able to. Overall, my support needs in a practical sense were being met well; however my enjoyment of experiences were not maximised due to this mismatch.
ADVICE WHEN HIRING
I would advise people to make lists of the ways they receive support at home, a list of support they’ll need while travelling and a list of the prized qualities that are shown by the people they currently work with. That way, they can assess whether there is the opportunity to take current staff or have an idea of the standard they’d expect from a new travel companion in order to ensure you have the best possible care while travelling.
FLYING WITH SUPPORT & BOUNDARIES
I have always flown with Air New Zealand and always sit with my support staff as I need to be able to get their attention via touch as my voice is soft and is even more difficult to hear if I have my Bi-PAP (ventilation mask) on. It is easiest for me to have a row of seats where I can lie across three seats and the seat where I put my feet is taken by the person on shift so that I can nudge them if I need something, as I have reasonable movement in my feet. During the flight, especially long distance, the on-duty person rotates so that everyone can get some rest. The other travel companions sit in neighbouring rows to ensure they are within eyesight and communication distance. As far as how I approach working with people, my main consideration is, “could I be friends with this person?” I feel like this tends to create a foundation of deep trust, respect and loyalty so they are likely to provide the utmost support they can for a positive travel experience. This improves the outcome for everyone involved – particularly when everyone is like-minded. I know it can be a risk to not have so many professional boundaries as there may be in other types of working relationships, but this gives me the most meaning and satisfaction for my experiences and ultimately improves my quality of life experience – both at home and while travelling.
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MAKING INROADS INTO OFF ROADS Parks Victoria is leading the way in making Australia’s great outdoors accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Understanding there’s no one-size fits all approach to accessibility they have a range of equipment and resources to make everyone’s visit enjoyable.
Vision impairment
Parks Victoria has partnered with Blind Sports Victoria for their Walk in the Park program for visitors who are blind or vision impaired. Volunteers are trained as park companions to assist visitors with park orientation, sign reading and to provide verbal descriptions of the surrounding environment. The program operates in selected parks in Melbourne, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula. The program also provides organised group camps in some of Victoria’s iconic national parks. Contact Blind Sports Victoria via info@ blindsports.org.au for further information.
Inclusive play
Playing and connecting with nature can be difficult due to a variety of access needs. The Brimbank Park Playscape has been designed specifically to create opportunities for children of all abilities.
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The playscape includes tactile circular paths, animal sculptures, signage in Braille and Auslan and an accessible water fountain. For children with physical disabilities there is a range of swings, a hammock, an accessible sandpit and a build-it-yourself cubby house. Parks Victoria worked with AMAZE to develop social script resources for children on the autism spectrum for the park. The social script has photos and simple text to show children what they may see or experience during a visit to the park. You can read them as a resource or download them and print them out. A version of the social script is also available in Key Word Sign Australia format, suited for children learning Key Word Sign to facilitate communication.
Wheelchair Access
For visitors who use a wheelchair or have a mobility restriction, Parks Victoria has a variety of equipment and programs to assist. BUCHAN CAVES At Gippsland’s famous Buchan Caves, a Stairclimber is available to ensure visitors with a mobility restriction can enjoy the
spectacular Fairy Cave. The specially designed Stairclimber is operated by Parks Victoria Caves Guides and can accommodate children and small adults. Bookings for the Stairclimber must be made in advance. Cave tours using the Stairclimber are not available during peak visitor periods, such as the Easter weekend. A social script is available for visitors who would like one. Phone (03) 86274700 for further information and bookings. WHEELCHAIR TO BOAT ACCESS An electric hoist has been installed at the Patterson River boat ramps to assist wheelchair users to safely transfer in and out of boats. The hoist is free to use and is available to approved users who have attended a hoist safety induction session. Email healthycommunities@parks.vic. gov.au for more information. BEACH WHEELCHAIRS If you’re looking to take advantage of the beautiful coastal parks, beach wheelchairs are available in several locations. A range of models is available to meet the needs of adults and children with varying abilities. They are free to use but do need to be
Quick Tip booked in advance to avoid disappointment. Locations include – • Wilsons Promontory National Park Information Centre (03) 5680 9555 • Cape Conran Coastal Park Cabins and Camping (03) 5154 8438 • Coolart Historic Area Park Office (03) 8427 2242 • Point Nepean National Park Information Centre (03) 8427 2099 • A children’s Hippocampe beach wheelchair is also available for visitors to borrow in the Mornington Peninsula area. Phone OzChild (03) 5975 7644.
Brimbank Park Playscape is a haven for creative play that inspires children and families of all abilities to have fun, explore and socialise in the outdoors.
TRAILRIDER The TrailRider is an all-terrain mobility chair which makes park trails and bushwalks possible. Parks Victoria’s Sherpa Volunteer Program provides trained chair operators to assist in pushing/pulling the visitor in the TrailRider chair on many of the spectacular park trails in the Grampians and the Dandenong Ranges National Parks. The additional physical assistance provided by volunteers makes it possible for visitors to access trails which would not be possible without several chair operators. It also leaves accompanying family members to enjoy the experience with the TrailRider user. The service is free for park visitors, but a booking must be made for Sherpa Volunteers with a minimum of one week’s notice. Phone (03) 8427 3541 for further information and bookings.
Accessible Accommodation
Wilsons Promontory National Park and Cape Conran Coastal Park offer modified cabins and all-terrain wheelchairs to ensure people with a disability, families and support workers can stay and enjoy the spectacular scenery and natural beauty of the parks. The cabins are modified with entrance ramps, accessible bathrooms and parking nearby. A personal hoist and shower commode chair are also available to visitors free of charge. The Parks Victoria website has extensive information about their access and inclusion initiatives and downloadable social stories for many locations. parkweb.vic.gov.au/ visit/improving-park-access-for-all
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MAKING TRAVEL WITH A DISABILITY EASIER
These initiatives and products help make the transition from dreaming about doing something to actually doing it, that little bit easier.
Access
A Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) is an innovative system that allows people with a disability to access certain facilities across Australia. People who meet the criteria can purchase a MLAK key which opens locked accessible bathroom facilities and unlocks the Liberty Swing (wheelchair accessible swing). masterlocksmiths.com.au/mlak.php
Travel
Virgin Australia has a Disability Assistant Concession fare. The fare offers 50% discount for a carer or companion’s airfare on all domestic travel, including business class fares. virginaustralia.com
Save
The National Companion Card provides free or discounted entry for the companion or support worker of a person with a lifelong disability. This often applies to attractions, movies, activities and major shows. Each state and territory has its own card. companioncard.gov.au
Gadget
Two Approved Support Devices are now approved for infants or young children to use on Virgin Australia. The Firefly GoTo support seat and the Carrot 3000 car seat can both be used on domestic flights when advising the airline at the time of booking.
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TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH VISION IMPAIRMENT Tanya Savva has has made it her mission to ensure her daughter Kenzie was not defined by her vision impairment. After travelling 14,000kms together, Tanya has some great tips to share on travelling with a companion with blindness or vision impairment. WORDS: TANYA SAVVA
01 Take a tour of the room/
accommodation you’re staying in as soon as you arrive. It offers the person with vision impairment a sense of ownership in the space and freedom to explore their home away from home.
02 Tour the outer environment with your
tool for checking out local attractions and learning about the local area so she could be involved.
07 Don’t be defined by your challenges.
Use them to drive you into change by facing them head on and enjoy the road less travelled.
Tanya Savva is a blogger, author, wellness & life coach and yoga & meditation teacher. Tanya is also mother to Kenzie who is blind, developmentally delayed and autistic. Tanya shares more tips at theroadunseen.com
child. A tour and verbal directions from your room to the bathrooms, playground, pool, restaurants and other important spots of interest within the grounds as soon as possible is important. (Although Kenzie doesn’t explore on her own it was important for her to create her own understanding and sense of direction within the space.)
03 Research locations that are close to
walking paths, shops, swimming spots and parks. (Kenzie can’t walk very far so we valued a bike path, walking path, park, and shops close by that we could access without needing to take the car out, which also encouraged physical activity.)
04 Research local attractions that match
your travel companion’s interests. Most towns have museums, parks, swimming spots, accessible nature walks, adventure areas, animal sanctuaries, bike hire, kayak hire etc. Try them all. (Kenzie was motivated to bush walk in search of echoes! The best one we found is at the Carlo Sandblow in Rainbow Beach.)
05 If caravanning/camping, always set
up the environment in exactly the same way. This helps to avoid confusion and ensures people with vision impairment are able to safely roam around the immediate environment without tripping or running in to the things that weren’t there last time. Keep familiar things in familiar places (such as favourite toys, hat, cane, drink bottle).
06 For the tech savvy check ahead for
Wi-Fi connection. Siri offered Kenzie a good
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Josh KIDS TIPS We asked two of our young Travel with Special Needs readers to share their travel tips. What we received is practical, insightful and delivered with a dash of humour. Josh is an 8 year old wheelchair user living with Sacral Agenesis. Affecting 1 in 25,000 people, Sacral Agenesis often results in a missing tailbone, malformation of several vertebrae, no knee caps, club feet and bladder and bowel problems. Josh also only has one kidney. But if you see Josh wheeling around, you’ll have to run fast to catch him for a chat, he’s a speed demon!
Josh’s travel tips
01 Cover your nose so you don’t
smell the aeroplane fuel. When I board the plane, I am always the first on and usually have to wait down the bottom for the lift. And it stinks. Then when we are inside the plane, it still stinks.
02 Bring your own charger for
your electronics in your carry on so when you are waiting you can play Minecraft without waiting for your
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parents. Also pack a spare change of clothes/personal items like catheters and pull-ups in your carry on.
03 Don’t forget to download the WIFI apps for the planes before you get to the airport.
01 02
04 When you are going through
customs always look for the wheelchair sign, it’s faster. When we go to America, I like it because someone always comes to help my Mum. They push me so I can relax, and they help us all the way till we get our bags.
05 Talk to everybody you meet.
Especially if you are in their country. It’s more fun doing what the locals suggest vs doing the tourist things. Being a speedster, Josh also recommends you “bomb (go fast down the ramp) the big tunnels from the gate to the plane in your wheelchair.”
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Jaxon is 13 years old and lives with Merosin Deficiency Muscular Dystrophy and uses an electric wheelchair. Jaxon loves travelling to Bali with his family and has a wicked sense of humour.
Jaxon’s travel tips
01 When booking transfers
from the airport ask the company to send pictures of the accessible van to ensure they can accommodate your electric chair with a converted vehicle. (we learnt the hard way lol)
02
Jaxon 02
01
When hiring equipment from overseas companies ask for photos to be sent through and try planning your days. You may find you don’t need a beach wheelchair for your entire trip, and it can become quite expensive when hiring a commode and hoist as well.
03 Do a bit of shopping around for travel Insurance and ensure it covers all your health needs and your electric wheelchair too. Or, change your home contents insurance to ensure your wheelchair is covered when travelling.
04 Call restaurants and
attractions before you book your day trips or outings and make sure they are electric wheelchair accessible. We found people thought it was ok even if it wasn’t accessible as they could lift the chair, but mine is 190kg so not so easy. Most places will email a picture of the entry to set your mind at ease.
05 I find it a little uncomfortable
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when not in my trusty electric wheelchairs, for this reason, take extra head pillows, chest straps or comforters to make a better transition in the airport to a manual wheelchair and on the aeroplane to a seat.
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t r o p s s Pa HAVE PASSPORT, WILL TRAVEL
Applying for a passport is an everyday process, but the strict regulations which govern the process often make it a challenge for people with a disability. We thought we’d share our tips to save you time. Taking a photo which complies Staff who take passport photos, such as at a photo shop or Australia Post office, are well-versed in what will be accepted by the Australian Passport Office. Some of the regulations may prove difficult for someone with a disability, including not smiling, eyes open, mouth closed and facing directly to the camera without tilting your head in any direction. Certain conditions and disabilities can make this nearly impossible so if you can’t achieve this, we suggest you get a medical certificate from the doctor explaining why. However, the passport office is strict, so do your best to achieve as close to the desired result as possible. If there’s a chance the process will be difficult, it’s wise to visit the photo shop or local Australia Post office ahead of
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time to discuss the challenges. If, when you have the initial chat, the staff don’t seem accommodating, we suggest you try somewhere else. Nobody needs unnecessary stress added to the situation. Book the appointment to take the photo at a quiet time of day so there are fewer distractions. In extreme cases where body positioning restrictions make it impossible to get the photo when seated, we have heard of some people lying a person down on a white background to achieve the picture.
Unable to sign Once a person is an adult, they are expected to sign their passport application. If a person is unable to sign, you need to get a doctor’s certificate stating the person’s disability and their inability to sign.
Identification A combination of proof of identification is required to apply for a passport. An applicant must show proof of residence which commonly would be a driver’s licence and utilities bill, but if a person with a disability doesn’t have these items it can be difficult. Ideally, if it’s established a person won’t have these forms of ID in the future, it’s important to get a Photo Card which works like a driver’s licence. A Pensioner Concession Card may be accepted for a passport application if it has your residential address on it. There may be many hoops to jump through to get a passport but when you take off to that dream destination, we think you’ll think it’s worth it.
10 TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH MEDICATIONS It’s easy to get caught up in planning the exciting elements of a holiday but it’s important to ensure you take care of your health too. If you’re travelling with medication, there 10 easy things to do before you leave to reduce the stress while you’re away.
01 Visit your doctor in advance to see if you need any vaccinations or take precautions for your travel destination.
02 Get prescriptions for your usual
medications and ensure you will have enough to cover the time you will be travelling. Preferably travel with extra medication in case of travel delays.
03 Ask your doctor for a letter listing your medications and the conditions they are prescribed for.
04 It can be helpful to travel with a general anti-biotic and anti diahorea medication. Check with your doctor to see if this is appropriate.
05 Keep medication in original packaging for travel.
06 Pack your medication
and your doctor’s letter in your hand luggage. This way, if the airline should lose your luggage you have it with you.
07 If you are travelling with liquid
medication, ensure you follow the limitations and if unsure check with the airline.
08 Airlines will not refrigerate medication on a flight. You will need to keep your own medication chilled.
09 The rules for travelling with oxygen
vary between airlines. Speak to the airline at the time of booking to ensure your needs can be met.
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Some medications are banned in certain countries. It’s important to check with the country’s embassy prior to travel.
This is a general guide only. Rules and regulations may change and it’s essential you seek medical advice from your doctor and make enquiries with the appropriate authorities and airlines about travelling with medication.
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