It’s that time of the year again — summer — and we’ve got the travel bug! For some of us, getting on the open road with our kiddos is what it’s all about — some of the best memories can come from cross-country road trips! For others, we’d be happy with an accessible national park or beach where our kids can explore and recharge without a care in the world. What’s not so fun is actually planning these adventures. For many of us, travel planning requires far more than plotting out stops to the best roadside adventures. Raise your hand if you’ve thought of skipping travel altogether. 🙋♀️ We see you, parents.
“There’s so much stuff that you have to remember. And if you get on the road and you’re 500 miles from home and you realize you’ve forgotten their drugs, or their feeding bags, what are you going to do? That’s why I pack it all in those gallon-sized Ziploc bags for every day — so I can quickly see that if we’re going to be gone for 14 days, I should have 14 Ziploc bags full of medical supplies, plus a couple extra. This way, I know that I have all their supplies ahead of time. I know that I have all their meds drawn. I have everything. So when I’m rushing to get out of the house, I don’t even have to worry about it. It’s all there.” — Heather McCullough, Undivided Navigator
It’s not easy when travel isn’t always friendly to our kids’ needs, and planning vacations that are fun, accessible, and safe can feel like a tall order. The world still has a way to go in providing the right accommodations and understanding for our families. But here’s the good news: more and more travel spots are stepping up to the plate! From sensory-friendly national parks to accessible family camps, beaches, and theme parks, things are getting better. Even airlines are making small strides toward progress.
This week, we’re excited to share travel tips and accessible vacation spots — all designed with our kids’ needs in mind — to help you create a safe and fun-filled summer for the whole family. Whether you’re cruising the highways in an RV, jetting off to faraway places, or camping out in a state park, we’ve got you covered with fantastic ideas for family travel this summer!
🚗✨ Road trip? With your kiddo? Yes you can!
Just like many families, we love hitting the road — but unlike most, we have to think about accessibility at every turn — and plan way ahead — to make our road trips successful, smooth, and yes…fun! That’s why we’ve gathered practical tips from experienced parents and Undivided experts to help make your next road trip a breeze, including:
- Mapping out routes and stops
- Finding accessible lodging and activities
- The pros and cons of cars and RVs
- Preparing extra medications and supplies
- Planning for boredom, travel disruptions, and sensory overwhelm
- Preparing your child with visual stories, Social Stories, and more
Read our article on Road Trip Tips for Kids with Disabilities for everything you need to know about road-tripping in style with the kids this summer. So buckle up, plan ahead, and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
✈️✨ Dreading that airplane ride?
Traveling can be a handful for any parent, but for families with kids with disabilities, flying can be a whole different ball game. We all need a little extra help, right? Whether it’s figuring out what to pack in a carry-on, prepping for on-flight medical and behavioral situations, or finding ways to soothe our kiddos during those anxious moments, we’ve got your back!
Up, up, and away! Check out our Airplane Travel Tips for Kids with Disabilities. We’ve got all the tips and techniques you need for a smooth flight, plus the latest updates on legal changes making flying safer, easier, and more accessible, especially for wheelchair users!
🏞️✨ Trying to get the kiddos out of the house this summer?
Whether that means a weekend at the beach, a staycation to just get out of the house, or a local museum day just to see something new (and beautiful!) — we’ve gathered some accessible options to help you break up the summer bummer routine! For example:
- If you have a projector, a backyard movie night is a special treat your children can look forward to all week.
- Explore the user-updated Google map which is a great reference for the most up-to-date information on beaches that provide wheelchair accessibility.
- Visit a state or national park with a discount pass.
Read our Accessible Outdoor Activities in California for more places and activities that will help your kiddos recharge and reset!
✨🏕️ Taking a family vacation further away from home?
Guess what, parents? More theme parks and family-friendly attractions across the country are stepping up their game to create an inclusive environment, welcoming visitors of all abilities. Planning a summer vacation? We’ve got you covered! Check out our list of Best Vacation Spots for Kids with Disabilities — you might just discover some hidden gems!
❤️ One Undivided parent shared with their Navigator, “Thank you so much for your support! The value of Undivided is beyond words. I don’t feel so alone in all of this now that I have a team of people to bounce ideas off of (and vent to!).”
Undivided Conversations: Reframing Behavior with Dr. Ross Greene. Join Undivided Friday, June 21 at 12:00 p.m. PDT for an exciting virtual conversation that will reframe the way you think about behavior with clinical psychologist and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Ross Greene.
Dr. Greene’s approach focuses on teaching lagging skills, building empathy, and fostering a positive relationship between adults and children, rather than traditional motivation-based approaches we often see in functional-based behavioral therapy. You don’t want to miss it! Tune in at noon on Friday for the stream on our Facebook page!
California Public Benefits Bootcamp: Virtual Summer Training Series
Are you wondering what public benefits your child is eligible for? Join us Thursday, June 27, 1:00–2:00 p.m. PDT for a live event with Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Kronbeck who will answer all your questions about Regional Center, Medi-Cal, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), California Children’s Services (CCS), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and more. Register for this free event as part of our summer training series here on our RSVP page!
CalABLE: Essentials and Why It Matters: Virtual Summer Training Series
Looking to save for your child’s future without affecting their eligibility for government programs? Join us in a live conversation on Thursday, July 11, 1:00-2:00 p.m. PDT with CalABLE Outreach Specialist Madeline Handy as we look closer at how parents of kids with disabilities can use this program to help provide for our children’s care. Register for this free event as part of our summer training series here on our RSVP page!
- Does your kiddo have complex medical needs like an oxygen tank or g-tube? Check out this clip on YouTube for travel tips from parent and Undivided Navigator Heather→
- Help more families find resources for smoother travel! Share Undivided on LinkedIn→
- If you’ve had a particularly memorable vacation traveling with your child, share your tips on what to prepare (and what to avoid!)! Join the discussion in our private Facebook group→
- Check out this highlight reel of disability-friendly vacation travel spots around the country! Watch on Instagram→
