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Travel and holidays - from the Guide to Caring for a Child with Additional Needs
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Reviewed 26/10/06
Getting out and about can be difficult for families when a child has a disability which affects mobility. However, there is help available:
Community transport schemes
Community Transport Schemes provide door-to-door transport for elderly and disabled people within a local area.
They tend to be run by voluntary organisations. Ask your social worker for more information about your local scheme or contact the Community Transport Association. See Where to get further help.
Shopmobility
Shopmobility schemes, normally based in city centres, allow people to borrow manual or powered wheelchairs to shop or visit leisure facilities within a town or city centre. There may be a charge for this and you are likely to be asked for proof of identity. Contact your local shopping centre or Tripscope for more information. See Where to get further help.
Rail Travel
If you are traveling by rail you may need to give at least 24 hours notice of travel to the rail company. Each rail company has a specific phone number for disabled passengers. You can find out more by contacting National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.
Motability
If your child receives the high rate of the Disability Living Allowance mobility component then you may be able to access the Motability Scheme. The scheme can help disabled people lease or buy a car, a powered wheelchair or a buggy. See Where to get further help.
The Blue Badge Scheme (formerly Orange badge)
This is a UK arrangement for on-street parking concessions for disabled people. The badge can also be used in many European countries.
If you regularly drive your disabled child and s/he has severe walking difficulties, is registered blind, has severe upper limb disabilities or receives the higher rate component of Disability Living Allowance, you may be eligible. The lower age limit is two years. You should apply via your local social services department.
Holidays
Going on holiday is an exciting time for the whole family, but it can also be a stressful time. Several of the mainstream holiday parks offer accessible holidays. Some package holidays also claim their products are suitable for disabled people, but you should double check when you book. Ask the travel agent for the OAG Gazetter for a straightforward account of the resort you are visiting.
There are many organisations who can help, providing information about holidays for disabled children going away with or without their family. There may also be financial help available towards the cost of a holiday. In addition, there are organisations that 'grant wishes', for example, organising holidays for children who have a life limiting condition. See Where to get further help.
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