Up,up and away
Taking a flight with can be difficult at best, it can be even more challenging when your child lives with a disability. Here’s what experts suggest when it comes to air travel.
Check with their health care professional – discuss plans and options with doctors and occupational therapists to get clearance and advice.
Pack mindfully – think about flight delays, weather changes and other reasons that would keep you from getting home on time and plan accordingly, have snacks, medications, water, first aid kit, and spare clothes are within easy reach.
Communicate with your child – explain what will happen ahead of time and during the experience with details what’s about to happen can help you child prepare for the potential anxiety and “newness” of the situation.
Expect medical/behavioral situations – the stress of travelling can irritate already existing conditions. Request help, discuss accommodations, quiet areas with airlines staff upon booking, during check in and on the flight. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
Protect equipment – label your wheelchair and any other medical equipment you have to have checked in, if anything gets damaged make a report right away.
