Travel

The NDIS has a strong focus on the goals and aspirations of people living with disability. It is hoped that, for many people, this will enable them to dream for the first time about travel opportunities. Having a discussion around travel for people with a disability is an exciting and fun topic to consider.

The purpose of this discussion topic is to ensure people know of opportunities for travel and support available for them to do this, as well as tips and strategies from their peers to make their dreams a reality. Suggested discussion points are:

Dreaming: The need to work towards achieving our goals is universal, as setting goals and then working towards accomplishing them helps make life worthwhile. Goals can be related to work, learning a new skill, finding a way to more effectively manage activities of everyday living, improving a relationship or travelling. This topic is all about the last goal – travel.

Do some members have dreams about travel? If so, where, with whom, and why?

Are there any barriers currently?
Goals are important, and sometimes we are not able to achieve a certain goal and then have to reassess and set different goals. This is part of life. But our community needs to work to remove as many barriers as possible for people with disability, because barriers can limit options and prevent otherwise productive people from being able to be contributing participants in society.

Travel Tips: As for our other goals, travel requires planning and working to ensure the goal can be achieved. Some topics for discussion can include:

  •  Importance of Planning: what can be thought of ahead of time to ensure your travel is a success? For example: rest days, bookings, money/currency, medicine, backups, contacts, Doctors letter, bags (and how you can carry them yourself), itinerary copies and passport/documentation.
  • Fatigue Management: how can you ensure you have sufficient energy during your travel if your disability means you must manage your fatigue levels?
  • Budget options: where are some inexpensive travel options the group can suggest?
  • Equipment options: Do you need a mobility aid? During travel this may be useful and helpful even if you usually do not use an aid (e.g. a folding wheelchair or scooter).
  • Medications: if you take any regular medications – take spares in separate bags, and also bring along a medical summary or letter with medications for overseas travel.
  • Long-haul flight tips: Consider seating and timing (& stops) and consult advice.
  • Transportation options – fly/cruise or drive?: what is best for you?

Travel Insurance: Although it sounds boring, have you considered travel insurance? If so, there are many sites you can use to check for affordable pre-existing conditions cover.

Companion Cards: Do you have a companion card? This is issued to people who have a significant, lifelong disability and will always need a companion to enable them to attend and participate in community based activities – see https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/care-and-support/disability/companion-card/apply-for-a-companion-card and may save you on entry to a range of travel opportunities by providing one free entry.

Short Stay Holiday Distribution Fund: In SA, there is a grant available to help people go on a holiday – ask in your local area if other such opportunities exist. Any ideas from the group?

Local Travel Options: Do members have ideas about local places to visit? Where have you gone for a holiday that you enjoyed? Do you have suggestions from travel you didn’t enjoy? If good and viable local options are identified, share these details amongst the peer group.

Members’ Travel stories: Do you have your own story about travel to share with your group? This is often very powerful in a peer support network, and everyone loves to show off their travel pics. A peer support network is a great place for people with a disability to come together and share their travel dreams, goals and stories.

Useful links and resources:

Co-authored by Families4Families

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The information on this page is also available as a downloadable Quick Guide, by clicking below. There are.pdf and word versions.