Are we there yet?
If you're planning any long journeys this summer check out these top tips from parents & carers ...
Handy toys
When travelling in the car attach favourite toys or fidgits to long, springy keyrings or ribbons. I clip these on to a loop of elastic around the headrest. That way everything stays within their reach.
Mobile distraction
I have recorded myself on my mobile reading my son's favourite stories, which he can listen to in the car, on a plane etc. I have also put some nursery rhymes and theme tunes on there. I always have my mobile with me so it's not only useful for journeys, but also unexpected situations like waiting for hospital appointments etc.
V-shaped pillow
We use a V-shaped pillow – the kind mothers use to breastfeed – to help support Milly in airplane seats. We simply turn it upside down, sit her on the open V & the sides cradle her.
Limit distractions
Driver distraction can create very dangerous situations. Think of ways to reduce persistent distracting behaviours, such as throwing items from the back seat to the front of the car. I typically sit in the back seat with the kids so that my husband can focus on driving safely.
Phone ahead
We travelled by EuroStar last summer & phoning ahead was a God-send. We had an allocated member of staff who took us into a quiet room before the train was announced & escorted us to the platform. At the other end we were greeted by staff who escorted us to the front & helped us through.
See Me Safety Mirror
The See Me Safety mirror is an adjustable rear mirror with a 6-way pivot so you can adjust it to the perfect angle to see your child clearly in the rear seat.
TravelChair
Meru do an adjustable air TravelChair for disabled children from 3-11 years (depending on their size & weight). The chair fits into a standard airline seat & gives firm, postural support. It has an adjustable headrest, footrest & body harness.
Cue cards
If you use visual cues to communicate have small versions of the pictures laminated and attached to a belt ring so that signs like 'toilet' 'stop' or 'drink' are readily and quickly available for long journeys.
Magnetic white boards
Magnetic white boards are great for long car journeys. You can pick up small ones from supermarkets and stationers, and magnetic numbers and letters, animals etc. Fun without all the mess of felt tips and crayons!
Tryb4ufly
Tryb4ufly is a charitable service that offers children & adults with disabilities an opportunity to trial specially designed aircraft seating support to see which one works best for them. They stock a range of supportive devices & equipment, such as the AirChair, Burnett Body Support & Crelling Harness.
Airport guide
This is a useful guide which has been designed to relieve some of the stress & worry of air travel for people with disabilities. Airport guide
Buckle Boss
To keep a child or adult from undoing a standard seatbelt, get a Buckle Buss. It's a device which fits over the the red button. Impossible to open with just fingers.
Folding sunshades
Folding sunshades are great for reducing brightness in the car. You can pick them up fairly cheaply from Halfords.
Car stress
Our son gets very stressed in cars, but understanding the source of his stress has really helped. He dislikes the smell of the car, the noises, being restrained etc. Now we use his comfort items, blankets around him, ear defenders, blinds on windows and go for neutralising rather than strong air fresheners. Over time our son has got much better with car journeys.
Snap it!
I always find it really helpful when we are going somewhere for the first time with Jason to take a photo first or show him a postcard so he knows where we're going.
Houdini buckle up
Toby was always unbuckling his seat belt. We just turn around the buckles on the car seat which stops him. In the event of an accident, firemen just cut the belt, they never undo the buckle, so there is no problem with getting out in an emergency.
Bendy straws
Sue finds it comforting to twirl objects in a new situation, so I keep some bendy drinking straws in her handbag for long trips.
Travelling with meds
If you're travelling by plane with medication, always pack half in your hand luggage in case your suitcase goes missing. That way, you'll have enough till your case is relocated or you can get some more locally.
Don't forget your iPad!
My iPad is a travel essential. I can upload free apps – piano, guitar, sensory, books, interactive animation, colouring-in, jigsaws etc – & lots of photos & visuals to build social stories on the go. Proloquo2go loaded with travel words, & when my son gets overloaded there is music & headphones to calm him down.
Trabasack
A trabasack is a lap tray on one side with a removable bean bag cushion on the other. It's great for providing a flat surface to lean a laptop or a colouring book on while travelling.
Airport aware
Manchester Airport has produced a really useful illustrated guide to 'Airport Awareness' in association with various organisations, including the NAS. Although it's for Manchester, much of the info is useful for any major airport. Airportaware (709.0 KB)
Take out the fear factor
When you are planning a trip, try & take away the fear of the unknown by using symbols, books, even photos of every stage of the journey. Prepare as much as possible in advance by showing the photos & symbols in the days leading up to your trip.
Reserve a parking spot
Lots of places have reserved disabled parking in their staff car parks. Phone ahead and try and book yourself a spot.
