Today was day 4 of the annual Camp Shriver Special Olympics day camp here in Baton Rouge. I've been fortunate enough to be a "clinician" last year and this year. It is such a blessing to see the 75 athletes compete and improve in various sports. Things that many or our "typically-abled" friends take for granted are celebrated with great joy at Camp Shriver. Kicking the kickball without assistance, dribbling a basketball three times in a row, making a ringer in horseshoes (OK, that one is celebrated by EVERYONE) - all are causes of celebration, not just by the partners but by the athletes on BOTH teams!
It's these small achievements that are also part of traveling with a family member with special needs. Going thru a turnstile without getting stuck, going down the jetway, actually getting into a seat, and then staying there while the engines "spool up" are all great causes of celebration in our family. I'm sure your family has some special challenges when you travel, too. Getting their and seeing our daughter's face makes all these struggles worthwhile.
I'm sure your family faces some challenges while travelling, too. I'd welcome a discussion on things that cause stress and anxiety in our family members with special needs and any coping techniques that you may have used to deal with them. From my personal experience, it's these things that are the biggest challenges while traveling with our special family members.
Chime in ---
Bruce
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Monday, June 6, 2016
Who has special needs?
While it may sound trite - we all do. My family has a daughter with a mental handicap. She has some specific special needs. I have Crohn's disease, so I have my own needs. My wife has bad knees, so she has hers. Most every family is the same. Sometimes, it's hard to find a place or activity that fits into everyone's "special" (I'd probably say "ordinary") needs.
For example, while I love rollercoasters, my wife does NOT. My daugher does, but she cannot tolerate waiting in a cramped, dark, loud line. We all love Chinese and Italian food, but if I eat any starch or sugar (so, rice, fried food, noodles, sweet-and-sour, etc. are all off the menu), I'm "out of commission" for at least a day. My wife loves to wander through all sorts of shops, me - not so much.
This blog and forum will attempt to help you connect with others dealing with interesting challenges while traveling and with travel providers who may be able to help you make that dream trip a reality.
For example, while I love rollercoasters, my wife does NOT. My daugher does, but she cannot tolerate waiting in a cramped, dark, loud line. We all love Chinese and Italian food, but if I eat any starch or sugar (so, rice, fried food, noodles, sweet-and-sour, etc. are all off the menu), I'm "out of commission" for at least a day. My wife loves to wander through all sorts of shops, me - not so much.
This blog and forum will attempt to help you connect with others dealing with interesting challenges while traveling and with travel providers who may be able to help you make that dream trip a reality.
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