ChildRC: Birth Injury Resource Center

Home > Birth Injury Resources > Travel and Transportation

Travel and Transportation

Travel and Transportation Tips for Disabled Children 

Dependable, accessible transportation is vital for people with disabilities, who rely on it to participate in work, school, community activities, recreation, shopping, and more.

In the past, transportation for children with disabilities has posed a challenge. But today, thanks to advocacy and regulatory efforts, public and private transportation are more accessible than ever.

Equal Access 

You may know that people with disabilities are entitled to equal access to transportation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

But just what does equal access mean for your child?

Equal access means safe boarding and disembarking, barrier-free access to bathrooms, and transport personnel who are trained to serve people with disabilities. Equal access means the availability of paratransit services - a door-to-door transport system for individuals who are unable to use public transportation. Equal access to transportation is the key to independence and inclusion for children with special needs.

Travel Training 

Travel training is another important aspect of equal access to transportation. In order to gain independence, children with disabilities need to understand the modes of transportation available to them, how to plan their travel, and how to travel safely.

Providers of travel training include schools, vocational rehabilitations programs and organizations that train service animals. Some programs work with individual students, while others are geared toward small groups of people with a specific disability.

When searching for travel training for your child, be sure to look for a program whose trainers are experienced with your child's particular disability. Also, look for a program in which a trainer will actually travel with your child along public transportation routes and show them how to:

• Cross streets safely
• Board the correct bus or train and pay fares
• Disembark at the desired destination
• Follow directions
• Ask for assistance from an appropriate source when needed
• Maintain proper behavior
• Deal with strangers

Personal Vehicles 

While accessible public transportation gives children with disabilities a route to independence, an accessible personal vehicle is essential for family travel. Specially designed and outfitted vehicles can be very costly, but public or private grant programs may be able to provide financial assistance. With a doctor's prescription for vehicle modifications, you may also be eligible for some degree of tax relief or insurance reimbursement.

When shopping for an accessible automobile or van, ask your local rehabilitation agency or members of your health care team where you can find a qualified evaluator. The evaluator can assess your child's needs and recommend lifts, safe seating or other equipment to ensure your child's comfort and safety.

Car Seats

Safely and comfortably transporting a disabled child can be a challenge, especially if she is unable to maintain an upright position without assistance. Choosing the right car seat can go a long way toward alleviating your concerns. As with any equipment or assistive device you purchase, be sure to look for the specific features your child needs, such as adequate padding, lap and shoulder restraints, and adjustable reclining. The size of the car seat is another important consideration. If you'll be using public transportation, make sure the car seat will fit in a standard bus or airplane seat.

Travel Tip for Parents 

All modes of public transportation have made great strides in making travel accessible, convenient and fun for people with disabilities. Still, the best way to a stress-free trip is to avoid unpleasant surprises. Consider taking a few minutes to verify your carrier's policies - how will your child's wheelchair be transported, or how will security checks be handled, for example - to pave the way for an enjoyable and worry-free travel experience.

Learn more about assistive products for children with birth injuries.

Learn more about nutritional care for children with birth injuries.