Travel offers potential for fun and a potential for challenges for every family. People with ALS face particular challenges with travel that require planning to be best prepared.
The care team at ALS United Mid-Atlantic is here to support our ALS families to make sure that they can live life to the fullest, including with fun and accessible travel. People with ALS share with our care professionals their unique roadblocks and we work together on effective strategies and devices to ensure that their trips can be as smooth as possible.
Recently, Sarah, a person with ALS from Montgomery County, PA, shared a video about her challenges with navigating a visit to the beach:
Experts like Home Accessibility and Assistive Technology Specialist Alisa Brownlee, ATP, CLIPP, CAPS, WSP, CEAC/Mastery, are ready to assist people with ALS with guidance and resources to make sure they can safely travel with family and friends. Alisa recently contributed to an article for Your ALS Guide with useful tips for all people with ALS: Travel for People with ALS – How to Travel by Van or Plane – Your ALS Guide
Topics from Your ALS Guide include:
- Organizing personal documents in case of emergency
- Preparing for mobility and respiratory needs
- Planning for your communication needs
- Using a travel agent who specializes in accessibility
- Traveling by train, plane, or cruise
- Flying with a power wheelchair
- Accessible lodging
- Connecting with the Traveling with ALS Facebook group
Here are some travel tips from the MDA: MDA Ambassadors Share Tips for Flying with Power Wheelchairs and Medical Equipment
For further guidance and questions, please contact your social worker or Alisa Brownlee at Alisa@alsmidatlantic.org.
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