Holidays

1. Holidays

2. Holidays should be a wonderful experience but for some of our families they are such a challenge that they are sometimes avoided. There are various resources out there that can help.

3. Discounted holidays

4. Some charities give grants towards holidays. Making applications for grant funding towards a holiday or trip typically needs more time than you might think because of grant-makers' procedures. They will often want additional letters from professionals, and have committees that only meet every so often. Places to start looking for holiday grants can be found at: http://www.disability-grants.org/holiday-grants-disabled-children.html http://skybadger.co.uk/holiday

5. Family Fund Families can apply for a grant for a short break. The charity use Butlins, Haven and Travel by Inspire to offer families a break. https://www.familyfund.org.uk/FAQs/what-can-we-apply-for For those who haven't received a family break award this time, there are still special offers and extra savings on all Haven self-catered or touring holidays or short breaks. You can save up to an extra 10% on your break (5% saving on English school holidays and bank holiday dates). Visit Haven's website for full terms and conditions or call their dedicated contact centre team on 0333 202 5250 and quote FF_SPECIAL. Calls to 0333 numbers are charged at standard UK rates and will be included in any inclusive minute bundles.

6. Extra savings are also available with Travel by Inspire to make the dream of a break or holiday come true for more families. For example Thomas Cook, Sandals, Royal Caribbean, First Choice, Jet2Holidays. Inspire are offering a chance to save an extra 5% on your break. In order to take advantage of this discount, please call the Inspire team on 0161 440 6735 and quote FF5 for your 5% discount. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with a Family Breaks Card or any other gift card or promotional discount. Discount cannot be used on flight only or cruise bookings. Terms and Conditions apply. https://www.familyfund.org.uk/extra-savings

7. The Family Holiday Association • The Family Holiday Association can make grants to provide a one week holiday to families who are desperately in need of a break • To qualify families need to meet the following criteria: • 1. The family lives on a low income, less than £24,000 or • relevant means tested benefits • The family has not been on holiday for the past four years • The family can be referred by a welfare agent e.g. school, GP, social worker, health visitor who can help them prepare for the holiday and provide feedback afterwards • We will only be able to consider an application for a short break if the family is not eligible for a grant from the Family Fund. • www.fhaonline.org.uk 020 3117 0650

8. Cerebra Holiday Home The house in Pembrokeshire, South Wales has a ramped entrance to allow wheelchair access and a large bedroom with en-suite facilities on the ground floor. It also has a multi-sensory room and a soft play area with tactile sensory toys. There is a large garden and a games room in the detached double garage, with table tennis, table football and a pool table. Applications are accepted from July for the following year and are entered into a draw, with families who have not used the house before getting priority. To qualify the child must: Be 16 or under Have a neurological condition Benefit from a holiday at “Vallecchia” www.cerebra.org.uk/English/gethelp/holidayhome 0800 328 1159

9. The Harriet Davis Seaside Holiday Trust For Disabled Children The Trust provides four self-catering holiday houses in Pembrokeshire, UK for families with disabled children at economical prices Three houses are in the Tenby area and are fully adapted and equipped for physically disabled children and the fourth, in Narberth, has been adapted for children with autism and other learning disabilities. http://www.harriet-davis-trust.org.uk/index.html 01834 845197

10. Holiday Homes Trust Specialise in family holiday accommodation and cater to a wide range of needs. They offer low cost self-catering caravan/chalet holiday accommodation in popular UK resorts for families or individuals who are disadvantaged, whether through disability, income or circumstances. All of the Trust’s caravans and its chalet are fully wheelchair accessible, inside and out. They also have three caravans with a wheel-in shower. Holidays available in Yorkshire, Norfolk, Hampshire, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and West Sussex. Caravans are on superb Haven, Hoburne and Park Resorts holiday parks. All of the parks have a wide-range of facilities, including swimming pools, children’s play areas, shops and restaurants and bars, that provide both day-time and evening entertainment. http://www.holidayhomestrust.org/ 020 8433 7290 or 020 8433 7291

11. Holiday Insurance

12. Holiday insurance is essential but costs for insurance that covers pre-existing conditions can vary widely– particularly if travelling outside of areas served by the NHS, but even if travelling within the UK. There are additional things you may need to check, for example, would the insurance cover family to stay at a holiday venue for extra days if the child is not able to travel back. The small print of a standard type of insurance, or extras provided with policies already in place for something else (such as a car or home) might cover contingencies, depending upon the circumstances. Cerebra provide a list of possible companies: http://w3.cerebra.org.uk/practical-help/travel-insurance-covering-children-with-disabilities/

13. Free Spirit Medical Travel Insurance Providing cover for people with existing medical conditions is what makes Free Spirit different to standard travel insurance policies. Many standard travel insurance policies exclude cover for existing medical conditions or will decline to offer cover. This can lead to people travelling abroad without adequate cover and risking large medical bills. Free Spirit was the first scheme of its type specifically dedicated to those being declined cover elsewhere due to their health. It is now one of the UK's largest specialist travel insurance schemes for people of any age with existing medical conditions and disabilities. http://www.freespirittravelinsurance.com 0800 170 7704 or 02392 419 865

14. Information

15. It is useful to gather information from accommodation and resorts as well as feedback from other holidaymakers who have been there. This will help you predict how comfortable the proposed venues would be for the child, and for other holidaymakers. For example, how easy would it be to keep an eye on the child, would there be a sense of freedom or would there be aspects of the layout, facilities or effects on other people that would cause worry all the time, and how quiet or noisy is it? If applicable, would there be understanding for a child with emotional, behavioural or physical difficulties? Would you want a particular type of childcare to be available? Often this kind of intelligence is posted online, for example, tips for travelling with a disabled child https://www.takethefamily.com/travel-tips/before-you-book/travelling-with-disabled-children

16. https://uk.style.yahoo.com/travelling-with-a-disabled-child-tips-advice-154400501.htmlhttps://uk.style.yahoo.com/travelling-with-a-disabled-child-tips-advice-154400501.html For a specific venue, try putting the place / hotel into a search engine with the word “disabled”. For a specific condition, try searching for a term connected with it, e.g. “autism-friendly”.

17. Hft Hft’s Family Carer Support Service’s new 2016 Holiday Information guide is now available. The guide is packed full of ideas and information regarding holidays for people with learning disabilities including insurance and pre booking information. http://www.hft.org.uk/holidayinformationguide

18. Disabled Holiday Guide They arrange holidays for families with disabled children and children with learning difficulties. They can source disabled adapted rooms where needed and find holidays suitable for children with special needs. They list access to airport assistance, oxygen onboard the aircraft and in resort, disabled adapted rooms and much more helping to make the trip as stress free as possible! http://www.disabilityholidaysguide.com/home.aspx

19. RADAR RADAR have produced a useful guide: 'Holidays in the British Isles' priced £12.99 https://crm.disabilityrightsuk.org/holiday-guide-2013

20. Euan's Guide Features disabled access reviews from disabled people and their friends and families. "The aim of Euan’s Guide is to empower disabled people by providing information that will give confidence and choices for getting out and about. Euan’s Guide is an alternative to hours of web searching and phone calls and, most importantly, removes the ‘fear of the unknown’ when visiting a venue for the first time." Euan MacDonald, Founder of Euan's Guide As well as tourism and entertainment venues such as hotels, restaurants, bars, theatres & visitor attractions, Euan’s Guide features disabled access reviews of any place that is visited as part of everyday life such as post offices, railway stations, supermarkets and many others. Search to find a venue in your area and, if there isn’t one, write a review for the first one now! http://www.euansguide.com/

21. Contact a Family Contact a Family have a guide to holidays, play and leisure for families of disabled children. Packed full of useful information to help you plan to keep the children occupied this summer holiday, the guide includes: • where to find suitable play and leisure facilities • ideas for days out • your child’s rights to play and leisure • financial help with leisure, and with holidays in the UK or abroad • finding holiday and travel insurance • short breaks for carers. http://www.cafamily.org.uk/media/682496/holidays_play_and_leisure.pdf 0808 808 3555.

22. ASD holiday guide HolidayPirates have produced an online guide to help families looking for autism friendly holidays. http://www.holidaypirates.com/holidaypackages/autism-friendly-holidays-our-guide?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cheap+holidays&utm_campaign=hp.com

23. Accessible holidays

24. Holidays for Disabled Children A site that list companies who specialise in holidays for families with physical disabilities, both in the UK and abroad. Before booking a holiday you will need to be sure your holiday provider has all the facilities your family requires. These can include wheelchair accessible properties, shower chairs, roll-in showers, hoists and adapted vehicles. You may also be able to find companies who supply Nursing and care services in certain locations. Some holiday locations provide wheelchair access to the sea. There are many different holidays available to disabled people including activity holidays, camping holidays, boating holidays and self-catering cottage holidays. http://www.parenting.co.uk/holidays/holidays-for-the-disabled.cfm

25. Access Travel - Wheelchair accessible holidays for disabled people For over 22 years they have been providing disabled, wheelchair accessible holiday solutions for people with restricted mobility. Most clients are confined to a wheelchair and are looking for holiday accommodation with wheelchair access. The properties on offer are all abroad and have been inspected by them or have been recommended by a wheelchair user and in their judgement offer a good level of access for wheelchair users. http://www.access-travel.co.uk/

26. Accessatlast.com Specialise in holidays in both the UK and abroad. They are presently the only website in the world advertising only accommodation with at least 1 room with a level access shower. They are making life accessible for people wanting to travel all over this beautiful world, no matter what physical ability a person has. http://www.accessatlast.com/

27. CANbeDONE Provides holidays around the world and offers original and pioneering wheelchair accessible holidays to a wide choice of destinations. www.canbedone.co.uk

28. Caravan-Sitefinder A directory of campsites in the UK. You can search by disabled access http://www.caravansitefinder.co.uk/parks/find

29. Calvert Trust Exmoor Activity holidays for the disabled, enabling people with physical, learning, behavioural and sensory disabilities to experience exciting, challenging and enjoyable outdoor activities. Welcomes guests of all ages and levels of ability, together with their families & friends. Everything they offer is together on one fully accessible site, and prices are inclusive of accommodation, activities and all meals. http://www.calvert-trust.org.uk/exmoor/exmoor

30. The Bruce Trust A registered charity providing specially-designed, purpose-built, wide-beam canal boats, for hire for self-catering, self-steer holidays by disabled, disadvantaged or elderly people along with their family, friends or carers. Each boat has the highest quality accommodation and the ultimate flexibility for people with a wide variety of special needs. They all have a fully equipped galley with cooker and fridge, central heating and flushing W.C. The extra width of the boats provides excellent manoeuvrability for wheelchair users and they all have special built-in facilities. The boats operate from two bases along the Kennet and Avon Canal, which flows through Berkshire and Wiltshire. http://www.brucetrust.org.uk/index.html

31. Blackpool Are you looking for an accessible holiday destination? The Bond Hotel in Blackpool specialises in fully accessible holidays. The friendly, family run atmosphere provides the perfect base to enjoy the seaside town, with everything you need to ensure you enjoy your break. With 65 accessible bedrooms available and mobility equipment such as profiling beds, ceiling tracking and portable hoists, it has never been easier to enjoy a stress free holiday or respite break. Door to door transport and tailor made care packages are available and cabaret shows every evening with some of the best acts in the Northwest performing. For information call 01253 341 218 http://www.bondhotel.co.uk/

32. Cornwall Facilities to support disabled people to access beaches and surrounding areas in Bude are in place. They include: • a ramp and railing at Widemouth Bay to provide wheelchair access onto the beach, • two accessible beach huts, new sand chairs to support access to the sand and sea, a Changing Places facility at Summerleaze Beach • a wheelchair tandem bike which can be hired from the local cycle hire shop. • A wheelchair accessible wheelyboat is available to hire at Tamar Lake for pleasure boating (see their accessibility page here for further details HERE). The boat can carry a maximum or 8 passengers or 5 wheelchair passengers. • There is also a tramper buggy at Tamar Lakes and Whalesborough Farm (for use along Bude Canal). http://www.visitbude.info/access-friendly-bude/

33. Cerebra Holiday Home The house in Pembrokeshire, South Wales has a ramped entrance to allow wheelchair access and a large bedroom with en-suite facilities on the ground floor. It also has a multi-sensory room and a soft play area with tactile sensory toys. There is a large garden and a games room in the detached double garage, with table tennis, table football and a pool table. Applications are accepted from January until July for the following year and are entered into a draw with families who have not used the house before getting priority. To qualify the child must: Be 16 or under Have a neurological condition Benefit from a holiday at “Vallecchia” www.cerebra.org.uk/English/gethelp/holidayhome 0800 328 1159

34. Avon Tyrell Activity Holidays The families have the opportunity to enjoy our unique residential, and fully supported adventure activity weekend while staying in our Grade I listed country house. Set in 65 acres near the villages of Burley and Bransgore in the New Forest, England. Staff are trained to use any additional equipment that may be needed for disability groups, the site itself is fully accessible, a hoist for the outdoor pool and lakes, accessible lodges and full board accommodation. Our standard 2 night weekend stays are charged at £55pp for Gateway Card Holders. Next date: 24 – 26 February 2017 They also run Inclusion days. Dates TBC. 01425 672347 or email info@ukyouth.org

35. Accessible Property Register Specialises in promoting wheelchair accessible and adapted property, and holiday accommodation • Specialises in promoting wheelchair accessible and adapted property, and wheelchair access holiday accommodation • Accepts adverts for wheelchair accessible property suitable for disabled people for sale and rent • Promotes wheelchair access social housing and private residential property • Provides links and useful information relating to property and disabled access http://accessible-property.org.uk/holidays/accessible accommodation.htm

36. NAS - Holidays: autism-friendly Produce a lists holiday destinations in the UK and overseas which have stated that their facilities are appropriate for people with autism and related disorders. http://www.autism.org.uk/directory/browse/cid=98~aid=1.aspx Inclusion on this list does not in any way imply a recommendation by the NAS. The list is prepared from copy provided by the centres themselves. The NAS has not visited these centres and cannot guarantee their suitability for children or adults with autism spectrum disorders. The Information Centre welcomes feedback and comments about the centres from those who have visited them. Also has a page on preparation, including a link to using visual supports: http://www.autism.org.uk/about/family-life/holidays- trips/preparation.aspx

37. The Thomas Centre The Thomas Centre is a venue in Lincolnshire providing holidays for those that are affected by Autism, ADHD, Aspergers or other complex needs. There are indoor and outdoor activities. They all provide beauty treatments and massage therapies for parents to relax. http://www.thethomascentre.co.uk/home Prices are higher (£1,400 for a week in a 2 bed house in the Summer holidays)

38. Accessible Holiday Homes, Ropley The Flat Spaces bungalows are fitted out to meet the most stringent disability accreditation and all bungalows meet the highest environmental standards. The first Flat Spaces are in Ropley (right next to the Watercress Line!) with more planned in Surrey and Kent! They sleep 6. The holiday home includes: • OpeMed ceiling hoist fixed track • assisted w/c • rise & fall wash basin • level access shower • wet room • rise & fall kitchen surfaces & table • flat double door access. • Short breaks from £500, week from £995 http://www.flatspaces.co.uk/index.html 01252 758858 or email info@opemed.net

39. Special Kids in the UK - Speshfest Speshfest is open to verified members of Special Kids In The UK charity. With the annual family fun day being held on Saturday many of the members decide to camp for the week surrounding the fun day. Activities are planned throughout the week both day and night to ensure a fun filled stay. The camp is held in Wem in Shropshire and tents and caravans are welcome. There are also caravans to hire on site. Much of the weekend has food included and cost per night is £20 per pitch. http://specialkidsintheuk.org/home/speshfest/

40. Travel

41. Transport for Disabled Transport for Disabled, UK gives up to date information about accessibility for wheelchair users on trains, coaches and other forms of transport. e.g. If you are disabled and flying for your holiday it is recommended you contact the airline 48 hours before your departure. The airline will then provide you with assistance to reach check-in, help with the check-in, and help you to the plane and from the plane. Because seating on a plane is required to meet safety regulations you will not be able to take your own chair onto the plane. Your chair will be placed into the hold and you will be provided with an on-board chair. Remember to ensure your insurance covers your wheelchair. http://www.gov.uk/transport-disabled

42. Flying If you are travelling by air, check what special arrangements the transport providers will be able to put in place. You might want to check who to liaise with; how much and what kind of equipment can be taken on to the plane; what kind of catering is provided; how to move through airports with the child; what assistance they can offer that would smooth your way, for example special facilities or being able to jump a queue; and whether the child, or even a piece of equipment, may need an extra seat. Some airlines and travel companies may give different answers from others, and some countries may be easier to travel through than others. Tryb4ufly let you try equipment for use on a plane to ensure its suitable for your child before you go. http://tryb4ufly.co.uk/content/hire-service

43. Meru TravelChair The TravelChair is a unique chair that fits into a standard airline seat giving firm, postural support for disabled children whilst they travel by air. It is suitable for disabled children from 3 – 11 years (depending on their size and weight). The adjustable headrest, footrest and body harness provide various levels of postural support which can allow even severely disabled children the option to fly. The TravelChair is made from strong, durable materials and has been developed with the parents of disabled children, airlines and the UK Civil Aviation Authority to ensure everyone’s needs are met. It is now approved by EASA. It can be placed in a standard airline seat so you can sit with your child during the flight. It is quick to install, has familiar supportive features and fits into the overhead locker when not in use. Virgin Atlantic and Monarch Airlines own TravelChairs and more airlines will do. They are also available for parents to hire if travelling with other airlines. http://meru.org.uk/what-we-do/travelchair/