There are increasing numbers of places providing accessible accommodation which allows those living with disabilities to experience a wider level of choice when planning a trip away. There are several organisations which can provide useful information regarding accessible accommodation and holidays and here is a roundup of the best ones.
Ideas
Ideas is a disability support organisation that provides lots of information and assistance for all aspects of life. Ideas provides a list of accessible accommodation by area as well as listings for accessible holiday companies. Find out more here.
Trip Advisor
TripAdvisor is a large worldwide travel website with information on hotels, activities and travel related forums. When looking for accommodation, you can change the accommodation search parameters to include ‘accessible rooms’ and ‘wheelchair access’ but we would always recommend contacting the accommodation directly to confirm their accessibility before finalising any payments. Find out more here.
NDIS Support
A NDIS plan is not able to fund holidays however they may be able to fund supports and services that are needed to go on a holiday if it is deemed reasonable and necessary. The NDIS may be able to cover costs such as equipment hire, supports and services but won’t be able to cover the costs such as travel, accommodation, food and entertainment for yourself or any support workers that accompany you. For further information regarding your NDIS plan and holidays, contact your support coordinator or plan manager.
Travel Providers
Travel providers can provide all-access travel packages for NDIS participants. There are a variety of different travel providers to choose from, some of those include:
- All Access Holidays
- Leisure Options
- Inclusive Getaways
- Discovery Holidays
- Pipeline Holidays
- ClubMates Travel
- Trusted Travel
Airport Navigation
Passengers should mention their support needs when booking flights and give details of any special equipment which will be carried or may be required in-flight. Passengers also need to mention any special dietary requirements when booking and if they are on medication. Enough medication for the trip should be carried in cabin baggage.
The best way to find these plans is to do a search on the home page of the airline with whom you plan to fly as well as the airports which you will be flying to and from. Below we have listed the current links to the Disability Access Facilitation Plans for Sydney Airport, Newcastle Airport, Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar.
- Assistance Sydney airport
- Newcastle Airport | Travelling with a Disability
- Special Assistance - Canberra Airport
- Contact us about specific needs | Qantas
- Specific needs and assistance | Virgin Australia
- Specific assistance | Jetstar
Travel Insurance
Travel doesn’t always go as planned. If you're going on an overseas holiday, travel insurance is important as without it, you or your family could suffer financially if things go wrong.
To compare different financial institutions to find the best value, visit:
Accessible Activities
One website that provides a good range of information is “Have wheelchair will travel”. Some of the blogs looks at international travel, evaluations of hotels, accessibility of events and a personal insight into navigating travel with a wheelchair. Have Wheelchair Will Travel
Holiday and Respite Accessible Accommodation is a website that provides a database of accommodation across the country that is accessible. The review of each location provides the level of access and equipment available to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Travel Without Limits provides information, tips, ideas, and inspiration for holidays for people with disabilities. The website posts regular updates and information along with a magazine which is published in March and September each year.
Accessible Beaches
Works with surf clubs, councils and the broader community to explore opportunities that will help increase access and inclusion at your beach and club. Their website includes user access reviews and an online beach directory www.accessiblebeaches.com as well as providing general information around available equipment.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
NSW national parks offer lots of accessible places suitable for people with disability. Around Sydney, Royal National Park has wheelchair access areas as do many places in Sydney Harbour National Park. https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/access-friendly/access-friendly-things-to-do
Accessible Experiences
Choose from a variety of accessible experiences catering for people with a range of mobility needs. Browse the listed experiences, which include photos and frequently asked questions to help you be informed of what is provided in terms of accessibility.
D-ability.org
Is a database of accessible arts, leisure, outdoor, sports and dining plus health and wellbeing information.
We hope these resources help you to plan a great holiday and if you do have any feedback, or would like more information and support in planning your trip, then please contact our Information Line on 1800 777 175.