“Putting Development
Before The Disability”
Exceptional Vacations Provides High Quality
Vacations for Individuals with Developmental
Disabilities and Other Special Needs.
Call Us Today: 866-748-8747
Travel Helps Youth Transition into Adulthood
There are many challenges as an individual with special needs transitions from late
adolescence to adulthood. Many of the opportunities that the individual had while
in the school system seem to slowly disappear. Parents work with their adult-child
to plan for the future, and determine what course to follow: work training programs
vs. competitive employment in the community vs. higher education, staying at home
vs. a residential program vs. living independently. This is an important time to
take advantage of new opportunities, and help your son or daughter have the chance
to grow.
One important component is recreation and travel. Through these areas individuals
have the chance to experience the world in a new way. Traveling with friends or
groups of new people allow individuals to find themselves in ways that may not have
been available to them in the past. Meeting new people and exploring new places
is a great way to build an openness to new things and experiences that will be beneficial
in all areas of their lives.
Participating in a group of people, which does not always include mom and dad, gives
individuals the ability to become more independent. Many times parents will hear
feedback from experiences such as these that do not sound like the typical behavior
of their son or daughter. Hearing how they tried things that they never tried before,
and/or reacted in a way to a situation that was more positive than the way they would
usually react. These are just a couple of examples of how individuals can grow in
these situations.
Travel provides a wonderful opportunity for personal growth, community integration,
relationship building, and opportunities for independence. The best part is all
of these great qualities can be developed in a fun and exciting atmosphere. Provide
your son or daughter with the ability to experience all the world has to offer, and
watch them blossom in the process.