"Do you know what we did last summer?"
A Sense Scotland survey of disabled peoples' holiday experiences
picture by Martin
Contents
- Background and Method
- Survey responses
- Conclusion
- Recommendations and suggestions from families
- Appendices
- Useful contacts / recommended holidays and resorts
Back to the Contents
Background
Sense Scotland works with children and adults with complex support needs who face challenges because of deafblindness, sensory impairment, learning or physical disability. The charity provides advice and support for families and a range of services for children and adults.
From August to September 2004 Sense Scotland asked the families and carers it supports about holidays. We wanted to provide an opportunity for people who have a disabled family member to share their experience of holidays. It's easy to forget just how difficult it is for disabled people to find places that are accessible and for some their circumstances simply do not allow them the opportunity to take a break. One family hasn't had a holiday in decades.
The aim of the project is to highlight things that need to and could be changed for disabled people and it gives strong messages to the travel industry about the issues they need to address.
The disability market represents a major potential source of income. It has been estimated that over 8.6 million disabled people in Britain have a combined spending power of over £50 billion per annum. Disabled people therefore represent an important source of revenue for guest accommodation as leisure visitors and, increasingly, as business users. (1, see appendix)
What is it that most disabled people and their families are looking for? Perhaps their wishes are best expressed here:
"In an ideal world there wouldn't be any obstacles to prevent us from going wherever we wanted to."
Method
The survey was sent to a list of 435 families who are involved with Sense Scotland. 77 (nearly 18%) responded to the survey of 13 questions, which mixed open-ended text with multiple-choice questions. All response data was input into a database from which this final report is derived. Respondents to the survey had the option of giving named or anonymous answers. Over 53% said they would be happy to give their name to quotes and nearly 43% agreed to give an anonymous quote. Percentages are given when a significant number of people shared the same response to a question.
Age of disabled person
| Pre school: | over 5% |
| Primary School: | over 23% |
| Secondary school: | nearly 30% |
| 18-35: | nearly 28% |
| 36-55: | nearly 13% |
| 56-65: | over 1% |
Survey responses
- What did you do for a holiday this summer?
While some families had been able to take a holiday this year, others were unable get go on a break. Caravanning seems a popular option, perhaps because people feel they have greater control over the environment in which they support the disabled person.
- 31% had holidayed, abroad although poor services at some of the airports were noted
- over 19% of respondents had no holiday in the summer
- over 15% travelled to resorts across the Scotland
- nearly 8% chose caravanning holidays
Abroad
"Facilities at Glasgow airport are poor, as was Alicante. Airlines do not cater for people with disabilities to a great extent, eg: long walks for people with mobility problems."
No holiday
"Never had one. We are having a dispute about my son's assessment for a wheelchair. No wheelchair was available to take him on holiday and the dispute is ongoing."
Caravan
"One week caravanning hire at Lossiemouth (very expensive but worthwhile)."
- How many holidays have you had in the last 5 years?
- 12% had not had a holiday in five years
- nearly 12% had only had one holiday
- nearly 13% had only two holidays
- nearly 56% had at least three or more holidays in this period
Families are concerned that they are not always able to holiday with their disabled family. One family's holiday was:
"sadly taken when our daughter had been at summer school."
For others who were able to travel with their family member, it had still been a challenging experience.
"We have taken Mathew abroad twice. We have to bite the bullet and get on with it, carrying my son up and down stairs, coping with the lack of a kids club which caters for disabilities. It was very exhausting taking Mathew on holiday but we have to attempt this for the sake of our other two children."
Others acknowledge that while it is easier to take their disabled child when they are younger, it will be more physically demanding to support them when the grow older.
"I have been going to Devon each year to the same apartments. They are not necessarily wheelchair friendly in any way but my son is only six so it is easier, in some way, when they are still wee."
- Do you think that holiday companies offer enough choice for disabled people?
Many of those that responded said that companies do not offer enough choice. Some find it easier to avoid package deals and holiday companies and organise the whole break themselves.
A number of families had difficulty finding information about holidays for disabled people.
"Finding self catering, guest house or hotel accommodation in a chosen area is impossible."
Some people found that on arrival at a resort they were allocated first, second or even fourth floor accommodation despite having made specific requests for ground floor rooms. Either the lack of, or the poor quality of lifts in hotels and apartments caused additional stresses for holidaymakers and facilities were often found wanting.
"The hotel gave us a room on the second floor with no lift in the hotel."
"In the travel agents we asked for ground level, we got one up. The lift stopped inches inside the lift shaft. I had to lift the wheelchair each time I used the lift."
"The accommodation is never very well fitted out for disabled people, especially bathrooms, although it's getting better."
Other people were very concerned about the negative or narrow attitudes they encountered.
"People in wheelchairs are classed as second class people."
"They seem only to cater, to a certain extent, for the visible disabilities. Those with invisible disabilities are forgotten."
Perhaps, most tellingly, families encounter difficulties right from the start, when they are trying to find information through sales staff and brochures.
"Many times hotels say they are disabled friendly. You then find the lift doors are not wide enough, bathrooms have no handrails or showers and lounges and dining rooms are up or down five or more stairs."
"Holiday brochures do not make it plain whether hotels or apartments abroad are suitable for disabled people."
- Do you struggle to find information about holidays which are suited to your family's needs?
While online information is many people's starting point for holiday research, not everyone has access to a computer. Many found their experiences with holiday sales professionals frustrating.
- over 63% felt that they had to struggle to find information about holidays
- nearly 26% said they did not have problems
While the internet helped some people, others found it frustrating.
"Tried the internet but information can be contradictory."
Families are frustrated by the perceived narrow view of disabled people's needs and some found that:
"information can be misleading."
"There is a lack of information and understanding from holiday companies, when catering for disabled people."
Costs can also be limiting when making a choice for holidays.
"Holidays specifically geared for disabled people are very expensive and it's difficult finding something to suit all the family, including siblings."
To compensate for the lack of choices families have, many return to the same venue.
"We do the same thing each year in order to keep in touch with family, because it is a good base and is economical - a compromise solution."
"Mostly we do the same holiday because we have been before. Other holidays are more difficult."
- Compared with people who do not have a disabled family member, is going on holiday;
More expensive? nearly 52% Less expensive? over 6% About the same? nearly 30% For over 18% costs have a big influence on their holiday choices, often dictated by expensive accommodation.
"I think you pay a premium for many disabled facilities like showers, ramps and access."
"When looking at cottages that are fully equipped, they are much more expensive."
"We need access to good quality facilities, such as toilets. We need to go at peak times, like school holiday. We need to choose resorts that are not on hills but flat, and on the ground floor - all these tend to add to cost of the holiday."
"You have to pay more for disabled facilities and usually have to split up the family. One parent goes with siblings, another with the disabled child."
For other families the option of a holiday abroad was beyond them.
"We have never been able to get beyond the problems that travelling by car from Scotland would mean, flying and car hire abroad would cost so much. So Scotland it is for holidays."
"We tend to stay in the UK. Journeys tend to be broken down; no flights, short train journeys, the bus is a no-go. We tend to use the car, with frequent stopovers."
Access to affordable care support limits many families' holiday choices.
"If you go on a specific disabled friendly holiday it goes with put saying that you would pay extra for the help and support that is needed to allow the holiday to be in any way relaxing."
Some companies make additional charges for equipment while some families.
"We paid more for use of oxygen on the plane."
- Can you recommend a holiday resort / destination / company which has given you and your family your best holiday experience?
For those who were able to travel abroad, Florida and specifically Disneyland Florida are marked out as being very accessible,
"if you are disabled you come first in everything"
, and welcoming,
"you are treated like royalty"
"America and in particular Florida and Disney world. Everywhere including hotels and restaurants has ramp access, toilets are clean and large. Disabled visitors are not made to feel second-class, in fact very important."
Some campsites were seen to give flexibility and good physical access. Scottish campsites Craig Tara, Berwick upon Tweed and Silver Sands all boasted,
"grounds flat enough for wheelchairs"
- "Craig Tara is great for disabled people - all other places like clubs etc have disabled toilets and ramps, and the staff are really friendly."
- "Silver Sands Caravan Park, Lossiemouth suits our family requirements. A flat layout, closeness to the beach and safety are quite important."
Some all-inclusive packages worked for families with,
"no waiting in restaurants for tables and all facilities on site and easily accessible."
-
- What would be your ideal holiday with your disabled family member?
Care and support
Nearly 17% of the people asked said that having
"a carer to come in and help out occasionally"
would stop families feeling,
"exhausted by the time the two weeks are over, working 24/7."
"An activity holiday with trained people to help my son take part in activities which would include the whole family."
"A holiday which includes organised activities for the disabled child. Being able to leave the child in the care of professionals while we are able to relax."
Privacy
"Self catering away from public glare."
"Private villa with our own pool with disabled facilities in the sun, with a maid and cook."
Inclusive activities
Families also felt that the ideal holiday would involve all the family members while the disabled person could join in and make friends.
"People to help him enjoy the experience and seeing my other family members enjoy with a bit of time out for the parents too."
"Outdoor activities with an enabler, evening sitters, other children like themselves and friends for the siblings."
"Somewhere warm where my daughter could swim without hundreds of people in the pool. We think our daughter would love camping and would love barbeque scenarios. She would also love company of young people her own age."
Facilities
"Good facilities to make the holiday as easy as possible for all concerned"
and sometimes families are just looking for,
"people who understand what you are going through."
"We enjoy having our daughter with us but its actually harder work for us as we don't have the space or facilities that we have at home. I have to wash dress and toilet her which is hard work in the campervan."
"A fully equipped cottage/B&B within easy reach of a large town with lots to do. We wouldn't even attempt to go abroad."
- What would be your ideal holiday, without your disabled family member?
Peace of mind
People would only consider this option if they knew their family member was being supported while they were away.
"Good respite provision, otherwise we would attempt to include Mathew in all our holidays."
"We would enjoy any holiday if we were satisfied that our disabled daughter was happy whilst we were away."
No choice
"Nowhere he will always be with me."
"Chance would be a fine thing. No care provided for that."
City breaks
"I would love to do some city breaks (Prague, Rome, Venice) but that would not interest my daughter. She becomes self injurious if something does not suit her."
"City break or touring or hotel - all difficult with disabled member."
Peace and quiet
"Peace at home then some exercise, culture, good food and company. Anywhere would do as it would be a break."
- What would be your ideal holiday with your disabled family member?
- What things make it harder for you and your family when you are arranging and booking your holiday?
Holidaying together/respite support
One of the most repeated concerns amongst families was struggling not only to arrange
"respite to fit in with school holidays"
for the disabled person but having,
"everyone free at the same time."
"Getting respite dates during school holidays as most families have other children to consider."
"We have to go by dates for respite, usually two weeks. But we don't get away for a fortnight, only ten days or a week because we have to be there and back within a fortnight."
"Not having much leeway with dates because respite facility is fully booked months in advance"
Accommodation and access
Most families find there is a,
"lack of places with good facilities."
"A lot of accommodation is not suitable for people with disabilities and some companies do not honour special requests.
"Just making sure access for her wheelchair will be ok. Also explaining needs to travel companies."
"Hotel rooms with no sound proofing can upset guests, if the disabled person needs attention through the night."
"Different interpretations of wheelchair accessible and disabled toilet. Unfortunately these vary so much. Also lack of family accommodation, which can accommodate a disabled person and their family. So often an appropriate room only sleeps two, so rest of the family have to sleep elsewhere e.g. travel inn or travel lodge."
Transport
Many families found that,
"seating on airplanes can be a problem."
"With seating on aircraft, arranging for extra legroom is normally at emergency exits; yet no disabled people are allowed to sit at emergency aisle exits."
"You need plenty of adult support if travelling by air. Ryanair is particularly anti wheelchair and must be avoided."
"We are only on one wage. Without our disabled child we could holiday quite cheaply. I don't work, which allows me to be there whenever she needs me. Also, our daughter is now too big to lift and bathe without the right equipment."
Medical
Medical issues such as,
"arranging for doctor's letters" ,
"medications, the nearest hospital facilities"
and having access to special equipment are major considerations for families.
"To have what we'd see as a great holiday we'd need to take wheelchair, walker, tandem and our own food, since our daughter has a wheat allergy. The volume of things we would need to take would make it hard for us."
"I need to ask about health facilities, doctors, hospitals before booking a holiday."
Customer service
Families were concerned about,
"lack of choice and no understanding of what having a disability in the family means."
"Travel agents with their 'car salesman' smile who promise you everything that you request for a disabled member of your family; then do not follow the process through and you are left to deal with the mess."
"Being told it's wheelchair friendly when it is not."
Do it yourself
"We find successful holidays are better planned by working round the holiday accommodation rather than going for a disability friendly holiday, as the results have been disappointing. Disabled holiday websites seem to cater for disabled elderly people or disabled people who can use their own wheelchair."
- What improvements could be made to make your holidays better?
Simply having the time or additional support to either take the disabled person with them, or having access to respite support facilities is often the first thing that families have to think about.
Care and support
Over 14% felt the need for extra care and
"having someone to give me a wee break in the middle"
was essential.
"Finding places with children's clubs who could cope with provision for disabled children - in particular 1:1 support."
"Built in babysitters who are child friendly and caring of special needs."
"Extra help in taking care of disabled family member, intimate care, medication, feeding would make holiday worth while for all family members."
Quality of information and staff training
"Getting the correct information as far as booking is concerned from your travel agent."
"Most of the people I deal with have no concept of disability and everything that goes along with it. Ideally have a member of staff who is disabled to deal with us. Someone who knows what it is all about."
Access and facilities
"At home and on holiday, disabled toilets do not cater for incontinent children. The indignity and bad hygiene of changing a 12 yr old boy on a toilet floor is unacceptable and degrading."
"Holiday destinations which are fully accessible for wheelchair users. Hoist available, welcoming attitudes, paid support carers."
- Have you had problems getting insurance for your holidays?
Most people are happy to pay a little extra for the piece of mind that holiday insurance gives you, yet some of the survey respondents reported difficulties in even finding a company to give them cover.
- nearly 21% did have a problem obtaining insurance
- 35% experienced no problems
The remainder either had no comment or had not tried to get insurance.
Cost
Families felt they were paying a higher premium because of disability.
"It's a lot more expensive to get cover for our disabled son."
"Certain discounted holidays are not appropriate for people with disabilities, insurance is normally more expensive."
"When our Rebekkh was out of hospital six months, she could not get insurance cover. We had to go to Medicare and it cost five times normal insurance."
Problems applying
A number of families have
"never been abroad"
"never tried"
or were even refused insurance. Some found the process of applying to be more difficult.
"One insurance company offered to insure my husband, son and I but not my daughter. Had to eventually go through company and pay more."
"My daughter has been refused insurance. I then had to shop about for insurance and have doctors letters."
"I had to be on the phone for nearly two hours answering questions, then had to get a letter from a GP which I was never asked to produce."
"I've had problems in travelling (generally) and insuring Aidan because of his numerous brain injuries and leg problems. I get around this because we would travel to the US and he was eligible for the US national health system (he's dual nationality)."
- What leisure activities have your family been able to enjoy together in the last two years?
- nearly 38% went swimming
- nearly 16% enjoyed going for walks
- over 14% went bowling
- nearly 12% liked visiting parks
- 10% had not been able to enjoy leisure pursuits
Perhaps most significantly, over 10% said they had enjoyed no leisure pursuits in the last two years.
"Nothing, everything has to revolve around the kids."
Some families felt more limited in the range of activities they could choose from, often related to costs, location of facilities and the limits to the amount of support they receive.
Swimming
"Swimming is about the most the family can enjoy together, so my younger grandson loses out on quite a lot if cannot get older one looked after."
Outdoor walks
"Just walks with the dog in the country. Shona's moods dictate what we can do on any particular day."
"Country walks, but even then uneven surfaces are a problem."
Music and entertainment
Music plays a big role in people's lives and being able to go to concerts, see movies or theatre is popular amongst most families, while not always being easy to achieve.
"The cinema, but only if they don't insist on my daughter sitting somewhere different. We tried to go and see a show but it was a bad experience. Our daughter needed to be near enough to see and hear but those in wheelchairs had to sit at the back, separate from those they came with. It was appalling."
Get-togethers
Sometimes,
"simple things that do not have to cost a lot - anything with family and friends"
can be just as important for families.
"Gerard has no leisure activities we as a family can do together, however he loves going runs in the car and some social activities"
"Just going out together and going for drives. Going on the special train at Boness gave James a lot of pleasure. Going out for a meal which he loves."
"Just walks with the dog in the country. Shona's moods dictate what we can do on any particular day."
Sailing
"I try to keep Aidan active and interested. He's been to disabled sailing which is a bother (equipment costs) but rewarding once you've started. I'd like him to do horse riding and a few adventure activities."
Other activities highlighted by families
- cycling - "we have a tandem with pedals adapted"
- picnics
- dancing
- theme parks
- computer games
- gymnastics
- horse riding
- ceilidhs
- swimming with dolphins
- beach visits
- ice skating
- museums
- football
- Are there any activities or services which you could recommend to families?
Once again this question prompted a wide variety of suggested activities, which clearly show the range of interests people have, although some felt that,
"few families with a disabled person have identical needs."
Families also showed their determination not to let disability limit their choice of activity.
Playparks and gym sessions
"Linn Park in Glasgow has an adventure playground for children with disabilities."
"In East Dumbarton there are gymnastics, swimming and drama set up for kids with special needs."
"Gymnastics at Bellahouston Sports Centre which has a big purpose built gym. All for children who have special support needs, there is a high staff to child ratio."
Recommended venues
"Concert going at the Glasgow Concert Hall. Good disabled provision for both access and seating."
"The new hydrotherapy pool in Dalkeith school Campus, in Midlothian costs £7.50 to hire for one hour with changing facilities."
Other suggested activities
- trampolining - "great for many reasons"
- ice skating - "pushing the wheelchair makes it easier"
- dry ski slopes
- yoga
- gardening
- duet bikes
- Further comments.
Everyone who took part in the survey has helped us get a closer insight into how their families approach holidays and some leisure activities. We also asked them for further comments to give them an opportunity to highlight particular issues which they wanted to share. Here families were able to really express frustration about their experiences and lack of opportunities.
No holidays - no change
To the forefront were comments from families and carers who either felt unable to take holidays, had not been able to have a break for some time, or found it difficult to break from a routine.
"My husband and myself have never had a holiday since our son became handicapped in 1968."
"Our son is so resistant to change that he won't go on holiday."
"I have never taken my son on holiday because I'm scared the change would upset him, or I won't get help with him, or even five minutes to myself."
"We take caravan holidays in a quiet farm site as its known to our kids. One child has autism so hates change. But our holiday isn't really a holiday as we are very restricted to what she'll do. One other child is in a wheelchair and finding changing facilities for the other two is a nightmare. There are disabled toilets but no changing table. It's really hard work. You're just as tired if not more when you return home. But as a mother I feel I have to get away from home sometimes."
"We can't go holiday. I tried and got very emotional and upset seeing my disabled child upset."
"We wouldn't know as we have never been able to go on holiday together."
Brothers and sisters
Another concern amongst families in this section and throughout the questionnaire was how brothers and sisters were affected by the choices they had to make.
"My son has complex learning difficulties and showing signs of challenging behaviour. As he is getting older I'm beginning to think it's easier to stay at home which isn't fair on his sister who is now 12."
"As a family we prefer to have a separate holiday from our son; because of his complex health needs it would not be a holiday for us to take him with us. We also need to be able to spend quality time with our daughter who a lot of the time has been pushed in the background when her brother is home because of his complex care needs. We are lucky to have that choice, more families should have that right too."
"Our experiences in Cheryl's early years were very difficult, as there was no assistance with Cheryl during holidays. Sense Scotland's holiday program was a great respite for us as well as her brother. Lets hope more can be achieved in the future."
Meeting people
"Sadly now she only has a holiday if we can take her and I'm sure she would much prefer it with her friends."
Families and carers also felt that more could be done to help disabled people mix with their peers and people with the same interests, in a friendly and welcoming environment.
"Generally as a young man Aidan doesn't want his mum to hover about him which is why the Sense Scotland holiday is so good. On the other hand it is difficult getting the correct group of youngsters and peer groups on organised holidays. I'd love to see Aidan have fun and embark on new things but, at 18 he really needs to have time without me."
"This issue for us is not just holidays, though holiday time highlights our son's isolation and lack off networks of support. Holidays in France are always nice but not particularly relaxing as we are always concerned that our son is really enjoying it, mainly because he is 22 and stuck with his parents."
"Our daughter is 48 years old and still living at home with us. We have three daughters and when they were young we always went on holidays together in the caravan. Now that we only have Shona at home with us, we do the best we can to ensure that she still gets a holiday. The saddest thing that happened was when the council stopped the week long holiday that she used to enjoy with her friends from Dalgairn Centre in Cupar. That used to be the highlight of her and our year."
"We used to get away secure in the knowledge that she was happy with her friends. We would love to give her the opportunity to have a holiday independently from us were she would be with her peers enjoying younger pursuits. She has a great sense of humour and loves fun. I feel sorry that she must be bored always coming away with us. Although she now is experiencing respite this isn't quite the same as a holiday in a different environment."
"For the past years our child has been mindlessly doing nothing in previous summer holidays. As we don't have much money for day trips and my sister and I are not very mobile, the play scheme which she attended this summer has been a godsend. The best part for her is meeting new people and participating in activities."
Attitudes
"I don't think, the holiday destination or resort makes the holiday. The people, weather and other factors play a big part too. We cope with all these things on a daily basis, it is not until you are out of your familiar environment that it makes you stop and think that you do this on a daily basis."
Short break/respite support
Getting sufficient short break and respite support for the disabled family member is still a priority.
"Clearly respite care provides carers with the opportunity for holidays. Holidays with the disabled person (depending on the nature/degree of disability) are often more stressful for carers than being at home."
"The summer holidays are very long and some extra respite care would be welcomed."
Peace of mind
Having a safe and stimulating holiday takes a great deal of the worry away for families and carers. Unfortunately not everyone gets the holiday experiences they are looking for.
"At home we have a safe secure garden and family for babysitting. On holiday we do not have such security outside for Donald or any back up, so holidays are quite a trial. We've been so thankful to Sense Scotland for Donald's week holiday and therefore our weeks holiday this year."
Equipment and facilities
"It would be great if there were somewhere with the equipment and adaptations that we have at home, so that it wasn't so much hard work. It gets very tiring having to lift and carry Jodie, while at home we have a hoist. We can't take her equipment on holiday as we didn't have the space or the transport and when you get to the end of your journey there is no space to store it. In an ideal world there wouldn't be any obstacles to prevent us from going wherever we wanted to."
How to be more accessible
People also gave plenty of suggestions to holiday companies and services about how they could make themselves more accessible.
"I feel it is very difficult for people with disabilities and their families to enjoy their holiday because of the stigma of disability. There should be better travelling arrangements, more resources and training for all staff."
"We need to encourage those holiday publicity brochures to be more disabled user friendly, giving explicit information about accessibility. Those with access/mobility difficulties should have first choice of ground floor accommodation."
"In this year it feels like my family are just starting to get help with our child and appreciate any and all help from organisations to make life easier and more fun for our child and hope that this continues."
Conclusion
This survey has provided a real insight into how families and carers plan for holidays and how they feel about the service disabled people get. What is clear is that there is one key element missing from their experience, choice. Joyce Wilson, Depute Director at Sense Scotland has a challenge for the travel industry:
"Given the huge numbers of holiday companies and resorts operating throughout Scotland and across the world, you would think there would be opportunities for disabled people to take a wide range breaks all over the world. The reality is that choice is very limited for disabled people."
From the moment that these families and carers pick up a brochure, log on to a website, or visit a travel agent they find that very few packages, resorts or companies are able to give them the holiday they are looking for. Physical access to accommodation and travel continues to be a problem and very the information they are given when booking their break is often misleading or even inaccurate.
Respite resources crucial for family support
A recurring concern throughout the questionnaire is the lack of other kinds of support during the summer weeks, especially the limited amount of respite care available. Many families pointed out the need for,
"good respite provision"
and the difficulties around
"arranging respite to fit in with school holidays."
Some of the top issues around respite included:
Lack of availability:
- "We could have had one more day of respite to get a fortnights holiday instead of 1 week of 10 days."
- "Having more respite facilities."
More support during holidays:
- "...guaranteed respite during school holidays but we are very grateful for what we get."
Greater flexibility:
- "More respite to fit in with other members of the family."
Adequate respite care does not just mean giving families more short break support, it also means giving them more opportunities to take a holiday when they choose. With brothers, sisters and other family members often only available during school holidays, respite support needs to accommodate more people during these periods of increased demand. Families are sending the Scottish Executive and Local Authorities a clear message in this survey. More respite support is needed throughout the year, with additional resources made available during peak holiday periods.
Perhaps most worrying of all is that some families still feel they are unable to, or cannot afford to go on holidays. Everyone deserves the chance to meet new people and just relax and enjoy a break. Everybody deserves a holiday. As one family explains, all they are looking for is,
"any place which offers disabled facilities to ease the pressure, worry and make our holiday enjoyable."
Recommendations and suggestions from families
- publication of home swaps for those whose homes are barrier free or where access is less of an issue
- bed and breakfast accommodation could alter their premises to be more accessible
- development of more specialised web sites where there is accurate information about resorts, accommodation etc.
- formalising a star rating system to help inform peoples' decisions about barrier free resorts and accommodation
- creating more holiday brochures for disabled people
- links with agencies abroad to help identify trained individuals who offer support or act as a guides for disabled people and their families
Comments about Sense Scotland
"I recommend Sense Scotland to everyone with a disabled child. They try their hardest with the person who sometimes can be difficult, I speak from personal experience."
"Sense Scotland have been a life saver for us over the last two summers. They have enthusiastically taken our daughter on holiday for a week, which she loved, and this allowed us time to rest and time for our own needs."
Comments about companies
"Direct Line were the company we eventually got insurance from, with no extra charge for my son. Great service from them."
"We find Shearings holiday company are very good in their attitude and help given to our disabled son."
"We have been using Direct Holidays the last few years and the resort we have stayed at and returned the last three years has adapted two ground floor apartments for wheelchair users and each year has been used by families with a disabled child in a wheelchair who found the facilities good. This was in Menorca Punta Prima Playa Apartments."
"First Choice were helpful with offers of a wheelchair and written instructions at the airport and on board the flight."
"Centre parks with self catering and large nice surroundings was great but our child was not welcomed to créche and found main complex too busy. It was very expensive for us."
"Centre Parks Oasis, Whinfell Cumbria. Swimming facilities and opening times were great to keep my son entertained who has a learning disability. Also my daughter who isn't disabled could do lots and have time away in a safe environment."
"British Airways were almost unfailingly helpful."
Appendix
1. An extract from the Disability Rights Commission DDA 1995 - What do guest accommodation owners need to know (code SP9)
Useful contacts noted by survey respondents
While we are happy to include the recommendations of the survey respondents this is not an endorsement from Sense Scotland for these businesses.
Holiday Care aim to help disabled people by providing information about transport, accommodation, visitor attractions, activity holidays and respite care, both in the UK and overseas. Contact details:
Tel: 0845 124 9971
E-mail: info@holidaycare.org
Wev: www.holidaycare.org
The Haven holiday park, called Craig Tara is situated about 5 miles from the town of Ayr in Scotland. Contact customer care:
Tel: 0870 242 3333
Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm
Ord House Country Park, East Ord, Berwick Upon Tweed, Northumberland TD15 2NS
Tel: 01289 305288
Linn Park Glasgow - adventure playground for children with disabilities - w/ends school holidays. Contact
Tel: 0141 633 1493
Dixon Travel Agency Ltd: 1100 Pollokshaws Road, Uddingston, Glasgow, G41 3NJ
Beaches Travel - 321 Clarkston Rd, Cathcart G44 3EJ
Tel: 0141 633 3313
Silver Sands Leisure Park:
Telephone: 01343 813262
Shearings Holidays and Hotels
Telephone: 01942 244246
email: reservations@shearingsholidays.co.uk
Ribby Hall Village, Ribby Road, Wrea Green, near Blackpool, Lancashire, PR4 2PR
Tel: 01772 671 111
Email: enquiries@ribbyhall.co.uk
Clyde Cruising Club, Suite 101, The Pentagon Centre, 36 Washington Street, Glasgow G3 8AZ
Tel: 0141 221 2774
email: hazel@clyde.org
Church of Scotland, Threshold services, contact George McNeilly, principal officer
email: gmcneilly.cos@uk.uumail.com
Road to the Isles
website: www.road-to-the-isles.org.uk