FTA Spotlight: Re/Defining Family Travel > Traveling for Families with Special Needs
This is the discussion page for the sixth of 12 core family travel topics being presented in collaboration with the Family Travel Association (FTA).
Our topic is Traveling for Families with Special Needs (read the short essay in this link first or review the summary below).
Summary: Travel increases a child's confidence, creativity and imagination, as well as reinforces academic, social and communication skills. Most children with special needs are no different: they too "learn by doing." Travel supports this type of learning. Children with special needs should be afforded the same opportunities as other children to see new places and enjoy enriching experiences. However, parents have repeatedly expressed how difficult it is to travel with their children. Efforts at continued improvement by the travel industry will ensure that more and more families can enjoy the benefits of travel.
We are very keen to learn what you think of how to improve travel for families with special needs, so please share your thoughts below.
About the Family Travel Association and Re/Define Family Travel Campaign
The Family Travel Association is an organization that aims to inspire families to travel together by bringing together the world’s leading suppliers, resources and experts on traveling with kids.
At the end of September this year, the FTA is hosting its first annual Summit. Over the course of two full days, an assembly of industry executives and family travel experts will expand upon topics essential to a rounded understanding of the challenges of family travel.
In anticipation of that, Outbounding is collaborating with the FTA to count down the 12 weeks leading up to the Summit by spotlighting the 12 core family travel topics to the public. Each week, as part of its FTA Spotlight: Re/Define Family Travel campaign, we will open a discussion board in where you can feedback in reaction to an introductory essay written about the topic.
Following the Summit, Outbounding will again join forces with the FTA as it initiates a 12-month process of digging much deeper into each of these topics, one per month. By the time the FTA gathers for its next Summit in September 2016, it expects to have a much more powerful grasp of what's at play in family travel, fueled in part by your input here.