When we think about accessible travel, we often focus on the needs of the wheelchair user or the person with a disability. However, we frequently overlook the challenges faced by their caregivers. Caring for a loved one is a role that many of us take on willingly, but when your partner, parent, or child has a disability, caregiving can feel like a full-time job—one that comes without breaks, even on vacation.
Why is this a problem?
Caregivers deserve rest too. They want to enjoy their time away and feel like a couple or family, not just a caregiver. Unfortunately, when accessibility falls short—whether it’s at an accommodation, restaurant, or tourist attraction—the burden of bridging that gap often falls on the caregiver. Here’s why that’s an issue:
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Increased Stress: Away from home, caregivers don’t have access to the usual amenities that make daily life easier. This forces them to work even harder to ensure their loved one’s needs are met, adding stress to what should be a relaxing time.
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Misplaced Responsibility: There’s a common misconception that if accessibility is lacking, the caregiver will somehow manage. This shifts the responsibility back onto the caregiver, rather than on the service provider where it belongs.
At DiscoverAble, we believe that vacations should be a break for everyone involved, including caregivers. An able-bodied family can check into an all-inclusive resort, enjoy activities for the kids, and take a break from cooking and cleaning. So why shouldn’t families who need accessible services have the same opportunity to relax?
How We Make a Difference
At DiscoverAble, we’re committed to providing accurate accessibility information and real-life reviews, not just for the wheelchair user, but for the entire family. Our goal is to create a stress-free travel experience where caregivers can truly relax and enjoy their time with their loved ones. We understand the importance of taking the daily stress and worry off your shoulders so you can focus on what really matters—being together.
We’re always learning and growing, and your feedback helps us improve. If there’s something you’d like to see in our service, or if you have an experience to share, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us on Instagram or via email.
Thank you for reading, and we’ll see you in the next blog!
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