Tips for Supporting People With Disabilities During The Holiday
Supporting People With Disabilities and Elders Through The Holiday
The Christmas and New Year season, a time of joy, celebration and togetherness is upon us, and while it is a happy time to be celebrated with family and friends, for people with disability, elders and their carers, the holiday season may bring some challenges.
People with disability, elders and their carers during the festive season may face the following challenges:
- Loneliness: with businesses closing, friends and family are busier with their festive schedules.
- Increased Stress with busy shopping centers, and overcrowded streets.
- Travel difficulties in booking accommodations and accessible transportation.
- Dietary restrictions: Holiday meals may not always cater to specific dietary needs or restrictions.
Tips for fully enjoying the holiday season for individuals with disabilities, seniors and their carers:
- Plan ahead: start shopping for holiday necessities in advance, and book accessible transportation options to ensure smooth travel for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
- Accessible celebrations: if you are planning for a Christmas or New Year party, choose venues and activities that are wheelchair-friendly and ensure that holiday decorations and environment are safe and free from hazards.
- Encourage self-care: designate quiet and comfortable spaces for rest and self-care during the festivities.
Did you know that almost one in five Australians has a disability – that is over four million people which accounts for 11 percent of total tourism booking in Australia? 88% of people with a disability take a holiday each year, accounting for approximately 8.2 million overnight trips.
In this blog, we will provide answers to frequently asked questions about planning holidays for NDIS participants.
NDIS Funded Holidays FAQ
- Does my NDIS plan cover the costs of my holiday trip?
The NDIS does not directly cover holiday expenses, but certain expenses related to your disability and support needs during the trip may be eligible for coverage.
Some holiday expenses, the NDIS may cover are expenses related to a support worker, specialised equipment (ie. Excess baggage), extra fees for an accessible room, additional fees for hiring accessible transportation.
- What’s not claimable?
Certain holiday expenses unrelated to disability, such as flights, food, entertainment, and non-disability-related accommodation and transport, cannot be claimed.
- Can I still use NDIS support and funding when I travel overseas?
If you travel overseas, you can still use your support and funding for up to 6 weeks. You will need to have your funding self-managed or plan-managed if you need to use your funding overseas.
Your NDIS plan will be suspended when you are outside Australia for more than 6 weeks, unless in some special situations.
- Can I travel with my support worker?
Yes, you can plan to travel with a support worker for assistance during the trip. Please note that additional expenses for accommodation, transportation, and meals should be anticipated.
Direct support during the holiday can be claimed, but agreement on costs and hours is crucial. Consider group travel to enhance social participation and decrease expenses.
Contact us
ADEC is here for you. Please contact us at (03) 9480 7000 for more information about our NDIS Plan Management or Disability Support services and how we can work with you to create a personalised NDIS plan that suits your needs.