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Making Extra-Curricular Activities Inclusive

Out-of-town Travel

Universities and colleges often plan out-of-town trips for students. When planning these events, it is very important to keep the needs of students with disabilities in mind, so that they may participate.

Some questions you should consider are:

Is accessible transportation available to and from the event for students with mobility impairments?
Has funding been made available to pay for attendants to accompany students with disabilities on a trip?
Will the out-of-town facilities (including hotels) be accessible to persons with disabilities?

The transportation for trips should take into consideration students with disabilities. Buses or other vehicles should be accessible for wheelchair users. If the trip involves taking a train or plane, the company should be informed of any students with disabilities that are attending that may require special accommodations.

Depending on their own abilities, some students with disabilities may require an attendant to accompany them for the trip. The full cost of the attendant should be paid for by the group planning the activity.

There may be additional costs for students with disabilities that should also be covered by the group planning the activity. Students with disabilities should not have to incur costs that their non-disabled peers do not. They may require other accommodations in order to participate in a trip. There should be a procedure in place to determine and meet these needs.

If the out-of-town trip includes overnight stays, the planning committee should confirm with hotels or other boarding places that they have fully accessible rooms. Many hotels have rooms designated specifically for wheelchair users, hearing impaired customers and visually impaired individuals.

Practical Tips:

Transportation should be accessible for all students. If necessary, inform any travel company about the accommodations that are required.
Be prepared to cover the cost of attendants for students with disabilities
Plan to supply and cover any additional costs of accommodations for students with disabilities
Book lodgings that have accessible rooms