7 Apr 2026 05:00
327. What We Wish We’d Known About Travel & Accessibility
In this episode, we’re talking about travel and accessibility—what’s actually available, what we’ve learned the hard way (and the helpful way), and the questions that come with it.
Fresh off an international trip, Heather shares real-life stories of navigating airports, museums, and public spaces with accessibility services—and realizing oh… this changes everything.
Also, turns out you might not need to stand in that two-hour line. Just saying.
We also wrestle with the bigger question: Should we use these services if our kids can do it without them?
We talk about:
- Using accessibility services in airports (like TSA Cares and pre-boarding)
- Skipping long lines at museums and major attractions
- Free and discounted access for people with disabilities and their companions
- The tension between presuming competence and accepting support
- Letting go of pressure and adjusting expectations while traveling
- Why flexibility matters more than having the “perfect” trip
We share stories from New York, London, and Paris—and how these supports made travel not just possible, but enjoyable.
At the end of the day, this is about knowing your child, trusting your instincts, and using what’s available to make space for your family.
Your family belongs in these places.
Related Episodes
- Can a Person with Down Syndrome Travel the World? (Ep. 278) – Exploring what’s possible with global travel.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/278-can-a-person-with-down-syndrome-travel-the-world/id1349646917?i=1000672187141
- Planes, Trains & Presuming Competence (Ep. 296) – Travel, transitions, and supporting our kids well.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/296-planes-trains-presuming-competence/id1349646917?i=1000704406975
- Traveling with the Lara Family (Ep. 35) – A real family’s experience traveling with Down syndrome.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/35-traveling-with-the-lara-family/id1349646917?i=1000446155118
- How to Keep Your Kids with Down Syndrome Healthy While Traveling (Ep. 129) – Simple ways to stay healthy on the road.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/129-how-to-keep-your-kids-with-ds-healthy-while/id1349646917?i=1000532940758
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