Supported holidays for those with a disability or need an extra hand are a must. They offer so much for everyone, giving people with a disability or impairment the opportunity to explore places they might never of thought were possible or affordable due to their disability. They give people an experience of a lifetime, no matter how many times they may have been told it cannot be done or they cannot go there or do that, it is achievable. The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) has been a major benefit making holidays more achievable. Personally, I have heard of holidays from friends and families and wanted to explore the opportunities for people who have some form of impairment or require special assistance when travelling. Without some form of assistance either from a professional company or a support organisation it makes going on a holiday difficult if not impossible.

Supported holiday companies can remove all the struggles such as planning through to the support required on the holiday. They offer full assistance whenever required and most people that use these types of companies seem to come back feeling revitalised, comfortable, safe and secure from my research. It seems to make the whole process easier and simplifies it significantly. I decided to investigate businesses such as these myself and I discovered something quite magical. All you have to do is search ‘Supported Holidays’ and find a business that is willing to comply with your needs and budget, some go above and beyond and offer guidance with experienced expert advice on places you may wish to visit.

One of my major life changing moments was on a family trip in South Africa, traveling around in a 4WD truck that had the ability to travel in rough terrain and the wild environment. There I was, travelling with the loveliest group of tourists, but with special needs, we all experienced lions roaring in the African wilderness and giraffes walking across the road, hyenas howling while we slept, and to think that these people were given this experience by a business offering supported holidays. They had the ability to enjoy the whole experience as the tour was fully organised right down to assisting with spending money and administering medication. The holiday was designed so the passengers could experience everything any other tourist would enjoy with support staff caring for their daily requirements. The support staff were so accommodating and pleasant it was like having a butler on holidays to cater for your every request. Everyone on that safari had the time of their lives, which was apparent by the absolute enjoyment on each and every person face, the people with disabilities had such wonderful personalities that it made my holiday one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

I was really impressed that Clubmates Travel (the company I discovered in my travels in South Africa) could offer such a retreat and opportunity for people with disabilities.

I support these types of companies because they allow life changing experiences for a group of people who may not be able to access this type of holiday through a standard Travel agent or tour company.

The NDIS has rapidly changed the way people with disabilities interact with the world around them by giving them access to funding which they may have not had in the past.

It seems that the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is also assisting with the support cost making the holidays more achievable. Previously the person was required to pay for all of the support persons costs including wages along with their own holiday costs, and as most people with disabilities are on pensions it was not financially achievable.

The experience that both the people with disabilities enjoy along with the integration into the general public are nothing short of amazing, if I am every lucky enough to join or meet a person with a disability on holidays now I cherish the moment.