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Special needs travel options offer fun for the whole family, including your travelers with physical or psychological disabilities.

In order to help out our readers interested in special needs travel, we compiled a list of destinations and travel resources that focus on leaving home with companions who have special needs, either physical or psychological ones. From mainstream destinations with special programs to specialty locations that focus primarily on special needs, travelers of all backgrounds and interests should be able to find a fun time for the family vacation.

Winter & Summer Destinations for Special Needs Travelers

Loon Mountain
New England Disabled Sports
60 Loon Mountain Road
Lincoln, NH 03251
603/745-6281 ext. 5663 or 800/229-LOON
New England Disabled Sports at Loon Mountain offers year round recreation for disabled children and adults, with summer programs including water skiing, cycling, kayaking, hiking, and winter programs such as skiing, snowboarding, and telemarking for ages 4+. They employ over 160 volunteers who teach guests with both cognitive and physical disabilities. The New England Disabled Ski Team is for young, up-and-coming skiers and features elite-level skiers who have competed in Paralympics. A great program offered at this destination is PAC (Pre Adaptive Coach) Program. It is for teens ages 14-18 who want to become volunteer coaches. Loon Mountain added a 4,800-square-foot home for the program to the children’s center, which enables them to store more equipment and provide better access for participants. Our feature story on Loon Mountain has a complete list of activities and attractions on the destination.

Snowmass Aspen
P.O. Box 6639
Snowmass Village, CO 81615
970-923-0578
At Snowmass Aspen, the Challenge Aspen program is designed for those with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. They offer adaptive, recreational, and cultural activities year-round, with skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking and fishing in the summer, along with kids’ camps and art programs. The summer activities include therapeutic art, drama, and outdoor adventure camps for kids. For the more advanced skiers, there is elite ski racing for adults with disabilities.  Snowmass also offers the Aspen Camp School for the Deaf (970-923-0578), where, for 30 years, they have provided activities for the deaf and hard of hearing. Another unique initiative at Snowmass is the Rocky Mountain Adventures program for newly injured veterans. For more information regarding the Snowmass Aspen resort, read our article on Snowmass.

FDR Resort & Spa
P.O. Box 201
Runaway Bay
St. Ann, Jamaica W.I.
800/654-1FDR
At this all-inclusive resort, families are provided with a personal vacation nanny, who will look after your kids, regardless of their needs, when parents want a break. These nannies are all trained and come highly recommended by our readers. The great thing about the vacation nannies is that they are exclusively yours for your entire stay, meaning they only work with your family. Family members with physical or psychological challenges have an opportunity to get to know the nanny and feel comfortable with her. Whenever you don't need her help, the nanny will stay back at your suite and clean it, and restock your fridge. All of the 77 air-conditioned suites are wheelchair accessible and numerous activities are offered that kids and adults of all abilities can partake in. Rooms come with a stocked kitchen, free internet access, a kitchen and dining area, and a balcony or terrace. Kids can participate in the Yellow Bird's Kids Club where they have everything from arts and crafts and swimming to snorkeling and a tv/video game room.