KTDontheGo: Accessible Travel in Alaska, Yes You Can!

Traveling to and around Alaska is never simple, but it is always interesting. Sounds like the lives of many parents whose children have special needs, doesn’t it? I’m one of those, and while our journey has never been easy, it has indeed afforded our family some rather unique experiences in patience, grace, and perseverance. I tell parents who are reticent to visit the
49th state with their child who, for whatever reason, has accessibility or behavioral issues that yes, they can visit Alaska safely and with great joy, and with a commitment to even more pre-planning than usual.

As I journey myself around Alaska, I notice that the concept of accessibility is very much in the eye of the beholder (business), much like the concept of family travel. What one company considers “accessible” or an “accommodation” may certainly not be in the minds of parents who know all too well the struggle to push a wheelchair along a muddy trail or change the undergarment of a 10 year-old child on the ground because the pit toilets were not an attractive option. But for every operator who is not accessible, there are many, many who are, including most of the most popular attractions in the state. Here are a few things to remember when planning a trip north with a child requiring a little special attention:

Transportation: Depending upon your city of origin, airlines can be incredibly accommodating or frustratingly infuriating. Alaska Airlines works very hard to make sure its passengers with special needs are snuggled safely in their seats with a minimum of fuss. Do call ahead when booking travel, and talk with a real voice on the other end, asking about seating near bathrooms, early boarding, special meals, and the like.

Tour buses these days are coaches of magic, with lift systems, wider seats, and experienced drivers. That said, smaller companies who utilize smaller vehicles may not be equipped nor trained in the practice of transferring, tying down, and accommodating kids with special needs. Inquire carefully when considering a tour, but know that the larger cruise lines overall do a fantastic job of helping out those with accessibility issues.

Touring: Sticking closer to the most popular attractions is the safest bet for family fun. The National Park Service prides itself on accessible trails
to accommodate wheelchairs or strollers, buses with lifts, and one-story visitor centers with fabulous exhibits that appeal to a wide range of visitors.
Both Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska’s two largest cities, offer a wide range of activities that do not require backcountry travel or excessive parental/caregiver effort to navigate. Eagle River Nature Center, for example, offers stellar views from its large decks and a short, accessible trail (albeit with a bit of a hill at the beginning) so everyone can relax for a while. The Chena River Trail in Fairbanks is a wide, paved, and utterly delightful pathway that parallels the river banks and leads one to the beautiful Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center, where even more activities can be found to tantalize the kiddos.The sharp visitor will visit both cities’ visitor centers to inquire about all the accessible options ahead of time, to allow staff to create the perfect itinerary for the whole family.

Lodging: Bear in mind that many Alaskan accommodations were built in a hurry with little attention to details like lower sinks, wider doorways, and ramps for easy access. Do not rely on websites for accurate information. Call ahead, ask questions, and require referrals from other customers to ensure your best Alaskan sleepover. Again, visitor centers in the communities you visit will be (hopefully) the most accurate resource.

It can be stressful to vacation with youngsters who require special assistance, but it can be most beautiful, too. Ask for help, take your time, and keep things simple for a wonderful Last Frontier experience.

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For more information on traveling with special needs family members, check out AbilityTrip.com, TravelinWheels.com and find an extensive list of accessible travel websites at TheAccessibleTravelGuide.com.