Some people love to travel, and Kim is definitely one of those people! Kim also lives with Cerebral Palsy which means that she uses a wheelchair for mobility and then relies on the assistance of her Direct Support Staff for many things that most people take for granted. When Kim decided that she wanted her next adventure to be a trip to the Dominican Republic, her determination and her dedicated support team kicked into gear.
To guarantee a safe and seamless journey, several key preparations were necessary. Management of Kim’s daily medications, some of which required temperature control, meticulous labeling, precise packaging, and clear dosing instructions to comply with airport and border regulations. In addition to standard luggage, carry-ons had to be carefully packed with essential in-flight equipment, medications, and other necessities. Specialized transportation was also arranged by hiring a van equipped to accommodate Kim’s custom-fitted wheelchair and two support staff, ensuring safe passage across the border and to the airport. Coordination with the resort was essential to guarantee appropriate transportation to and from the airport, as well as securing a suite equipped with all necessary amenities to meet Kim’s specific medical and accessibility needs.
A greater unknown in the planning process was how boarding and deboarding the plane would be managed. Kim’s custom wheelchair had to be carefully disassembled and packed for storage in the airplane’s cargo hold, while she was simultaneously transferred into a specialized boarding wheelchair. From there, another transition was required to move her into a standard airplane seat for the duration of the 4.5 to 6-hour flight. During this time, both Kim’s support staff played a crucial role in providing continuous physical support for her head and body. Upon arrival in the Dominican Republic, this entire process had to be repeated in reverse. Fortunately, the airline staff were very accommodating and worked closely with the team to ensure all of Kim’s needs were met throughout the journey.
“The trip was a learning experience for all of us,” shared direct support professionals, Allie and Kyla. During her stay, Kim enjoyed the many amenities offered by the resort during her stay in the Dominican, including some relaxation time along the beach, swims in the pool, and daily resort activities. She even found time to pose for a few vacation photos and make a new pair of feathery friends.
“The constant smile on Kim’s face and her obvious excitement throughout the entire trip said everything,” shared Allie and Kyla. “With Kim celebrating her 60th birthday next year, the team has already begun to revisit the Las Vegas planning board, hopeful to make it a reality.”
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