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I talk about Autism, a lot

This Company Has Decided That Autism-Friendly is Not an Option; It's a Necessity. 

2/24/2014

8 Comments

 
Picture
I am going to make a suggestion and I want you to stay with me here.  When you first hear it you may have a hard time holding yourself back from closing this browser.  Trust me, I have good reason for the proposal I am about to make.

I want you to take your family on a cruise. 


Yes, you. 

Families with autism and other disabilities both cognitive and physical should start saving and sign up for a week on a ship.

I know you're shaking your head.  I know you are considering sending me an email detailing all the reasons that this would be absolutely impossible for you and your family.  You might even remind me of how difficult plane travel and car travel have been.  You might detail vacations, in the past, that have left you drained and with resolutions to never leave your front yard again.  I know.  I have been there.  I will be there again. 

Before I begin, it is imperative that you know that I have received absolutely NO remuneration, discounts, or perks to tell you about this news.  I spent some time on the phone with some really progressive people discussing the following:


Royal Caribbean, the cruise line, is certifying its ENTIRE fleet of ships to be AUTISM-FRIENDLY! 

Got it?  They are not offering an autism-friendly cruise.  They are making every single ship they own autism-friendly.  So, instead of saying we are going on an autism-friendly cruise, YOU CAN SAY:  "WE ARE GOING ON A CRUISE." 

Do you see why that is important?  Do you see why this means a lot to us? 

Here are some details:

Royal Caribbean has been working closely with Autism on the Seas for seven years.

They are providing their staff with training and modules on autism awareness.  

I don't mean to raise my voice, but it's been a long time coming. 

There are pagers to take when you drop your child off at an activity, so you can go have a drink....I mean...exercise. 

There is an toy-lending program with appropriate toys. 

There are ability groups, rather than age groups. 

There are social Stories.

Can you cope?

Do you see why this is so great?  Instead of making accommodations to include us, they have simply decided to INCLUDE us.  At school we call this approach Universal Design.  I am so pleased that Royal Caribbean is taking these steps. 

So, while you are cruising along enjoying sensory-friendly movie screenings and a GF/CF menu please think of me because I'm still saving.  

8 Comments
Jenna
2/24/2014 02:32:07 am

Yippee! This is amazing. I'd be thrilled to take a Royal Caribbean cruise. But I have a Disney crazed family. I say that, but we are still working on handling the zoo for a few hours. But nice to know this is out there for the future.
Jenna - mom to Owen & Griffin (5 year old twins, both on the spectrum)
p.s. I love your blog. Thanks for all you do.

Reply
Kelsie
3/6/2014 02:12:11 am

I don't know how your twins are with Charcters but the Freedom class ships on RCCI have character meet and greets/parades with characters from Shrek/Madagascar, I got an awesome pic with Gloria the Hippo. The Oasis class also has this but they are incredibly large ships with lots of people and can be very overwhelming; the freedom class has the majority of the same ammenities with less crowds!

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StacyXO5 link
2/24/2014 03:32:26 am

That is amazing! Not sure that we are really cruise people, but nice to know the opportunity is available.

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Emmeline link
2/24/2014 08:17:48 am

That is really awesome, but my question is: Did they also consult adults with autism? Is it designed for adults with autism as well, or just children?

Reply
Damon Capehart
6/9/2014 12:06:43 am

Actually, yes. They cater to autistic (and other special needs) individuals of all ages, and have consulted with autistic adults.

Reply
Disneyfreak
2/24/2014 08:22:20 am

I applaud Royal Caribbean for taking these steps. I have a son with Autism and we have taken 2 Disney Cruises. One in August of 2013 and one in Jan 2014. Both of our cruises were amazing. They were wonderful with our son, and we will definitely be going back again and again. We are huge Disney fans in our house, so we probably would not go on another cruise line, but I am happy that the option is available to other people.

Reply
Jennifer Ferron
3/8/2014 04:20:41 am

This is awesome I think. Just hope the can find good people to work for them. In my opinion not everyone can work closely with people with any disorder. ( depending on the type) Ive been at my job ( support worker for those with special needs and or mental and physical disabilities) for 6 1/2 years.. Out of 25 plus works, I am in the top 5 for seniority. That being said not everyone leaves because they cant do the job.. the pay isn't much either.

Reply
Stacey Daniel
6/9/2014 04:46:30 am

How do they ensure safety of kids on the ships?

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