Monday, October 10, 2011

Make Your Family Vacation a Reality with Autism on the Seas


It's no secret, taking a family vacation on a cruise is some serious fun! And cruise lines have done a tremendous job at ensuring that a cruise vacation can be accessible to people with disabilities. Yet despite their best efforts there certain amount of doubt remains in the minds of some. 

If you're the parent of a special needs child and you've often dreamed of taking your whole family on a cruise vacation, but doubted the feasibility, then doubt no more! This post is especially for you!
 
I've known about Autism on the Seas (AOTS) for some time now, but I recently had the privilege of meeting and getting to know its founder and owner, Mike Sobbell. What passion! What commitment! What a caring heart! I instantly fell in love with his message and his mission, and I immediately asked if he, along with his partner, Jamie Grover, Director of Group Development, would guest blog for CareVacations. I just know some of my friends out there would love to learn more, and so I say... this is for you, my friends! 

"It is often difficult for parents of special needs children to envision taking a family vacation, much less a cruise vacation.  At Autism on the Seas we have been providing these cruise vacations to special needs families for more than five years.  We work hard to bring families dealing with a variety of developmental disabilities the opportunity to have such a vacation. 

"While Autism is the primary disability the families who cruise with us are facing, the trend is changing. We are now cruising with more families who are faced with other developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, etc.

“Autism on the Seas screens and selects staff who have experience working with special needs children and adults.   The majority of our staff are students at major universities across the country who are working on a degree in some form of child development.  Having qualified staff who know and understand the children and adults who cruise with Autism on the Seas is the key to families being able to relax and truly enjoy what is often their first family vacation."

CareVacations wants to thank Mike, Jamie, and the entire AOTS team for all they do for kids and adults with special needs and their families. CareVacations is proud of what you do, and it is our pleasure to sing your praises, loud and proud! THANK YOU! 

About Autism on the Seas: Bringing a sense of normalcy to the families cruising with them has resulted in Autism on the Seas being the leader in special needs vacations.  Their success has allowed them to expand their services to include land vacations starting in 2012. Mike Sobbell is determined to offer special needs families a variety of vacation options including vacation options to land-lovers wanting to vacation or a weekend get-a-way in the very near future.  To get updated information on upcoming vacations options you should join their Email Bulletin at, and visit their website: www.AutismontheSeas.com. You can also find Autism on the Seas at their Facebook page.   


About CareVacations: Serving the cruise industry for more than 20 years, CareVacations is the leading provider of mobility scooters, wheelchairs, Oxygen, and other special needs equipment for cruise passengers with disabilities and aging travelers. Working hand in hand with all major cruise lines and disability experts, and partnering closely with the travel agent community since 1988, CareVacations name is synonymous with trust, reliability, and quality. Our team is comprised of the best and most knowledgeable experts from their respective cruise industry-related fields, and combined with our longevity and reputation for excellence, CareVacations has helped enable thousands of cruisers experience their dreams of travel and adventure come true. Our services are available in cruise ports around the world and our customer service representatives are available to assist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can find CareVacations on Facebook and Twitter (@CareVacations) and LinkedIn.

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