Navigating Travel with a Child Using Mobility Aids

Traveling with Chandler looks a little different, but it’s absolutely possible—and often so worth it. He loves travelling, especially in trains, and dreams of becoming a train driver.

Pictured above is when we surprised him with a 10 hour Overland train trip from Melbourne to Adelaide for his 10th birthday. It was his wish and we made it happen. 

Chandler has a companion card, so his dad was free and didn't have to pay for a ticket. It took some research and more planning, but the joy of watching your child explore a new place, meet new people, and build memories outweighs the extra effort it takes to get there.

For more train adventures around Australia, you can look here: www.journeybeyondrail.com.au 

Preparation is key. Over time, we’ve learned the little things that make a big difference: calling the airline ahead to arrange mobility assistance, double-checking hotel accessibility (because not every “accessible” room really is), and packing more than we think we’ll need. That means extra clothes, spare parts for equipment, books/ toys and even snacks to keep everyone sane during long waits or unexpected delays. Sometimes I feel like a walking “just in case” bag, but it’s always worth it when we’re in the middle of an unfamiliar place and need something right away.

Transport quirks. Every mode of travel has its own learning curve. I still remember the first time we flew and had to hand over the wheelchair at the gate—it was nerve-wracking, not knowing how it would be handled, or if it would come back in one piece. But the staff were kinder than I expected, and each trip since then has built my confidence in asking for help. On trains, we’ve learned to ask ahead which carriage is accessible and to book those spots early. Trams/ buses can be hit or miss depending on where you are, but we’ve found that being prepared to explain what we need—calmly and clearly—goes a long way.

Advocating matters. At first, I felt guilty for “making a fuss,” but I’ve realised that asking questions and speaking up isn’t being difficult—it’s making sure my child is safe and included. Most people want to help, they just don’t always know how. And when you come across staff who genuinely go the extra mile, it restores your faith in the kindness of strangers.

The biggest lesson? Flexibility. Things don’t always go to plan. Flights get delayed, ramps aren’t where they should be, or the “accessible” bathroom turns out to be anything but. We’ve had to learn to take a breath, and shift our mindset—from seeing travel as a stressful ordeal to seeing it as an adventure. Sometimes the detours or unexpected moments end up being the most memorable parts of the trip.

Yes, it takes extra effort. Yes, there are challenges. But every trip has shown us that our child is more capable, resilient, and adventurous than we give them credit for. And we, as parents, are too. 

Traveling together has given us memories that will last far longer than the stress of the journey. In the end, that’s what makes it all worth it.

For a short video of our Adelaide trip, you can go here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK-6dwcTGzY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 

For more information about accessibility, My CP Guide hosts a variety of information resources. Browse the Accessibility section on My CP Guide to find other relevant resources.

You can follow more of Audrey’s and Chandler’s cerebral palsy journey by visiting their Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/mommyisstilllearning