Traveling can be difficult for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), regardless of the distance or duration of the trip. A change in routine, unfamiliar or overstimulating surroundings, and physical barriers can present challenges when traveling.

Taking time to prepare before a trip can help people with disabilities and their families have a more positive experience. When planning a trip, it may be helpful to list some potential challenges or triggers that may cause distress or inconvenience.

Of course, it is impossible to predict every situation that will arise, but try to make predictions based on past experiences and known environments on the upcoming trip that will be new and unfamiliar. It may also be a good idea to identify another list of some tools you may already have in your toolkit to help with challenging situations. Think about what coping skills, equipment, or physical devices have been useful in the past.

In addition to personal preparation, it can be useful to find external resources that may be available to help meet certain needs. Learn what accommodations can be made during transportation, lodging, and activities. Inquire with your transportation and hotel entity directly or utilize services available through organizations focused on accessible travel for people with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Through preparation, and allowing potential challenges to inform potential solutions, traveling with a disability can become more manageable. Here are some tools and resources that may help you or your loved one have a great trip!

TIPS TO REDUCE TRAVEL STRESS

Definition

Extreme heat refers to dangerously high temperatures that can cause serious health risks, especially for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who may have difficulty regulating body temperature, recognizing signs of heat-related illness as well as exacerbating chronic conditions.

Why It’s Important for the IDD Population

Some people have chronic diseases or conditions that can become detrimental to their health in times of extreme heat. Major conditions that can be affected by the heat are lung and heart conditions. Care Managers, support staff, clinical advisors, individuals with IDD, and their families should be aware that hot weather can worsen medical conditions. Heat can significantly impact individuals with the following diagnoses:

Lung Conditions: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), pneumonia, asthma, emphysema, lung cancer, and cystic fibrosis (chronic lung secretions)

• • Extreme heat can significantly impact lung health by increasing the body’s demand for oxygen, increase inflammation, constrict airways, and worsen symptoms of conditions like asthma and COPD, making breathing more difficult. Additionally, heat can reduce air quality, trigger respiratory infections, and increase dehydration, which complicates the management of chronic lung conditions like emphysema, pneumonia, and cystic fibrosis. The risk of infections and difficulty in clearing lung secretions also rises, contributing to increased respiratory distress.

Heart Conditions: Angina (chest pain), history of heart attacks, coronary artery disease, cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, and heart rhythm disorders (e.g., atrial fibrillation).

• • Extreme heat can significantly affect heart health by placing additional stress on the cardiovascular system. High temperatures cause blood vessels to dilate, lowering blood pressure and forcing the heart to work harder. This can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, and even heart attacks in those with preexisting conditions. Dehydration further reduces blood volume, straining the heart and potentially worsening symptoms of heart failure and coronary artery disease. Extreme heat can exacerbate these conditions, making it essential to take precautions.

Prevention Tips

• Monitor the Weather: Start taking extra precautions when temperatures reach 80°F or higher and adjust your routine as it gets hotter.
• Know Your Risk: If you have health conditions, take medications that increase sun sensitivity, or have difficulty recognizing or communicating discomfort, be extra cautious in the heat.
• Adjust Outdoor Activities: Reschedule or limit outdoor activities during peak heat between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun’s rays are strongest. Choose cooler times of day or shaded areas.
• Seek Cooler Environments: Spend time in air conditioned places whenever possible and use shade when outside.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water or caffeine-free fluids and include water-rich foods in your diet.  During high heat, activity, or excessive sweating, electrolyte drinks may be helpful. Avoid drinks with excess sugar, caffeine, or artificial dyes as they can exacerbate dehydration and spike blood sugar levels. It’s best to speak with your physician about what fluids are safe, especially with medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease.
• Manage Fluid Restrictions: If you have health conditions that limit fluid intake, talk to your doctor or nurse about how to safely manage hydration during hot weather.
• Dress for the Weather: Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing to help your body stay cool.
• Keep Indoor Spaces Cool: Close windows during the hottest parts of the day and use blinds or curtains to block out sunlight.
• Use Fans Wisely: Remember, fans only circulate air and do not actually cool it. Use with other cooling methods if available.
• Vehicle Safety: Never stay inside a parked vehicle during warm weather. Interior temperatures can become dangerously high within minutes.
• Watch for Worsening Symptoms: Be alert for signs that heart or lung conditions may be getting worse, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, or increased coughing and seek medical help if needed.

Helpful to Know

For More Information:

• OPWDD: Summer Safety Alert
• Heat Action Plan
• About Heat and Your Health
• Cooling Centers

Definition

A major problem to be aware of is heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion is heat-related illness caused by the body’s inability to regulate temperature, often due to excessive sweating and dehydration Heat exhaustion is one of part of heat-related illnesses, with heat cramps being the mildest and heatstroke being the most serious.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition in which heat overwhelms your body’s ability to manage its temperature. Symptoms include dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, slurred speech, and confusion. Heat stroke causes reduced blood flow and damage to vital organs. Seek immediate medical care for anyone with symptoms of heat stroke.

Why It’s Important for the IDD Population

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) may be at greater risk during extreme heat due to a variety of factors. Some individuals may have difficulty recognizing or communicating symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or nausea. Others may rely on caregivers to adjust clothing, provide water, or help move to a cooler area. Mobility challenges, certain medications, and chronic health conditions (like heart or lung disease) can further increase the risk of heat-related illness. It’s essential to have heat safety plans in place, encourage hydration, monitor for symptoms, and create supportive environments that help individuals stay cool, safe, and healthy during hot weather.

Prevention Tips

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water or caffeine-free fluids and include water-rich foods in your diet.  During high heat, activity, or excessive sweating, electrolyte drinks may be helpful. Avoid drinks with excess sugar, caffeine, or artificial dyes as they can exacerbate dehydration and spike blood sugar levels. It’s best to speak with your physician about what fluids are safe, especially with medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease.
• Use Air Conditioned Spaces: Spend time in air conditioned environments whenever possible to help your body stay cool.
• Limit Outdoor Time: Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day from 10 AM to 4 PM, especially during extreme heat.
• Take Breaks and Rest in the Shade: If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in shaded or cool areas and continue to drink fluids.
• Avoid Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol in the heat. It can cause dehydration and impair your body’s ability to cool down.
• Dress for the Weather: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to help your body release heat.
• Use Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when spending time outdoors to protect skin and prevent sunburn, which can affect the body’s ability to cool itself.

Helpful to Know

• Heat Exhaustion: Common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, skin may feel cool, muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea or vomiting, and pulse rate may be fast and weak, and breathing may be fast and shallow.
• Heat Stroke: Common signs and symptoms of heat stoke include an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F), red, hot, dry skin with absence of sweating, rapid, strong pulse rate, throbbing headache, loss of consciousness, and confusion or slurred speech.

For More Information:

• OPWDD: Summer Safety Alert
• Department of Health: Keep Your Cool During Summer Heat
• https://www.noheatstroke.org/
• Eligible households can get a cooling assistance benefit through HEAP for air conditioners or fans.

Definition

Poor air quality occurs when the air contains pollutants such as smoke, dust, ozone, or chemicals that can harm your health. Common causes include wildfires, high ozone levels, and industrial pollution. Poor air quality can irritate the lungs and worsen existing health conditions.

Why It’s Important for the IDD Population

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are particularly vulnerable to poor air quality due to chronic medical conditions, medications that affect lung or heart function, or limited ability to express discomfort or seek help. Care Managers, support staff, clinical advisors, individuals, and their families should be aware that polluted air can worsen medical conditions and increase the risk of respiratory and cardiac events.

Lung Conditions: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), pneumonia, asthma, emphysema, lung cancer, and cystic fibrosis (chronic lung secretions)

• • Poor air quality can irritate the airways, trigger inflammation, and increase the risk of infections. This can make breathing more difficult, especially for people with asthma or COPD. It may also worsen symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, and complicate the management of conditions such as pneumonia or cystic fibrosis by making it harder to clear lung secretions.

Heart Conditions: Angina (chest pain), history of heart attacks, coronary artery disease, cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, and heart rhythm disorders (e.g., atrial fibrillation)

• • Air pollution lowers the amount of oxygen in the air and can make it harder for the heart to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the body. This places extra strain on the cardiovascular system and can lead to chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath. For those with existing heart disease, even mild air pollution can trigger serious symptoms or events like arrhythmias or heart attacks.

Prevention Tips

• Check Air Quality Reports: Monitor local air quality indexes (AQI) regularly. Avoid outdoor activities when the AQI is in the unhealthy range.
• Limit Outdoor Exposure: Stay indoors as much as possible on poor air quality days, especially during peak pollution hours (typically midafternoon).
• Use Clean Indoor Air Sources: Spend time in air conditioned spaces or use air purifiers to reduce indoor air pollutants.
• Wear Protective Masks: When going outside cannot be avoided, use well-fitting masks (such as N95 or KN95) to help reduce inhalation of harmful particles.
• Avoid Physical Exertion Outdoors: Refrain from heavy outdoor activities, which can increase your intake of polluted air and strain your heart and lungs.
• Support Respiratory Health: Use inhalers, nebulizers, and other prescribed respiratory treatments as directed. Keep extra medication and oxygen supplies on hand if needed.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to support your body’s natural ability to filter toxins and maintain proper respiratory function.
• Watch for Worsening Symptoms: Be alert for coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, fatigue, or confusion as these may signal that heart or lung conditions are worsening and may require medical attention.
• Encourage Smoking Cessation: Smoking adds to lung damage and increases vulnerability to poor air quality. Support efforts to quit smoking whenever possible.
• Maintain Regular Medical Care:
  • Keep up with primary care visits and routine follow-ups with pulmonologists and cardiologists.
  • Adhere to treatment plans, including use of CPAP, BiPAP, oxygen therapy, or other prescribed equipment.
  • Ensure that oxygen-dependent individuals have enough supplies and equipment (e.g., tubing, batteries, tanks).

Helpful to Know

For More Information:

• NYS: Air Quality Index
• Map-based and a mobile app (“AirNow”)
• Smoking Cessation Support
• NY-Alert

Definition

Ticks are small, parasitic insects that feed on blood and can transmit several serious illnesses, such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. They are most active from spring through fall in wooded, grassy, or brushy areas. Tick bites can be difficult to notice and may lead to health complications if not promptly treated.

Why It’s Important for the IDD Population

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) may be more at risk for tick-related illnesses due to more frequent outdoor activities in parks, group outdoor activities at home or day programs, as well as possible challenges in identifying or reporting tick bites or early symptoms. Caregivers, support staff, and families should be aware of how to prevent exposure and recognize the signs of tick-borne diseases.

Common Tick-Borne Illnesses in NYS:

• Lyme disease: Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, joint pain, and a “bullseye” rash.
• Anaplasmosis & Babesiosis: May cause flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches, chills, and fatigue, potentially more severe in individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic illness.

Prevention Tips

• Dress for Protection: Wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into socks, and closed-toed shoes when walking in grassy or wooded areas.
• Use EPA-Approved Insect Repellent: Apply repellents that contain 20% or more of the active ingredient DEET on clothing before going outdoors. Follow label instructions closely.
• Avoid High-Risk Areas: Stay on clear, well-maintained trails and avoid tall grass and brush where ticks are commonly found.
• Do Daily Tick Checks: After outdoor activities, check the entire body, especially armpits, behind ears, around the waist, back, scalp, and groin. Use a mirror or have a caregiver assist.
• Shower After Outdoor Time: Showering within two hours of being outdoors helps remove unattached ticks and reduces the risk of infection.
• Wash & Dry Clothes: Put clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill ticks. Wash clothing in hot water if dirty.
• Check Gear and Pets: Ticks can ride into the home on pets, coats, and backpacks. Regularly check and treat pets with tick prevention products.
• Know the Symptoms: Monitor for symptoms like fever, rash, fatigue, joint or muscle pain, and behavior changes. Report anything unusual to a healthcare provider.
• Prompt Tick Removal: If a tick is found, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers by grasping as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out. Clean the bite area with soap and water or antiseptic. Save the tick in a sealed bag for potential testing.
• Seek Medical Attention if Needed: If a tick bite leads to symptoms or the tick was attached for more than 24 hours and engorged, consult with a healthcare provider.

Helpful to Know

For More Information, please visit:

• OPWDD: Summer Safety Alert
• Tick Bite Prevention
• Step-By-Step Tick Removal
• Erythema Migrans – Identify Your Rash
• Lyme Disease Prophylaxis Treatment – (After tick bite)

Definition

Prolonged sun exposure can cause various skin-related conditions, ranging from mild discomfort to serious health risks.

Common summer skin conditions include:

• Sunburn: Painful redness, swelling, and sometimes blistering from UV exposure.
• Heat Rash: Small, itchy red bumps or blisters caused by blocked sweat glands in hot, humid weather.
• Sun Poisoning: A severe sunburn that may include skin blistering, fever, chills, nausea, and dehydration often mistaken for illness or heat stroke.

Why It’s Important for the IDD Population

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) may be more vulnerable to these conditions due to several reasons. These can include increased sensitivity to sunlight due to medications, difficulty recognizing early signs of discomfort, trouble adjusting clothing or seeking shade independently, or possibly a limited ability to communicate when they feel overheated or in pain. These challenges make prevention, early detection, and treatment essential to avoid additional complications like dehydration or infection.

Prevention Tips

• Apply Sunscreen Regularly: Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. Check the expiration date, and sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than 3 years. Protect the lips with lip balm with SPF 15 or more.
• Dress for Sun Protection: Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Choose UV-protective clothing if possible.
• Seek Shade During Peak Hours: Stay indoors or in shaded areas between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun’s rays are strongest.
• Use Protective Accessories: Umbrellas, pop-up tents, and sunshades are helpful for outdoor events or waiting in line.
• Be Mindful of Medications: Some prescriptions increase sun sensitivity (e.g., certain antibiotics, antihistamines, antipsychotics, antidepressants, cardiovascular drugs, or oral medications for diabetes). Speak with your healthcare professional for precautions.
• Monitor Skin Regularly: Check for signs of redness, irritation, rash, or blistering, especially in individuals who may not verbalize discomfort.
• Avoid Tight or Heavy Clothing: Heat rash is more likely when skin can’t “breathe.” Use breathable, loose-fitting cotton clothing in warm weather.
• Stay Hydrated: Keeping the body cool through hydration helps prevent both heat rash and sun poisoning.

Treatment Basics

• Cool Compresses or Showers: Helps soothe skin irritation and reduce inflammation.
• Aloe Vera: Relieves sunburn and mild rash discomfort.
• Hydrate: Drink extra fluids to help skin and body recover.
• Rest: Avoid sun exposure while healing.
• Do Not Pop Blisters: This increases the risk of infection; keep clean and covered.
• Seek Medical Help: Seek medical help if you experience fever or flu-like symptoms after sun exposure, blisters covering large areas of skin, rash that spreads, oozes, or show signs of infection, confusion, extreme fatigue, or difficulty breathing.

Helpful to Know

Common Signs and Symptoms:

• • Sunburn: Common signs and symptoms include red, painful skin that feels warm to the touch, skin tenderness, or blisters or peeling (in severe cases),
  • Heat Rash: Common signs and symptoms include small red or clear bumps, often in folds of the skin (neck, chest, back, thighs), itching or prickly sensation, or a rash that may worsen with continued heat or sweat.
  • Sun Poisoning: Common signs and symptoms include blistering, fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting, dizziness, headache, fatigue, dehydration, or confusion.

Annual Checkups: Spending significant time in the sun makes it advisable to have a full-body skin examination once a year. Prolonged UV exposure increases the risk of skin cancer, and a board-certified dermatologist should be consulted to exam the skin for any changes.

For More Information, please visit:

• OPWDD: Summer Safety Alert
• CDC: Sun Safety Facts
• Check the UV Index
• Checking your Skin: Know your ABCDE Rule