With good preparation, it is possible to overcome the challenges that travelling with MND presents. Knowing what services you’ll need and organising them to deliver support along your journey is part of the challenge. This is why we are sharing Ron’s travel story.
Ron’s story includes positive review of a Darwin service provider called TRACKSCare, as well as some tips about making travel arrangements with Qantas.
Ron told us – “Highlighting services like this could open up possibilities for others who may not realise what’s possible.”
We agree. This is Ron’s story.
“My wife Annie and I, plus our two young children, stayed in Darwin for 7 days (we also took a carer), and it was a fantastic trip. The trip was so amazing largely due to a disability service provider called TRACKSCare which allowed us to see a lot outside of Darwin.
Litchfield National Park was a highlight. We had a whole waterfall and swimming hole to ourselves. We were there when a big rainstorm hit, and it was pretty special. The jumping crocodiles were awesome, and the kids loved the fishing.
We had a great time exploring Darwin itself, Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, Crocosaursa Cove and the Sunset Cruise. The beautiful sunsets, local markets, wildlife. We don’t have family in Darwin, so this trip was all about exploring the great outdoors and making the most of the accessible travel options available.
In terms of accessibility, we had to consider almost everything from accessible transport, accommodation and equipment. I use a wheelchair and communicate through eye gaze technology, so ensuring smooth mobility and reliable support was a key part of planning.
We flew to Darwin, and the experience was great. Qantas offer a range of assistance to meet specific needs. They have a piece of equipment called an Eagle Lift, a type of hoist transfer aid, which made moving from a wheelchair to the seat and in reverse very easy. They also offer a concession which subsidises travel costs if you can’t fly alone.
Travel costs and costs of activities including venue entrance fees can be further alleviated with a companion card.
Our trip was made unforgettable thanks to the team at TRACKSCare.
From start to finish, their service was nothing short of outstanding, and they continually went above and beyond to ensure our experience was seamless, comfortable, and enjoyable.
They were able to help us with accessible sites but also provided us with the right people to contact about getting the right equipment. Their wheelchair-accessible transport services were a game-changer for us, making every transfer effortless.
If you’re heading to Darwin and need reliable, culturally conscious, and genuinely exceptional service, TRACKSCare is the best choice you could make. We can’t recommend them highly enough!
Traveling with MND presents challenges, but it’s absolutely possible and so rewarding. It just takes some extra planning and a bit of flexibility. I encourage others with MND to keep exploring and making memories.”
A big thank you to Ron and his family for sharing their travel story with us. If you are interested in knowing more about travelling with MND we have listed some further information below or you can contact your MND Advisor or NDIS Support Coordinator for people with an NDIS plan.
More information about travelling with MND:
- Accessible Holidays and Travel Tips
- Daily life with Motor Neurone Disease | Living with MND | MND Australia
- 3062-MND_Fact-Sheet-Travelling-4pp-V6.pdf MND Australia
- Travelling with MND - MND Victoria
