Summer’s calling, and so is the chance to get away, unwind, and make some unforgettable memories with our kids. Whether you’re dreaming of the perfect road trip, accessible beach or hiking trail, or just hoping to find an accessible theme park where your child can explore (and ride that roller coaster!) comfortably, we get it: travel is both exciting and exhausting. For families like ours, vacation planning takes more than just booking a room. But the good news? Inclusive, accessible travel is more possible than ever.
This week, we’re bringing you travel tips, parent-tested ideas, and a roundup of accessible and inclusive vacation spots and activities that aim to meet our families where we’re at. Whether you’re flying, driving, or keeping it close to home, we’re here to help you plan a summer that’s less stressful and more fun — for everyone in the family.
Tips to help you survive (and thrive) on family trips
“The best time to make sure you don’t miss anything is to pack that supply bag before you even go on the trip so you’re not like, ‘Oh, I forgot to put a feeding bag in here and now we’re at Disneyland — what am I going to do?’” — Heather McCullough, Undivided Navigator
More tips and travel advice where that came from, including finding accessible lodging, planning for sensory overwhelm, figuring out how to prep for on-flight medical and behavioral situations,and more!. Check out our articles that cover Travel and Road Trip Tips for Kids with Disabilities (also available as a bite-sized, AI-powered companion podcast episode!), Airplane Travel Tips for Kids with Disabilities, and even Tips for Flying with a Service Dog for everything you need before (and during) that next big trip.
If you’re an Undivided member → You can explore all of our travel and vacation resources in one place by adding the “Plan a family trip” goal to your Undivided account! This step-by-step guidance will help you find accessible accommodations, create a packing list, prime your child for the trip, and more.
Oh, the places you’ll go…
Summer’s a great time to get out of the house. The good thing: more destinations are beginning to understand what our families need, and that makes all the difference. Check out our ever-growing lists of Best Vacation Spots for Kids with Disabilities and Accessible Activities for Kids in California. For example, hosting a backyard movie night, taking the kids to an accessible playground or beach, visiting a state or national park with a discount pass, exploring interactive exhibits and programs at museums suitable for our kiddos, putting on the boots and going on an accessible hike, and more!
Need an amusement park disability guide?
Planning to hit some roller coasters this summer? Good news: more theme parks are stepping up with inclusive experiences for kids and families of all abilities. A little prep goes a long way, and we’ve got you covered with guides full of insider tips — from using disability access passes to handling sensory needs, medication, food, and bathroom breaks. Whether you’re off to Disneyland, Legoland, or Universal Studios, we’re here to help make your trip magical, fun, and (mostly) smooth. There might be a few bumps, but you’ll be ready for the ride!
Undivided Updates: California Edition
The good news→ The disability community made their voices heard, and your representatives in Sacramento listened! While it’s not a done deal yet, on June 9, the Legislature published their version of the state budget for 2025 -6. The lawmakers rejected many troublesome cuts, saying that they did not want to balance the budget on the backs of California’s most vulnerable residents.
IHSS cuts — specifically overtime caps — were rejected.
Also rejected was denying IHSS based on immigration status.
The Medi-Cal asset limit was restored to $130,000.
The bad news→ 
Unfortunately, the $22.5 million in cuts (for 2025-26 and $45.5 million in ongoing cuts) to the Self-Determination Program budget is still there.
What happens next?→ The Standing Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review is holding hearings this week. The Legislature must vote on the budget by June 15. The governor can still veto any line item before signing the bill.
What can you do?→ Now’s the time to email your Assemblymember and tell them your story. You can thank them for rejecting the cap on IHSS overtime hours and share how SDP has helped your family. Send your email (*include a photo of your child.) to: AsmBudget@asm.ca.gov for the state assembly committee and SBUD.Committee@senate.ca.gov for the senate. Also email and call your representatives (look them up here). You can also find more about these updates in our articles on California-specific proposals and national updates.
Join us for expert office hours
Do you have questions about funding your child’s medical needs through Regional Center, Medi-Cal, IHSS, and other public benefits in California? Join us on Wednesday, June 25 at 12:00 p.m. PT for expert office hours with Undivided Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Kronbeck. Lisa will be available to answer your questions directly on Zoom. If you’re not an Undivided member yet, get started here to join us for office hours every week.
Tune into Undivided Conversations
11 Tips for Traveling with a Service Dog→ Happening this week on our Facebook page. Join us on Saturday, June 14 at 10:00 a.m. PT for a special re-stream with Undivided Navigator Meg! She’s sharing 11 must-know tips for life with a service dog — from training strategies to adjusting feeding routines and everything in between.
One of our parent members told us, “Signing up with Undivided should be the first thing anyone on this journey does. You will absolutely earn the cost of membership back, plus more, and you will never acquire this knowledge alone.”
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How do you plan a family vacation when your child has complex medical needs? Listen to these tips from Undivided Navigator Heather on our YouTube channel→
What local activities are you looking forward to this summer with your kiddos? Join the discussion in our private Facebook group→
If you see Team Undivided in the community, say hello! Check out photos of our Navigators at the Vallejo Community Resource Fair→
Help us spread the word about pending legislation updates and other resources that affect families raising kids with disabilities! Connect with Undivided on LinkedIn→
