Travel Assistance for People With Disabilities
Travel support tailored to the individual
There is no such thing as a "typical" traveller.
People living with physical, developmental, cognitive, or sensory disabilities have different strengths, preferences, and support needs. While some travel independently, others benefit from having an experienced companion or healthcare professional by their side.
At Portage, we take the time to understand the traveller, the journey, and the level of support required to help make travel safe, comfortable, and as independent as possible.
Every journey is different
Travelling with a disability can involve challenges that many people never have to think about.
Navigating large airports, arranging accessible transportation, coordinating mobility equipment, managing medications, or communicating with airline staff all require planning.
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we work with the traveller, their family, and their care team to develop a travel plan that reflects their individual needs and goals.
Practical support throughout the journey
Depending on the traveller's needs, our team can assist with:
Airport navigation and flight connections.
Wheelchair assistance and mobility support.
Boarding and deplaning.
Communication with airline personnel.
Assistance with luggage and personal belongings.
Medication reminders and routine support.
Coordination with family members, caregivers, or receiving facilities.
Safe handover at the final destination.
Some travellers require only practical travel assistance, while others benefit from clinical support provided by a registered nurse or advanced care paramedic.
Supporting a wide range of needs
We assist travellers living with a variety of disabilities and conditions, including:
Mobility impairments.
Vision or hearing loss.
Developmental disabilities.
Autism spectrum disorder.
Acquired brain injury.
Neurological conditions.
Cognitive disabilities.
Other physical or medical conditions that make travelling independently more difficult.
Every traveller is assessed individually. We focus on the person's abilities, the challenges presented by the journey, and the support needed to help them travel successfully.
Dignity, respect, and discretion
Our goal is never to draw attention to the traveller or take over unnecessarily.
We provide assistance where it's needed while respecting each person's independence, preferences, and dignity. Many of our clients value travelling as discreetly as possible, and our companions maintain a professional, low-profile approach whenever practical.
Helping make travel possible
Whether the journey is to visit family, attend an important event, relocate to a new community, return home after treatment, or simply enjoy the opportunity to travel, we're here to help make it possible.
Because everyone deserves the opportunity to travel with confidence when the right support is in place.