News and notes from Imagine! and the Imagine! Foundation.
How to Make Moving Easier on a Child With a Disability
Jul-06-2021
Services
Moving is stressful for just about everyone. However, if you have a child with a disability, you have more to consider than the average person when it comes to planning a move. You don’t just need to handle the logistics and manage your own stress — you need to make sure your little one has the resources to handle the move as well. Here are some tips shared by Patrick Young, from Able USA, on how you can make this process go as smoothly as possible:
Ensure Overall Stability
Upheaval can be a challenge for anyone, but many children with disabilities rely heavily on their routines. This is part of why moving can be such a difficult time — it’s a situation defined by major change. One way to reduce the stress that comes with that change is to focus on making sure the rest of your family’s life is as stable and consistent as possible.
Take extra care with your budget through this time. Although it’s perfectly normal to wind up spending more than you intend during a move, the anxiety you’ll feel about stretching the budget will rub off on your little ones. Budget above your expected costs while moving. Use a sales calculator to get a sense of how much you might make when selling your home, and do your research to estimate the costs of hiring movers, babysitters, pet boarding, and other expenses you expect to incur. Adding 20% of the total to your estimate gives you plenty of padding for the unexpected.
Another vital way to make your move more consistent for your little ones is, if possible, to make all necessary modifications before you move in. It’s tough to find a home that’s already accessible for children with mobility challenges, so the odds are you’ll need to install some ramps or grab bars, if not more. For your child's safety, it's a good idea to get a fence installed. While you should budget for around $4,500, the average cost of installing a fence, you may be able to get a good deal if you reach out to multiple fence companies for estimates. Getting this work done before you move in makes the house consistent from the start and ensures your child can be as independent as possible from the moment they move in.
Meet Their Needs
Your little one could react to moving in a variety of ways, so it’s important to stay attuned to how they are coping and meet them where they are. For example, your child might need extra connection and affection throughout the move to remind them they’re safe and protected. If your child has trouble getting around due to their disability, take them to the house several times before you move in to help them get acquainted with the layout.
It’s also important to remember that it’s possible your child will handle the transition just fine. As parents, it’s easy to assume that anything that might be a challenge for our kids will be a challenge. However, try to take a step back and be mindful of how they’re actually reacting — they may just surprise you. Not only will this practice help you stay aware of your little one’s abilities, but it will also show your child that you trust them to know and express their own needs.
Give Them Creative Control
Help your child get excited about moving by giving them the chance to decorate their own room. Let them pick a color to paint their walls, and only offer guidance if they ask. If you do have certain colors that you don’t want on their walls (for example, it’s probably reasonable to avoid black) then give them options. This is a great way to foster confidence and creativity in your child while helping them see the fun side of moving.
Keep these tips in mind as you plan your move, and use them as a jumping-off point for how to navigate this process with your little one. Remember, at the end of the day you know your family’s needs best. Focus on doing what’s right for your situation, and soon you’ll all be settled into your new home.
Photo Credit: Pexels
