a variety of private activities, respite and services to accommodate all special needs. A second option is a “Land Resort Stay with Staff,” and it is also booked 10-16 months in advance. The benefits and services provided to families remains the same; however, each family stays at a specific land-locked resort. And finally, individuals can book their own individual cruises through AOTS, utilizing their booking services and the relationships they have with cruise lines, all the while maintaining their own schedules and itineraries.
The staff for AOTS is carefully selected, and must have a particular background. According to Sobbell, each staff member is either a college-age student pursuing a career in the developmental disabilities world, or they are recent college graduates with degrees in the field. Regardless of their educational status, each staff member is required to have experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
Throughout the duration of the cruise, the staff is divided into three teams – one for children, one for teenagers, and one for adults. Recognizing the different needs and entertainment interests of their passengers is critical to the AOTS staff. For the caregivers, each day of the cruise includes two periods of respite ranging from 90 minutes to two hours, providing a time of relaxation without the day-to-day struggles.
For each AOTS team, the activities range from the simple to the exciting. Children on each cruise are given a long list of activities, ranging from video games and balloon making to science experiments and rock climbing. For teenagers, there is a teens-only club with a DJ to allow them opportunities to socialize as well as ice skating and water sports. Adult passengers are provided more freedom, choosing and setting their own itineraries for each day, thereby maximizing the enjoyment for everyone on-board.
In addition to the incredible happenings on each cruise, AOTS has also developed ways to increase opportunities for families to travel. When visiting the website (http://
www.autismontheseas.com), there is a link to the Skyeward Bound Ranch, a partner organization that provides financial assistance to families who cannot afford to take a cruise. This link will provide all interested parties with the proper forms needed to fill out and submit for financial assistance. These grants can cover part, or occasionally all, of the cruise expenses.
When asked about their experience cruising with AOTS, Dan Kalinowski said, “For years I didn’t know how I would be able to show my son and daughter the world. Autism on the Seas made it possible. I am so fulfilled as a father that my kids were able to travel and explore different foods, music, landscapes and customs. I will
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