A Nanaimo travel agent is raising cash to help kids with neuro-developmental issues.
Tarita Davencock, who has multiple sclerosis, understands it can be tough arranging a vacation for people confined to a wheelchair.
To help mobility-challenged people see the world, Davencock created Tarita’s Travel Connections in 2012.
“I’ve been a travel agent for 17 years and I have MS, which is why I started Tarita’s Travel Connections, because I saw a real need,” Davencock said. “A missing part of the travel equation was the accessible travel niche.”
Davencock now works with Special Globe, a U.S.-based worldwide travel agency that launched in November for people with disabilities. Davencock is a “travel partner,” or highly specialized travel agent who arranges travel venues and accommodations for Special Globe clients.
“I’m an accessible travel specialist, so I arrange travel for people who have very special needs, whether you be blind, deaf, in a wheelchair or have a child with a disability – something that is a special need that has to be addressed before you travel. I have contacts throughout the world that arrange accessible vacations,” Davencock said. “Somebody wants to see the pyramids, but they’re in a wheelchair, we can arrange that, or a gondola ride in Venice.”
Davencock and Special Globe are raising money for Nanaimo Unique Kids, a local charity helping children with neuro-developmental disabilities, by donating 15 per cent of commissions from travel booked between Dec. 15 and May 15. Money raised will help Nanaimo Unique Kids operate social and recreational programs, and take children on tours through Vancouver International Airport, which offers familiarization programs to prepare children with autism for the experience of flying.
For more, please visit Tarita’s Travel Connections at http://taritastravelconnections.com.