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 Who
We Are :
People and Places believes in the rights of those we
serve to realize their potential as individuals.... to
grow.... to change.....and to experience a normal life
with a full range of age-appropriate opportunities. Vacations
and travel experiences are one component of that spectrum.
People and Places is a not-for-profit,
501( c )3 organization providing small group, year-round
vacation opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities,
as well as a variety of cooperative inter-agency vacation
projects.
Full-time, year-round vacation experiences have
been provided since 1975. Since that time, vacationers
from around the country have traveled extensively throughout
the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, and Mexico. |
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What
We Offer :
Since 1975 we have provided interesting and diverse
year-round vacation opportunities for adults with developmental
disabilities. Within our vacations, we offer attractive
tour itineraries providing our travelers with choices so
that we can individualize as much as possible to create
an outstanding vacation experience for each participant.
Quality vacations, individualized to meet the vacationers'
needs and preferences, are facilitated by each trip being
limited to 6 to 8 vacationers, traveling with two staff
escorts. |
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is great diversity in our vacation selections! We travel
to incredible places throughout the United States and beyond.
So, sit back, relax, and let your mind travel with us for
a moment. Experience this beautiful and diverse world of
ours as you review our Vacation Summary. Here you will
find almost 100 different destinations of both familiar
and unique experiences. From tropical holidays, healthy
retreats, western adventures, and European treasures to
exploring the special interests of the train enthusiast,
history buff, or animal and nature lover, you are sure
to find some fascinating choices. Explore this beautiful
and diverse world we live in ....care for it ....tread
lightly ...and explore with us in friendship and fun ! |
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 Who
Travels With Us ?
Basically, our travelers are adults with intellectual disabilities,
and other developmental disabilities, and special needs who
enjoy traveling in a small, supervised group for fun and
friendship. They enjoy the opportunity for personal choices
and flexibility available in traveling and exploring in a
small group of 6 to 8 vacationers with two staff escorts.
They are cooperative and considerate of others and able to
adjust in a reasonably short time to a new environment with
the assistance of supportive and caring staff. They are able
to provide for their personal self-care needs with reminders
or minimal assistance, and while they may have certain medical
conditions, they do not impair their safety, welfare, or
participation while on their vacation. They are really excited
about their vacation and want to see and do everything that
is unique to their chosen destination ! |
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"Two
roads diverged in a wood, and I ~ I took the one less
traveled by,
and that has made all the difference"
Robert Frost |
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What
About Supervision ?
Each trip is limited to 8 participants who travel with
two staff escorts. Our escorts make every effort to help
everyone feel welcome and comfortable in their new environment
and to make new friends! They supervise the administration
of medications, provide reminders and self-care assistance
as needed, and monitor vacationer spending money upon request.
They incorporate individual interests, preferences, and
choices throughout each trip to make each vacation a meaningful
and memorable experience.
Our escorts are human service professionals familiar with
persons with developmental disabilities. They come from
professions such as therapeutic recreation, rehabilitation
counseling, residential and day services programs, special
education, social work, occupational therapy, physical
therapy, and nursing. They bring to each trip their experience
and ability, their personal and professional commitment,
and their fun and charming personality to provide safe,
enjoyable and rewarding travel experiences for each vacationer
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 What
About Trip Costs ?
The trip costs are all inclusive. They
include transportation costs from the western New York
state area ( with cost adjustments easily made for those
traveling from other locations ), transportation at our
destinations, accommodations, all meals and snacks, tours
and attractions, and supervision. Spending money is needed
primarily for the purchase of souvenirs, postcards, or
personal items. A payment plan and travel insurance are
available.
Please note, that the costs listed in our Catalog are
approximate and may change based upon travel or accommodation
costs not within our control. It has been our experience,
however, that quoted costs do not differ significantly
and one can expect of budget accordingly. We always take
advantage of the most reasonably priced travel services
that meet the needs of our vacationers at the time of booking. |
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What
Happens After I Send In My Application ?
After the Preliminary Application has
been received ( no deposit is required until acceptance
), the needs and preferences of the applicant are reviewed
in relation to their vacation selection.
Accepted applicants are matched with one of their vacation
choices based on availability. It's always a good idea
to make more than one selection if possible, since many
trips fill up quite rapidly. We'll give you a call if all
your selections are filled, and let you know what is still
available.
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Accepted
applicants will be notified in writing and will receive
additional information pertaining to their vacation selection,
including a Supplementary Information Form which requests
additional pertinent personal information and a request
for payment.
Applicants who are not accepted
for a vacation will be notified by phone or in writing.
The primary reasons for non-acceptance are : ( a ) their
vacation selections were filled, and the applicant may
request to be placed on a waiting list or make new choices,
or ( B ) it was felt that their needs could not adequately
or safely be met on the requested vacation.
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"We
wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment."
Hilaire Belloc
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How
Do I Travel With You If I Live Outside Of New York State
?
 Vacationers join us in many different
ways depending upon the originating hometown of the traveler(s),
the vacation destination, and the vacationer preferences
and needs. For example: vacationers may be picked up en-route
for trips by van, or even train, that will be traveling
in their direction; or they may arrive at our destination
by air, bus, train, or car where they are met upon arrival
to join us. There are obviously many variables and combinations
of possibilities, with vacationers joining us from throughout
the United States and Canada. We're happy to work with
our travelers and those assisting them in arranging the
easiest and most reasonable means of joining us. Transportation
and cost adjustments are made where applicable. |
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Are
Additional Date And Destination Alternatives Available
?
Yes ! We are often able to be quite
flexible in meeting the needs and preferences of those
who wish to travel with us. We recognize that trips in
our Catalog fill up quite rapidly, and sometimes variations
in trip length or dates may be needed to meet the needs
of families or residential programs. Thus, we frequently
add trips to popular destinations for requested dates and
from convenient departure sites. We enjoy bringing together
people with similar interests for the shared experiences
of a vacation and will make every effort to fulfill such
requests. Just ask ! |
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How
Do I Find Out More About Specific Vacations And Obtain
An Application ?
Just Request
our current Catalog, and
you will find more details about each vacation! Trip Descriptions,
Dates, Prices, General Information, and a Preliminary Application
are all there! Please feel free to call us with additional
questions .... We love to talk with you personally ! Click
on the catalog to request yours now ! |
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Are
There Any Other Services That You Offer ?
Yes ! We believe that
there are many ways to engage in travel and to experience
the world around us.... many ways where travel touches
the deep human needs for connection, personal growth, and
contribution, and we find that our similarities are much
greater than our differences !
It is with this in mind, that our vision opens to the
world of possibilities and guides our expanding services.
We welcome special needs travelers, their families, friends,
and those who work with them, from around the United States
and around the World, for specially designed learning vacations
and exchanges, and other uniquely designed experiences
which join together people, animals, and the earth.
Join us on this exciting journey to share fun, friendship,
and understanding ! We welcome you to share your thoughts
and ideas with us !
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"Without
new experiences, something inside of us sleeps.
The sleeper must awaken "
Frank Herbert
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