I have traveled with Able Trek as a 1:1 with one of the individuals I support in 2016 to Disney World. It was a fantastic trip, everything was thorough and planned out and we had a great time. I saw a lot of individuals with different abilities have the best time.
I had always heard good things, and this was the company to go to. I had recommended them to previous places of employment, for individuals to use for trips.
Now, I have been having individuals I support go on these trips the past year or so. It has been a completely different experience. I had an individual attend a multiple day trip (not their first). They ended up having really bad bowel incontinence. I wasn't notified of this until pick up. They weren't given any PRN that was sent with to assist with this issue. We were then told since this was the first time this has happened, they could have one last chance. If it happened again they would need to be picked up and would need a 1:1. Okay, we agreed.
Their next trip is coming up, and we get a phone call. They need a 1:1, an extra $650. I explained that this behavior has not happened since then and we were told they could have one more shot. They discussed and nope, needs a 1:1, and need to know by today if they can pay that much and are going. We also had a conversation about the possibility of having a female chaperone vs a male, due to their past. Nope, only the same gender can assist as 1:1. Well that doesn't always work for people.
I asked if the money for this trip could be set aside for day trips, that they could attend. Yep, it can be, but they have to be a 1:1 for those also now. Uh...why? Never had an issue on day trips.
Sadly, we pulled money out from Able Trek and took them off the trips. Also took another individual out of the trip. This is so so sad. This is a person that is completely capable of doing most things themselves. Not a total assist in cares.
If you have an individual that wants to attend make sure they are able to completely do everything 100% independently. Otherwise, they may not get the support they need on these trips. Which in all honesty is disappointing, you shouldn't have to be worried about weather someone is being taken care of or not. On a trip that is advertised to assist with individuals that need it.
The assistance they provide is someone to assist with money, medications and be a tour guide. That is about the extent. Which should be more for what these trips cost.
The sole purpose of this company was to make trips for people to attend that couldn't normally. It doesn't seem to be their focus any longer. Which is highly disappointing...for a company I had heard so many good things about in the past. Something has changed. read more