My brother Rich has been a traveler with New Directions every year for the past 10 years. New Directions is a wonderfully caring, highly professional organization that really "lives" it's mission to provide great journeys for their travelers AND helps others see how much people with developmental disabilities can teach the rest of us about life, joy and laughter. Every traveler is treated with dignity, respect, love and consideration.
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My brother is developmentally disabled and has been on several trips with New Directions. Ten years ago after my parents passed away I was determined to help my brother live a more independent and self-fulfilling life. His experiences with New Directions Travel has been an integral part in his growth in independence, self confidence and overall excitement about life. In the beginning I had to cajole him into going on a trip. Now he has the next one selected before he goes on the one selected for the current year. I asked him recently what he likes best about New Directions staff and programs (aside from the wonderful places he gets to go). He said that the trips are so well organized and that the staff is so helpful--especially in the morning when it takes him a long time to get ready for the day. I'm forever grateful to this organization for all that they do.
My daughter, Julie, has traveled with New Directions for many years. Traveling with this group is Julie's favorite thing to do. She generally goes on three trips each year. She awaits these trips with great anticipation. The trips are very well organized and give many developmentally disabled persons a great opportunity to travel. Travel opportunities would not be possible for many of these developmentally disabled persons without New Directions. They are a wonderful program, offering travel trips to persons who would otherwise not have this chance.