Making Phuket possible

In November of 2023, two Rocky Bay Supported Accommodation customers took flight to a tropical holiday destination. Customer Jason, who previously went on his first international trip to Bali with Rocky Bay last year, was eager to explore the nightlife and culture of Phuket. The customers were accompanied by dedicated Rocky Bay support workers Jayang Samphelk and Daniela Janusevski.

Jason was very glad to have gone on another trip saying that “he had a good time and would like to go on another one!” 

The trip didn’t come without challenges with the biggest hurdle happening before they took off.  The customer’s doctor was incredibly hesitant to provide doctors’ approval, questioning the decision to travel, saying “why do the customers need to be going on holiday?”  

To which Daniela replied, “why not, they’re like everybody else and deserve a holiday too.” Daniela spoke about the excitement leading up to the trip. “Deciding on accommodation was one of the most exciting parts, it was so fun to be able to book everything and look at hotels together, but then we had to wait and countdown the days until we could leave, which was the hardest part.” 

The hotel that they stayed in was an accessible space. There was ample room for wheelchairs, large showers that were accessible and ramps for easy movement throughout the building. 

Jayang is motivated in her role and fulfilled that she can give back in this career. “I’m really passionate about helping others, it fits really well with what I want to do,” Jayang said. 

Daniela was excited to share in another international holiday with the customers. “I have a fun job and every day is different from the next. It’s not a regular job, we are going with our customers to Thailand, who gets to say they do that for work?” Daniela said.  

The four travelers experienced three jam-packed days exploring the food, culture and the sights of Thailand. The highlight of the trip for the customers and staff was Fantasea.  “Both customers love elephants, so it was so much fun to see them engaged and get pictures with the elephants, there was lightshow and theatrics, it was amazing to see,” Daniela said. 

They visited the 3D museum that interacts with modern art so they could be a part of painted landscapes, visiting a range of temples and exploring Old Phuket Town.  

The group visited Patong beach and had multiple shopping experiences and massages. Jason enjoyed his time in the hotel pool, so much so he had a hard time leaving it to keep adventuring. Jason enjoyed being involved in the nightlife, even being asked by the locals if he could join in accompanying them. “Jason likes having fun, walking around and trying new places and new things,” Daniela said. 

“Each night the customers would say how full they were, they were so excited to try all of the local cuisine and they enjoyed talking to the locals, telling them about themselves, which made everyone on the trip very happy.”  

Daniela says “just because you have a disability, it doesn’t mean you can’t experience the same things. People with disabilities are humans.” 

The team’s overseas trip together was a success, and the team looks forward to being able to support more customers to see the world and live their best life!