Moving to a new location can be at the same time exciting, adventurous and chaotic. From finding the best school and a new family doctor to making new friends and neighbors, moving can be daunting, particularly for families with a physically or visually challenged member.

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation offers tips to help families with special needs find the right home and neighborhood.

Fast Start:  Preparing for the moving process is key, so the most important step is to start research early. As soon as you know or are seriously considering relocating to a new city or state, begin to research the items suggested below immediately.

Neighborhood Research: Most towns have Web sites that provide information and links to public services such as local schools, town or city hall and the parks and recreation department.

In addition, ask yourself: Does the town offer accessible transportation, recreation activities and entertainment options? Does it have sidewalks with cutout curbs, stores that offer easy parking spaces and play environments that are safe? 

Child’s Play:  For children, look for communities that provide universally accessible playgrounds, which are parks designed so children of all abilities can play together.

They come in all shapes and sizes and provide activities that children with disabilities can enjoy and allow interaction with their peers.

Also ask: Do they provide for ramp access, play panels at ground level, and surfacing that walkers and wheelchairs can ride over with ease?

School Matters:  Interview school districts’ special needs departments and then ask: Can the school provide you with what your child needs?

Does it offer a curriculum dedicated to ensuring that children with special needs achieve full participation in their education?

Networking:  Find and talk to families living in the community who have members with special needs to hear what they think about the area.

Communicate with Your Sales Associate: Ask your real estate agent to show you homes that have been previously owned by a family with special needs or ones that can be easily reconfigured or expanded. Accessibility is the key to independence for family members with special needs.

Look for ramping entrances, wide doorways, low counters, lever or loop-style grab bars and a tub seat in the bathrooms, hardware on doors and drawers and modified storage areas.

The Coldwell Banker Concierge program can help families with special needs by referring a contractor or architect that can reconfigure the home, if necessary.

Special Funding:  Know that there is additional help for families with special needs. 

There are tax deductions for any home modifications, plus families can get help with funding from their local Kiwanis Club and Rotary Club, as well as the Paralyzed Veterans Association.