My name is Jacob Babbin. I am 34. And I have Non-Verbal Learning Difference. This is my third time writing a blog for this website. I focus on what it is like traveling with Non-Verbal Learning Difference (NVLD).
In May of 2025, I selected to go to Washington D.C. I was unable to head back to Israel due to the ongoing war. It was amazing I got to go in 2022 & again in 2024. I completed my conversion to Judaism and the Reform movement in November of 2024.
When I went to D.C. I saw the Holocaust Memorial Museum where I saw my grandfather’s army unit/unit’s patches. And I saw the Capital Jewish Museum as well as the National Museum of American Jewish Military History. On top of that, I saw the Capital Building, the White House, and the Supreme Court building.
The interesting part of this trip was I had everything planned out but along the trip, I had to change my plans every day which was fine. In my younger years, I never would have been ok with this but during this trip, I was totally fine with it. My cousin introduced me to a restaurant called Yellow which was good!
I believe when people have NVLD travel comes down to three simple things:
1. Having a plan.
2. Packing correctly (This may mean over packing.)
3. Being flexible with your plan.
Traveling is educational and helps one accomplish things independently. So even if it is just a short trip into your local city or town people with NVLD should travel independently. This will in essence push one out of the comfort zone and help one grow and develop.
I hope to make it back to Israel in 2027.
We will see what the future holds.
Jacob
My name is Jacob Babbin. I am 34. I have NVLD.
