As a travel writer since 1977, Candy Harrington has been writing about accessible travel exclusively since 1996. She’s the founding editor of Emerging Horizons, and the author of the popular Barrier-Free Travel national park series. With thousands of bylines to her credit, Candy hits the road often, in search of new accessible travel finds. Candy and her travel photographer husband Charles Pannell reside in NE Washington, where they tend to their chicken flock and enjoy a rural lifestyle.
If a trip to Barcelona is in your future, then check out this excellent wheelchair-accessible Barcelona resource (www.barcelona-access.com). A project of Barcelona Turisme, this informative website includes detailed information about accessible sights, transportation, accommodations and resources in Barcelona.
The website features a search engine to find wheelchair-accessible sights throughout the city, including museums, World Heritage sties, monuments and even beaches. You can search the database by disability type, attraction or location. There’s also a helpful section about accessible transportation, with tips on how to get to and from the airport as well as details on accessible bus and train transportation. And if you’d like to spend a few nights, there’s also a link to the TUR4all database of accessible properties in Barcelona. Add in some helpful resources on adaptive sports, accessible taxis and travel agents who can plan an accessible itinerary and you have an excellent wheelchair-accessible Barcelona resource.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Located three miles west of Superior, Boyce Thompson Arboretum (btarboretum.org) is Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden. The 323-acre parcel is filled to the brim with plants from deserts around the world, and offers visitors an up-close-and-personal look at desert flora and fauna in the a variety of landscapes. From sheer mountain cliffs to a streamside forest, there’s a wide selection of habitats for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to explore. And since the park is just 65 miles east of Phoenix, it makes an excellent day trip from the city, as well as a fun Arizona road trip stop.
Plan a Picnic
Butterfly in the Demonstration Garden
Access is relatively good throughout this popular Arizona botanical garden, with accessible parking in front and barrier-free access over to the visitor center. Inside, there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair around the exhibits, and to the accessible restrooms, which are located in the rear of the building. There’s also barrier-free access to the gift shop, which offers souvenirs, gifts, drinks, snacks and sandwiches.
If you’d prefer to bring you own picnic lunch, accessible picnic tables are located near the Demonstration Garden, across from the visitor center. Accessible parking is located nearby, with a level path over to the shaded tables. It’s a pleasant, peaceful spot to enjoy a noontime repast.
Save some time to visit the Demonstration Garden after lunch. There’s level access throughout the garden which offers design and plant selection ideas for a variety of landscapes. Before you set out to explore the rest of the botanical garden, make sure you have an ample supply of water and a hat, as shade is in short supply, and the midday sun can be harsh.
Explore the Main Trail
Most of the Main Trail through the botanical garden is doable for wheelchair-users and slow walkers, as this hard-packed dirt trail is wide and fairly level. It begins near the visitor center and allows visitors access to a number of other gardens along the route.
The nearby Heritage Rose Garden also level pathways, and even though they are made of brick they’re still manageable. And don’t miss the Children’s Garden which features level access and boasts a fun water feature. The Taylor Family Desert Legume Garden is another good choice, as it’s is paved and showcases plants from the pea family. And although the trails in the outdoor Cactus Garden are a bit steep and bumpy, there are a few areas near the Main Trail that are doable for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
The accessible section of this part of the Main Trail ends in about a mile, near Ayer Lake. From there it travels through the Upper Sonoran Natural Area, which has steep grades and a rocky pavement.
Another Main Trail Branch
Along the Main Trail at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Even though Ayer Lake is the end of the line for one accessible trail, there’s still more for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to explore. From Ayer Lake, you can also double back and explore another branch of the main trail. Just head back toward the Taylor Family Desert Legume Garden, and connect to the other part of the Main Trail loop.
This section of the trail first trail passes through a patch of eucalyptus forest, with level pathways around the trees. The Herb Garden, which is just up the trail, is also fairly level, with plenty of room for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to navigate around the aromatic herbs. Just past the Herb Garden there’s barrier-free access to the suspension bridge, but the High Trail on the other side of the bridge is not accessible. The access on the Main Trail ends just past the pumphouse, where the trail connects to the rugged Upper Sonoran Natural Area.
All in all it’s about a three-mile round trip jaunt from the visitor center to Ayer Lake, over to the the Main Trail branch, and back to the visitor center. That said, if that’s too long, you can always explore the gardens near the visitor center, which offer a good overview of desert habitats. Either way Boyce Thompson Arboretum makes a fun and educational day trip for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Located along the main drag in Rosalia, this Texaco service station was built in 1923. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the brick building stands as an intact example of the “house and canopy” design that was prevalent in that period. Today this Texaco station boasts a vintage gas pump, and evokes a feeling of yesteryear. The restoration is well done, and it’s kept up nicely. There’s street parking available, and when the station is open, there’s also a accessible parking spot cordoned off with an orange cone. There’s a vintage truck on the side of the station, and it’s a great photo op. The station is sporadically open as a visitor information center, but even if it’s closed you can still peer in the windows for a gander at the interior, which is also restored. There’s good access all around the station, and it’s just a few miles off Highway 95 in Southeastern Washington, so it’s a nice stop on a Palouse road trip.
Chance Baker is a self-admitted tinkerer. He picked this up while doing garage projects with his dad when he was young, and honed his skills when he joined the Marine Corps and became an avionics technician. After his discharge, he built bicycles with electric motors and power recumbent scooters, before he designed the Beach Buggy — a power beach wheelchair.
Today he’s the owner of Beach ‘N Buggys, which offers sales and rental of his designs on the Alabama Gulf Coast. And as an added bonus, with the help of a Marine buddy Baker has donated his Beach Buggys to disabled veterans.
Beach Buggys
Baker has three different styles of Beach Buggys available for rent in Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Peridido Key. They are available for daily rental, but discounts are available for longer periods.
The Lobster is a mid-size model that is adequate for most people, while the Heavy-Duty Lobster is the best choice for heavier folks. And the Sand Flea is a good pick for lighter kids and young adults. All of the Beach Buggy models can be operated independently, and they all will fit through doorways and pool gates. They are also narrow enough to allow access to the boardwalks, so you can fully enjoy the beach. For more information, or to reserve a Beach Buggy, visit beachnbuggys.com/.
Barrier-Free Travel 101 Accessible Vacations Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
If a visit to the City of Brotherly Love is in your future, then surf on by visitphilly.com/accessibility, and check out this Philadelphia access guide. This joint project between Visit Philadelphia and Art-Reach – a local disability advocacy organization — offers wheelchair-users and slow walkers hard-to-find access information about the capital city. It contains details about accessible public transportation, taxis, and favorite attractions; and features a helpful section filled with local resources. There’s also a short section which lists some favorite accessible hotels, along with contact information for more specific access details. Information about local wheelchair and medical equipment rentals and accessible parking is also included. Best of all, this Philadelphia access guide has an excellent FAQ section, which offers helpful tips, such as details on the Access Philly Card, which offers discounts to cultural attractions to people with a disability. An excellent resource filled with information to help disabled visitors get around and enjoy all the Philadelphia has to offer.
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
If you’re planning to visit Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks, and wondering if they are wheelchair-accessible, then pick up the newest edition of Candy B. Harrington’s Barrier-Free Travel; Utah National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers. This essential resource offers essential insider tips to plan a wheelchair-accessible Utah national parks getaway.
Wheelchair-Accessible Utah National Parks
This new edition includes:
Updated information on new access additions.
Fly-drive trip planning information, including accessible van rentals.
Access details and photographs of 33 wheelchair-accessible properties, including all in-park lodging options.
Information about ranger-led tours, loaner wheelchairs and the free America the Beautiful Access Pass.
The scoop on how to nab free accessible bus tours in Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park.
Detailed access information on accessible trails, viewpoints, picnic areas and attractions — in and near the parks.
Information about barrier-free camping options in all the parks.
Insider tips on where to go for the best windshield views, accessible picnic spots and sunset photos.
This inclusive title is the most recent addition to Harrington’s national park series; and although it’s written for wheelchair-users and slow walkers, stroller moms will also appreciate the access information in this guide. It will help everyone plan a truly accessible Utah national parks vacation.
Says Harrington, “I’m very excited to report that Utah National Parks not only added more accessible features since my last edition, but they also maintained the ones they already had. I’m particularly happy to see the access improvements in the Pa’rus Trail as well as the continued upkeep of the accessible Bryce Canyon Shared Use Path.”
For more information wheelchair access in Utah’s National Parks, visit emerginghorizons.com/barrier-free-travel-utah-national-parks-for-wheelchair-users-and-slow-walkers/ and order your copy of Harrington’s newest access resource today.
Barrier-Free Travel Utah National Parks for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Track chairs are now available for loan at many Louisiana State Parks. Outfitted with tank tracks, these all terrain power wheelchairs allow folks to navigate trails that standard wheelchair can’t handle.” These specially-designed all-terrain chairs can really open up a world of new experiences for people with limited mobility,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. The track chairs were purchased with donations made to the Louisiana Park Foundation.
The Louisiana State Park track chairs are available at the following locations.
Fontainebleau State Park
Bogue Chitto State Park
Jimmie Davis State Park
Lake D’Arbonne State Park
North Toledo Bend State Park
Port Hudson State Historic Site
Sam Houston Jones State Park
Louisiana State Arboretum
Reservations for the track chairs must be made at least 48 hours in advance. The user must be accompanied by a companion that is at least 18 years old, and both the user and the companion must present a photo ID when picking up the track chair. A liability waiver must also be signed in order to borrow a track chair. Additionally, users under 16 must wear a helmet while operating the track chair.
This local landmark has a fun history, and it’s a nice spot to take a break while driving along Highway 195 in the Palouse. It’s a small site, so if you have an adapted van it’s best to parallel park on the street in front of the tiny park that surrounds the Codger Pole. There’s also standard parking in the Farmers Insurance lot next door. From either point there’s level access to this unusual monument, which also has a picnic table on a cement pad.
The story behind the Codger Pole dates back to a historic 1938 football game between the Colfax Bulldogs and the St. John Eagles. The Colfax team lost, but 50 years later the “old codgers” asked for a rematch, and this time they won. This monument stands to commemorate the resolve and determination of that team. The pole, which is actually comprised of five 65-foot tall cedar poles, was carved with a chainsaw by John LaBenne. It includes the faces of all 51 players along with their original leather football helmets. It’s a fitting tribute to codger-hood.
I use a power wheelchair and I’m thinking about taking a cruise with my husband. I’ve never traveled before but a cruise really appeals to me. Are cruise ships wheelchair-accessible? And if so, will they work for my power wheelchair? I’d also appreciate any tips you have for planning a wheelchair-accessible cruise.
Access on the High Seas
The good news is that many cruise ships are wheelchair-accessible. Part of the reason is because they have responded to a growing market, and part of the reason is due to litigation. More specifically, there are two court cases that helped form the access requirements on cruise ships that call on US ports.
First and foremost is Spector v Norwegian Cruise Line. On June 6, 2005 the US Supreme Court decided in favor of the plaintiffs in this case, and ruled that the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to all foreign-flagged cruise ships that call on US ports. This ruling, however, fell short of requiring specific access guidelines for vessels.
Then in 2015 the Justice Department reached a settlement with Carnival Cruise Lines that provided the access standards for ships — even foreign flagged ships — that call on US ports. They must have fully accessible cabins, which are dispersed throughout the various classes of accommodations. These cabins must have 32-inch wide doorways, include accessible pathway access and turning radius, and have an accessible bathroom. And the reservation system must allow passengers with a disability to reserve an accessible cabin, and guarantee that accessible cabin reservation.
Cruise Planning Tips & Tricks
It’s great to have these standards, and to be honest, most cruise ships go above and beyond as far as access is concerned. That said, it does take a little more advance planning to book an accessible cruise.
First and foremost — start early. Even though cruise ships have accessible cabins, they are limited and they go quickly. Keep tabs on your cruise and try and book your cabin as soon as it’s released. It’s the best way to get the accessible cabin you need.
Also, remember to ask a lot of questions about the accessible cabin. They differ from cruise line to cruise line, and even on ships on the same cruise line. Always ask about access details that are important to you, such as bed height, toilet height and grab bar placement. And if you still have questions, ask them to e-mail you some photos. When you inquire about access, you might also want to include the pertinent measurements for your power wheelchair because just saying “wheelchair” can lead to a wide variety of interpretations. The good news is, you will find that many cruise ships can accommodate your power wheelchair.
It’s also a good idea to search for accessible shore excursions first, before you decide on a cruise. Some ports have more accessible options than others. It’s also prudent to book these accessible excursions directly with the provider as early as possible. Many cruise lines use the same providers and if you wait for them to book them, they may already be booked. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Although it’s relatively easy to determine if a building is wheelchair-accessible (stairs vs. a level or ramped entry), it’s a bit more difficult to evaluate the accessibility of a trail. At first glance it might appear that if a wheelchair-user can manage a trail, then it must accessible, right? Well, not exactly, because not all wheelchair-users have the same ability. And then there are slow walkers. What if they can’t manage the trail.
If a trip to Barcelona is in your future, then check out this excellent wheelchair-accessible Barcelona resource (www.barcelona-access.com). A project of Barcelona Turisme, this informative website includes detailed information about accessible sights, transportation, accommodations and resources in Barcelona.
