Located in the Southern California Verdugo Mountains, Slough Canyon Nature Center offers loaner track chairs so wheelchair-users and slow walkers can explore the nearby rugged mountain trails. While Southern California has a number of accessible beach programs, this Burbank facility is the first to introduce wheelchair-users to track chair mountain hiking in the area.
The all terrain track chairs are designed to handle the rugged terrain and fire roads in the Slough Canyon Nature Center, They were purchased with funds from community fundraising efforts by Leadership Burbank.
Track chair reservations are available in two-hour time slots, and they must be booked at least 14 days in advance. A companion must accompany the track chair-user, and a trained docent or volunteer will also join the hike. A short safety orientation and a test drive will also be required before hikers can set out on the mountain trails in the track chairs. The track chairs are available to anyone with mobility challenges.
Thanks to the work of David’s Chair, loaner track chairs are now available at a number of Oregon (and Washington) locations. These rugged wheelchairs are outfitted with tank tracks instead of wheels and they can easily travel over sand and other obstacles found on inaccessible trails and beaches.
About the Track Chairs
Three types of track chairs are available — standing models, seated models and a youth chair. All have a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds. Although the majority of the chairs are available at fixed locations, there are also several several models in the tow-and-go program. This program includes a track chair in a ramped trailer that can be towed by a personal vehicle. Tow vehicles need to have a two-inch ball with a straight four-prong trailer hookup and safety chain hooks.
Advance reservations are required for all loaner track chairs, and a liability waiver must also be signed. Some locations offer limited time slots, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment. Reservations for fixed location chairs can only be made at davidschair.org/request-fixed-location-chair/, while reservations for tow-and-go track chairs can be made at davidschair.org/request-tow-n-go-chair/.
Track Chair Locations
Fixed Locations
Seaside Elks Lodge #1748
324 Avenue A
Seaside, OR 97138
This seated model can be only used at the beach, which is located 2.5 blocks from the lodge.
Manzanita Visitor Center
30 Laneda Avenue
Manzanita, OR 97130
This seated model can only be used at the the beach off of Laneda Avenue, which is a short roll from the visitor center.
Gold Beach Visitor Center
94080 Shirley Lane
Gold Beach, OR 97444
This seated model can only be used on the beach near the Gold Beach Visitor Center.
Heceta Beach County Park
88466 1st Avenue
Florence, OR 97439
This seated model can only be used on the beach north of Driftwood Shores Resort, which can be accessed by the Heceta Beach access point.
Don and Ann Davis Park
840 West Olive Street
Newport, OR 97565
This seated model can only be used to access the beach near Don and Ann Davis Park.
The Pelican (Cape Kiwanda Parking Lot)
33180 Cape Kiwanda Drive
Pacific City, OR 97135
This standing model can only be used to access Pacific City Beach from the nearby parking lot.
Mount Pisgash Arboretum
34901 Frank Parrish Road
Eugene, OR
This seated model can only be used at the Mount Pisgash Arboretum.
Lithia Park Cabin
340 S. Pioneer Street
Ashland, OR
This seated model can only be used in Lithia Park.
Westport by the Sea Condos
1600 W Ocean Ave
Westport, WA 98595
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge
19255 SW Pacific Highway
Sherwood, OR 97140
Happy Camp Hideaways
825 Happy Camp Rd.
Tillamook OR 97141
This chair can only be used on the beach off 825 Happy Camp Road.
St Mary by the Sea Catholic Church
275 S. Pacific St.
Rockaway Beach, OR 97136
This chair can only be used on the beach that can be accessed via the St Mary by the Sea parking lot.
Tow-and-Go Locations
White City
This location has a standing model, a seated model and a youth chair.
Coos Bay
This location has a seated model.
For more information about these programs, visit davidschair.org/.
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
If a trip across the pond is in your future, then make sure and get a Eurokey for access to wheelchair-accessible restrooms in many European countries. This universal key provides access to restrooms that have accessible toilets, lifts, and lifting platforms, which are usually locked for safety or maintenance reasons. This key allows travelers with a disability independent access to toilet facilities in Switzerland, Germany, Austria and many other European countries.
After you receive your key, be sure and download the Eurokey app. This handy resource gives users the locations and detailed information about accessible restrooms that can be accessed with this universal key.
For more information about this program, or details on the key ordering process, email info@eurokey.ch.
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Loaner track chairs are now available at some Missouri State Parks. These off-road wheelchairs allow visitors to more fully explore some inaccessible areas and historic sites in the parks that might not accommodate a standard wheelchair. The track chairs are available to reserve two days in advance, and due to battery life they can only be reserved for a maximum of two hours. Park employees are unable to assist with transfers, and people under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in order to use the track chairs. And before using the track chair, all users must go through a short briefing and sign a user agreement.
Track chairs are available at the following stare parks
Battle of Lexington State Historic Site
Bennett Spring State Park
Bryant Creek State Park
Castlewood State Park
Elephant Rocks State Park
General John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Park
Details about how to reserve track chairs are listed on the individual state park websites. It’s also important to remember that the track chairs cannot be used in the rain, snow or ice, so plan accordingly. For more information about loaner track chairs at Missouri state parks, visit mostateparks.com/track-chair.
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
If a trip to Amsterdam is in your future, then check out the wheelchair-accessible offerings at Amsterdammobile (www.amsterdamobile.com/en/). Located in the capital city this agency offers a wide variety of accessible day tours, including excursions to The Hague, Zanse Schans, Keukenkof, Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and even an accessible canal boat cruise. These private tours are conducted in accessible taxis, and can be tailored to individual needs. A knowledgeable guide accompanies all tours.
Amsterdammobile can also provide wheelchair-accessible taxis to and from the airport, as well as wheelchair-accessible hotel accommodations in Amsterdam. And if you need equipment rental, they have access to a wide variety of assistive aides, including scooters, shower chairs, walkers, hoists and even beds and mattresses. If you’re looking for access information on Amsterdam, then look no further than the founder’s blog. It contains everything from details about the accessibility at Keukenhof to tips on how to find a doctor in Amsterdam, and even a collection of free accessible Amsterdam activities. It’s a great one-stop spot for wheelchair-accessible Amsterdam.
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Bear Brook State Park (www.nhstateparks.org/find-parks-trails/bear-brook-state-park), which is located in Southeastern New Hampshire, has a loaner track chair available for visitors. The purchase of this track chair was made possible by a contribution from America’s State Park Foundation, with support from The Bronco Wild Fund. The track chair is available for use from 8 AM to 4 PM, with advance reservations. A volunteer will be available to give users a safety demonstration before the track chair is checked out. Reservations can be made by calling the park office at (603) 485-9869.
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
If a trip to the City of Brotherly Love is in your future, then check out CityPASS (www.citypass.com), for an affordable way to explore accessible Philadelphia. CityPASS users can choose from three, four or five of the following attractions; and the ticket book is good for nine days once it’s validated.
Adventure Aquarium
The Franklin Institute
Philadelphia Zoo
Big Bus Company and Philadelphia Trolley Works
Eastern State Penitentiary
Museum of the American Revolution
Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
National Constitution Center
Barnes Foundation
There are several ways to enjoy the Philadelphia CityPASS, but here’s a suggestion for a five-attraction itinerary.
Take A Big Bus Tour
A good way to get a good overview of the city is to hop on the Big Bus (www.bigbustours.com/en/philadelphia/philadelphia-bus-tours). A 24-hour Big Bus pass is one CityPASS ticket option; and although the whole bus fleet is not accessible, arrangements for an accessible bus can be made with 48-hours notice. The wheelchair-lift can accommodate up to 650 pounds, but if you want to enjoy the view from the top of the double-decker bus, you have to negotiate the narrow staircase.
There are two ways to ride the Big Bus; you can ride the entire route as a tour, or you can hop off and enjoy attractions along the way. If you elect to hop off, the same accessible bus will return to your stop two hours later, so be sure and check with the driver and plan accordingly.
Visit the Historic District
A visit to the historic district — including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the Benjamin Franklin Museum — is a must-do on any accessible Philadelphia itinerary. And the good news is, it’s a stop on the Big Bus tour. There’s so much to see in the area, that you might want to set aside two days to see it all at a leisurely pace.
And while you’re in the historic district be sure and use your CityPASS ticket to visit the National Constitution Center (constitutioncenter.org). Located across Arch Street from the Independence Visitor Center, the National Constitution Center is the first and only institution established by Congress to disseminate information about the United States Constitution on a non-partisan basis. And although that sounds like a mouthful, it’s a world away from eighth grade civics.
There is level access to the front entrance through the courtyard on Arch Street, with barrier-free access throughout the galleries. The interactive exhibits depict the effects that milestone events have had on our freedom. From slavery, the New Deal and prohibition, to Watergate, women’s rights and even the Americans with Disabilities Act, it’s a very thought provoking collection. .
Hit the Big House
The Eastern State Penitentiary (easternstate.org), which is also a Big Bus stop is definitely worth a visit. There’s level access over to the entrance, with curb-cuts and wide sidewalks along the way. There are steps down into the ticket office, but they can be easily bypassed (just ask one of the guards). Most of the pathways along the tour route are level, and although a few cells are not accessible, you can certainly get a good look at them from the corridors. They’ve done a pretty good job of making this aging facility doable for wheelchair-users.
Make sure and pick up the audio tour (included with admission) as it’s narrated by former guards and prisoners and it paints an accurate picture of prison life. Opened in 1830, the Eastern State Penitentiary was designed to strike fear into the prisoners, and to isolate them so they could reflect on their crimes. They spent 23 hours a day in their cells, and when they did leave they had to wear a black hood so they wouldn’t see anyone else. Talking to anyone — prisoners or guards — was strictly forbidden. Indeed it was a solitary life and the tour reflects that fact.
Franklin Institute
After the somber prison atmosphere, hop back on the Big Bus and get off at the more relaxed Franklin Institute (fi.edu/en). Although steps grace the front entrance of this Philly favorite, there’s an accessible entrance just to the right. Known as an innovator in hands-on interactive exhibits, the Franklin Institute has a large collection of science-based touchable attractions that explore everything from sports to space. And it’s a great place for wheelchair-users, as there’s barrier-free access through the galleries, with elevator access to all floors.
Admission to the planetarium is also included with the CityPASS ticket. There is level access to the planetarium, with wheelchair and companion seating in front. Unlike most planetariums, the seats don’t tip back a lot, and most of the show is easy to see from a wheelchair or a standard chair.
There are also a number of demonstrations throughout the museum during the day, so make sure and check your program. And although there are a lot of kids at this attraction, it’s also a fun place for adults.
Cross the Delaware
Last but certainly not least, plan to visit the Adventure Aquarium (www.adventureaquarium.com), located across the Delaware River on your Philadelphia visit. If you’re riding the Big Bus, get off at Penn’s Landing and catch the RiverLink Ferry (www.riverlinkferry.com) to cross the river. There is level access to the ferry, and plenty of room for wheelchairs on the main deck, with lots of companion seating nearby. Access to the upper deck is only by stairs, but the view from below is just as nice. It’s almost like a mini river cruise, as you get views of the waterfront, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, the Battleship New Jersey and the Philadelphia skyline on the way to Camden.
Over on the other side, there’s level access access to the Adventure Aquarium, accessible restrooms inside, and elevator access to the second floor. Additionally, all of the galleries have ramp access, wheelchair-height exhibits and plenty of room to navigate a wheelchair.
Must-sees include Hippo Haven, which houses Nile hippos Button and Genny, and a stop at the Touch-A-Shark exhibit to get up close and personal with epaulet sharks and bamboo sharks. And don’t miss the the Plexiglas tunnel that offers a 360-degree view of the shark exhibit. Last, but not least, check out Penguin Park, where you’ll see the incredibly cute Black-footed African Penguins.
All in all, it’s a great accessible place to spend the day. Take your time to enjoy it all, before you head back to Philadelphia on the return ferry.
If your travels take you to the Volunteer State, then check out the loaner all terrain wheelchairs in Tennessee state parks. The list is growing, but currently over 30 state parks offer these loaner wheelchairs. They are available to both adults and children, and they can be operated independently or with caregiver assistance. And each park has a list of specific trails you can try out in their loaner all terrain wheelchairs. The wheelchairs are available at these Tennessee state parks.
West Tennessee
Chickasaw State Park
Fort Pillow State Historic Park
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Natchez Trace State Park
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park
Paris Landing State Park
Pickwick Landing State Park
Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park
Reelfoot Lake State Park
T.O. Fuller State Park
Middle Tennessee
Bledsoe Creek State Park
Cedars of Lebanon State Park
Cumberland Mountain State Park
Cummins Falls State Park
David Crockett State Park
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Henry Horton State Park
Long Hunter State Park
Radnor Lake State Park
Alvin C. York State Historic Park
Tims Ford State Park
East Tennessee
Booker T. Washington State Park
Cove Lake State Park
Cumberland Trail State Park
Harrison Bay State Park
Indian Mountain State Park
Panther Creek State Park
Red Clay State Historic Park
Roan Mountain State Park
Rocky Fork State Park
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park
Warriors’ Path State Park
Reservations for the all terrain track chairs are available at stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/all_terrain_wheelchair_request. Alternatively, you can call the parks directly with your reservation request. This method is preferred when the anticipated visit is less than three days away. And although reservations are preferred, the all terrain wheelchairs are available on a walk-up basis, if they are not already reserved.
Historical Peninsula and Modern Skyline of Istanbul
Based in Istanbul, Accessible Turkey (accessibleturkey.org) offers a wide range of tourism services for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. They have a large selection of four-to-seven day guided tours to Antalya and Istanbul, which include lodging at wheelchair-accessible hotels, transportation in adapted vans and attraction admissions. Accessible day tours are also available in Antalya, Istanbul and Alana. Additionally, Accessible Turkey can custom tailor tours to fit specific interests and abilities, and arrange for independent stays in accessible hotels in Istanbul and Antalya. And if you’d like to do something more active, the agency can arrange for accessible dolphin swims, paragliding, rafting and SCUBA experiences. Accessible Turkey can also arrange for attendant care, accessible airport transfers, and medical equipment rental. For more information, visit their website or e-mail info@accessibleturkey.org.
Barrier-Free Travel National Park Lodges for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Located in Hua Hin, these two wheelchair-accessible Thailand villas are a great holiday choice. Villa Coconut Grove and Villa Si Daeng both have two bedrooms and two adapted bathrooms. They each can accommodate up to six adults. Access features include a level entry, wide doorways, good pathway access and tiled floors for easy rolling. The bathrooms include a Continental shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead, and a fold-down shower seat. There are fold-down grab bars on both sides of the toilets, and the sinks have wrapped pipes and plenty of room for a wheelchair to roll under them.
Villa Coconut Grove and Villa Si Daeng
Villa Coconut Grove is located at the end of a dead-end street, in a small complex of 10 villas. It includes a large living area and a fully equipped kitchen, with level access out to the covered veranda surrounded by a tropical garden. The adjacent terrace includes a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi that can be accessed by a pool lift. It’s also just a short walk or roll to the beach, a mall, a bakery and a number of restaurants.
Villa Si Daeng is also located on a dead-end street, in the middle of a row of five houses. It has an open floor plan with a living area and a kitchen, and a spacious veranda. The pool and Jacuzzi can be accessed by a lift or stairs. As an added bonus, many small restaurants are located nearby, and the villa is about one kilometer from the beach.
Both of the villas come with a lot of extra adaptive equipment, including hospital beds, shower wheelchairs, patient lifts and beach wheelchairs. Dinner is included on the first night, and there’s also a free grocery package for breakfast the next day. Wheelchair-accessible airport transfers and local transportation in an accessible van can also be arranged; and a personal care assistant can be provided for an additional charge. Villa Coconut Grove also comes with a housekeeper and free laundry service.
Located in the Southern California Verdugo Mountains, Slough Canyon Nature Center offers loaner track chairs so wheelchair-users and slow walkers can explore the nearby rugged mountain trails. While Southern California has a number of accessible beach programs, this Burbank facility is the first to introduce wheelchair-users to track chair mountain hiking in the area.
