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.
Developed by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, this handy website (explorecayman.com/getting-around/accessibility) includes helpful Cayman Islands wheelchair access information for visitors. It offers details about airport and airline accessibility and provides information about the local tour and taxi companies that have accessible vehicles. Other useful information includes some suggested accessible attractions, a local wheelchair rental service, and information about the location of mobi-mats on the area beaches. There are also details about a local adaptive diving resource. Check out this handy resource before you book your flight!
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Travel Ideas for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi on the Santa Fe Pick-Up Shuttle Route
If a trip to Santa Fe is in your future, then check out the Santa Fe Pick-Up (santafenm.gov/public-works/transit/santa-fe-pick-up), the free Santa Fe accessible shuttle.. Funded in partnership with Tourism Santa Fe, the Santa Fe Transit Department and NCRTD, this free shuttle bus runs from the the railroad station to downtown, with stops at popular sites along the way. A complete schedule is available on the website. The buses are all equipped with wheelchair ramps and tie-downs, and the drivers are available to assist wheelchair-users. So check out this free Santa Fe accessible transportation option on your next visit. And once you get off the bus, here’s a wheelchair accessible route to explore the Plaza area (https://emerginghorizons.com/a-wheelchair-accessible-santa-fe-walking-tour/).
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
If you’d like to explore some of the more rugged trails and beaches in Southeastern Texas, then pick up this Texas Tow & Go track chair from David’s Chair in Huntsville. Although most track chairs are required to be used in specific places, this loaner comes with a trailer so you can tow it to the location — or locations — of your choice.
This track chair, which has a maximum capacity of 350 pounds, is located at the 10 Mile Ranch in Huntsville, Texas. Reservations are required to borrow the track chair, which comes with a fully enclosed trailer that has ramp access in the rear. In order to tow this trailer you’ll need a vehicle with at least a 1,500-pound towing capacity, that has a 2-inch ball and a straight 4-prong trailer hookup with safety chains. The driver must provide a current drivers license and proof of insurance. Tow & Go reservations must be submitted at least two weeks in advance, and the reservations may not exceed seven days. This Texas Tow & Go track chair is a great option for an active vacation. For more information or to make a reservation, visit davidschair.org/request-tow-n-go-chair/.
Barrier-Free Travel 22 Accessible Road Trips Driving Vacations for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
If you’re looking for wheelchair-accessible Los Cabos transportation, then look no further than Transcabo. This local company can provide accessible transfers between the airport to any hotel or residence in Los Cabos or the surrounding area. Private accessible shuttle services are available to the major hotels between San Jose del Cabo, the Corridor and Cabo San Lucas. The lift-equipped accessible vans can accommodate five passengers, and they have plenty of room for luggage. You can order an accessible van on the website, without any additional phone calls. Visit www.transcabo.com for more information or to book your accessible van.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Travel Ideas for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
