Beach Wheelchair and Beach Mat at Megans Bay, St. Thomas
Located along the northern coast of St. Thomas, about 15 minutes from Charlotte Amalie, Megans Bay is the first accessible beach in the US Virgin Islands. It’s the result of legislation to help make local beaches more accessible for disabled visitors. Megans Bay includes accessible parking, restrooms and changing rooms, as well as good pathway access to the concession area. There’s also a paved pathway from the parking area out to a beach mat, which allows wheelchair-users to roll out on the sandy beach. Additionally, a Waterwheels floating wheelchair is available for loan. This specialized wheelchair can roll over the sand and into the water, and allows wheelchair-users to safely enjoy the ocean. For more information about the wheelchair-accessible beach at Megans Bay, visit www.friendsmagens.org/focus-areas/traffic-accessibility/disability-access.
Barrier-Free Travel
101 Accessible Vacations: Travel Ideas for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Located in Northwestern Washington, Lake Sammamish State Park (parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/lake-sammamish-state-park) not only boasts some scenic trails, but it’s also home to an adaptive cycling center. And along with a wide selection of adapted bicycles, the Adaptive Cycling Center also has a loaner Action Trackchair, for folks who want to explore some of the more rugged areas of the park.
The Adaptive Cycling Center is located at the east end of of the Sunset Beach Bathhouse, which is on the opposite end from the concession stand. The center is staffed by Outdoors for All volunteers, who are experts at adapting trikes, handcycles and tandems so that people with limited arm or leg function can enjoy the ride. There’s no charge for this service, and it’s open to anybody with a disability, ages seven and up. The goal of Outdoors for All is to enrich the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities through outdoor recreation, so be sure and stop by and learn about their adaptive bicycles on your next Lake Sammamish visit. The Adaptive Cycling Center is open seven days a week from May to September. And with over 250 adapted bicycles in stock, they have something for just about everyone.
Lake Sammamish State Park offers a number of wheelchair-accessible trails, including the Native Plant Interpretive Trail and a section of the East Lake Sammamish Trail. If, on the other hand, you’d like to try some of the more rugged trails in the park, a loaner Action Trackchair is available at the Adaptive Cycling Center. This rugged power wheelchair has tank tracks instead of wheels, and it helps wheelchair-users and slow walkers negotiate some of the inaccessible trails in the park.
Advance reservations are required to borrow the track chair. They can be made by calling 206-838-6030 ext. 291 or (425) 455-7010. Staff members cannot help with transfers to the track chair, so track chair-users must bring a companion if they require transfer assistance. A valid ID is also required to borrow the track chair, and all users must sign a liability waiver.
So get out and enjoy Lake Sammamish State Park on an adapted bicycle or an Action Trackchair. It’s fun, it’s free and it’s accessible.
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
If a trip to Cancun is in your future, then look no further than Accessible Cancun (www.cancunaccesible.com/en/) for your day tours, accessible transportation and equipment rental needs.
A variety of wheelchair accessible day tours are available, including shopping excursions as well as trips to Chichen Itza, Playa Del Carmen and the Tulum ruins. And there’s even a dolphin swim excursion. All day tours include transportation in an accessible van and a tour guide, and of course accessibility at the site.
If you’d prefer to set out on your own, accessible van transport is also available from Accessible Cancun. They can provide airport transfers as well as transport to local attractions and nearby towns. Their accessible van is equipped with a ramp and tie-downs. It can accommodate one wheelchair-user and five companions, or two wheelchair-users and three companions. It’s the perfect option for planning a independent family shore excursion.
Last but certainly not least, this Cancun agency also has a wide variety or rental equipment. From scooters and beach wheelchairs, to patient lifts, shower chairs and even hospital beds, they can provide whatever you need to make your stay more comfortable and accessible.
For more information about their offerings, visit the Accessible Cancun website or drop them an e-mail at reserve2@cancunaccesible.com. Start planning your Cancun vacation today!
Barrier-Free Travel
101 Accessible Vacations: Travel Ideas for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
All shuttles are wheelchair-accessible, and the ticket price is a very reasonable $1 for passengers over 2 years old (there’s no charge for lap children). Shuttles depart from Apgar Visitor Center and Lake McDonald Lodge on the west side, and St. Mary Visitor Center and the Rising Sun Picnic Area on the east side. Advance tickets are required, and they are only available at www.recreation.gov. A portion of the tickets are released 60 days in advance, while the remainder are available 7 PM MDT for next day entry. Plan ahead, as walk-up tickets are not available at the park.
Why Take the Shuttle?
And in case you are on the fence about riding the shuttle, here are six reasons that make it a worthwhile choice.
The drive on the winding road up to Logan Pass can be daunting if you’re not used to driving in the mountains. Taking the shuttle allows you to relax and leave the driving to someone else.
You’ll definitely save on gas if you take the shuttle. And you won’t have to worry about filling up your tank to make it to your next destination.
You can really enjoy the view along the way, and even take some breathtaking photos if you’re not driving.
You don’t have to worry about finding a parking place at Logan Pass. The shuttle drops you off right in front of the Visitor Center. And there’s a nice accessible trail near the Visitor Center.
If you’re worried about time management, taking the shuttle can help you keep to a schedule. It’s easy for time to slip away while stopping at every pullout along the way to Logan Pass.
Last but not least, you don’t have to worry about driving in inclement weather if you take the shuttle. Rain storms and even a summer snowfall can make the winding mountain road to the top of Logan Pass slick, and even dangerous, in some places. Play it safe and take the shuttle.
So get your Glacier National Park tickets today at www.recreation.gov and have a safe and relaxing visit to Glacier National Park.
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Skyline of Kyoto, Japan at NightIf a trip to Japan is in your future, then check out the wheelchair-access information at Flat Travel (flatcare.jp/en/travel). Although this website largely advertises their own tours, there’s also some good access information there.
Along with the details of their accessible tours, some basic access information on Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Okinawa, Yamanashi (Mt. Fuji), Hokkaido, Kumamoto, and Fukuoka is also included. The most helpful access information is located in their hotel listings though. Each hotel listing details the wheelchair access in the public spaces and guestrooms; and includes lots of photos, including photos of the bathrooms in the accessible rooms. And although the goal is to get customers to book rooms on their website, there’s enough access information included for folks to feel comfortable booking these rooms on their own.
There’s also some good access information in the tips section. It includes numerous articles on everything from wheelchair travel in Japan, and the most accessible places to see the cherry blossoms, to a detailed access guide of Tokyo Disneyland. All in all it’s a good wheelchair-accessible Japan resource and definitely worth a read.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Travel Ideas for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
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
