access guide

Jackson County Access Guide

Jackson County Access Guide

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Downtown Dillsboro, North Carolina, in Jackson County

Although Jackson County North Carolina may look a little rugged at first glance, there are plenty of accessible options for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Located in the southwest corner of the the state, this county includes the mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylvia. And thanks to the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority, this area now boasts an online Jackson County Access Guide.

Visitors can enjoy breathtaking mountain views, magnificent waterfalls, and secluded fishing holes in this often overlooked slice of North Carolina. And this access guide highlights accessible attractions, fishing spots, waterfalls and lodging choices. Even better, the access guide includes descriptions of the sites — including possible barriers — instead of just saying that something is or isn’t accessible. That way visitors can decide for themselves if an attraction will work for them. So check out the Jackson County Access Guide at discoverjacksonnc.com/attractions/accessibility/ and start planning your trip to this scenic North Carolina mountain region.

Barrier-Free TravelUtah National Parksfor Wheelers and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

Barrier-Free Travel
Utah National Parks
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

Buy the Book
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Wasneski, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Columbus Access Guide

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Downtown Columbus, Ohio View from Main St Bridge

If a trip to Columbus, Ohio is in your future, then make sure and check out this Columbus Access Guide at experiencecolumbus.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility/. Divided by disability, the section on mobility covers accessible attractions, hotels and transportation.

The listings in the attractions section all have level paths of travel and low door thresholds, and offer accessible seating, restrooms and parking. Some of the venues also offer courtesy or rentable wheelchairs or scooters. Each listing includes a link to the venue website, which includes more detailed access information. The hotel section includes a link to the each property website, which offers more access information. And the transportation section includes information on airport access, as well as sources for medical equipment rentals. Add in a section of additional resources, and you’ve got a treasure trove of access-related information.

Although you should contact each venue directly for updated access information, this Columbus Access Guide is a great starting point for any trip.

Barrier-Free TravelNational Park Lodgesfor Wheelers and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

Barrier-Free Travel
National Park Lodges
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

Buy the Book
 

 

 

Accessible Prague Resource

Accessible Prague Resource

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View from the tower of Old Town Hall in Prague

If a trip to Prague is in your future, then check out this great accessible Prague resource on the Official Tourist Website for Prague (prague.eu/en/accessible-prague?fbclid=IwAR1hdqdE_CtAEA8njlRanTLSKWMjNtlpRe1_Zxs2m4JUHgSwOIsJwQ-fMdA). It includes information about barrier-free routes to tourist destinations in the city, plus access details on local cultural sites, restaurants, accommodations and transportation. Information about wheelchair-accessible guided tours is also included. The tourism authority has also compiled a map that shows the accessibility of buildings and public spaces throughout the city. The map is available digitally on the website, or in a printed accessibility guide that ‘s available at one of the Tourist Information Centers in town. Even better — two of the Tourist Information Centers are located in Vaclav Havel Airport (Terminals 1 and 2), so you can get the printed guide as soon as you hop off the plane. An excellent resource for an accessible Prague visit!

glacier-yellowstone-grand-teton-wide

New National Park Access Guide Released!

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I’m thrilled to announce that my newest national park access guide was just released. The second edition of Barrier-Free Travel; Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers (https://emerginghorizons.com/barrier-free-travel-glacier-yellowstone-and-grand-teton-national-parks-for-wheelchair-users-and-slow-walkers/)

is now available. And I’m happy to report that there’s been improved access in — and around — all three parks.

The second edition includes updated information on:

  • Accessible trails and attractions
  • Access upgrades, details and photos of all in-park lodges
  • Accessible lodging options in gateway communities
  • Barrier-free campgrounds
  • Accessible bus, snowcoach and boat tours
  • Accessible shuttles to and around the parks
  • Insider access tips
  • Fly-drive suggestions with accessible rental vehicle resources
  • National park discounted pass information

This national park access guide was a challenging title for me, as of course Charles and I made numerous treks to all three parks (which we always do); but this time we also had to work our travels around our roles as owner/builders while finishing the construction of our new home. To say that it was delicate balancing act is a huge understatement. And although I wrote a good deal of the book at a picnic table on-site while supervising the construction, I’m pleased to announce that we are now finally settled in our new abode. The other good news is now we are even closer to Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, so it will be easier to update future changes.

Access Improvements Galore!

There are of course a lot of changes since the first edition of this national park access guide, but they are good changes. For example Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel renovated their main lodge rooms, and they now have five accessible guest rooms, including three with roll-in showers. And outside the Parks, the new William Bridger Cabins and Glacier Cabin Village both have nice accessible units with roll-in showers.

The in-park concessionaires are doing a great job too, from Xanterra’s accessible Glacier Red Bus Tours to the accessible boat tours down in Grand Teton offered by Jenny Lake Boating. Access is really improving thanks to their efforts.

So grab a copy of my new edition and plan an accessible road trip this year. And don’t forget to get your required entrance permit for Glacier National Park. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment!