A great deal of extra thought must go into everyday living when you have a child in a wheelchair. You have to think about the businesses and establishments that will accommodate their mobility challenges, even for the simplest of errands.
Therefore, planning a vacation can sometimes be an overwhelming and stressful undertaking, especially when you aren’t sure which businesses and attractions are accessible.
The good news is that several family-friendly locations throughout the United States combine fun activities with accessibility:
Theme Park Adventures
After spending a great deal of time and effort embroiled in a birth injury lawsuit for your child in a wheelchair, you deserve a break away at a fun theme park. Rest assured that many theme parks are among the most accessible locations in the world.
For example, the Walt Disney World Resort offers ride-access services, wheelchair-friendly transportation, and inclusive attractions. They even provide quiet sensory break locations and detailed sensory guides for attractions.
Universal Orlando Resort also caters to people with disabilities by offering accessibility passes, companion restrooms, and detailed attraction accessibility guides so you can be informed of the offerings before you go.
Beach Resorts
How better to spend your vacation than relaxing on a white sandy beach with ocean views? You’ll be pleased to know that many beach resorts in the United States are considered accessible with a range of helpful features and amenities.
When you decide which part of the country you want to vacation in, contact local beach resort operators to ask about ADA-compliant rooms, accessible swimming pools, beach wheelchairs, and rollout beach access mats for the sand.
National Parks and Nature Areas
The sad reality is that uneven terrain can make it challenging for anyone in a wheelchair to immerse themselves in nature. Yet everyone deserves to visit the country’s most highly regarded natural attractions.
Fortunately, many parks now offer paved trails, adaptive programs, and accessible visitor centers. For example, Yellowstone National Park has accessible boardwalks near geothermal features. They also provide a comprehensive list of accessibility features so you can plan your trip accordingly.
Cruises on Modern Ships
Rather than driving or flying around the country to enjoy a vacation with your loved ones, why not hop aboard a cruise ship? Cruises simplify travel logistics because your lodging, entertainment, and dining are all in one place.
While every cruise ship is different, most offer accessible cabins, elevators, mobility equipment rentals, and kids’ clubs and family activities.
The Most Accessible Cities in the United States
If your idea of a memorable family vacation is choosing a random city and going there, there are many great options from an accessibility standpoint. Washington, D.C., is one of the top-ranked cities for its fully accessible Metro stations and accessible sidewalks.
Detroit, Michigan, is another suitable vacation destination for its 100% ADA-compliant rail system. If you already had Orlando, Florida, on your list of places to visit for its theme parks, you’ll be pleased to know that this city prioritizes accessible design and transportation.
Everyone deserves fun-filled vacations, regardless of their mobility levels. If you’re getting ready to plan your next family adventure, the locations above are just some of the many to add to your must-visit list.
