Spring is in the air and that means it’s time to hit the road! Time to fire up the wheelchair accessible van and plan a great trip! But where are the destinations that have the best accessibility? Don’t worry, we’ve done the research and picked the top five destinations for an Accessible Spring Vacation!
St. Pete Beach, Florida — Tradewinds Island Resort
Tradewinds Island Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida, is CARD certified (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities), this means the resorts’ staff is prepared to assist and attend to families with special needs. This can be a big relief to parents who often struggle to find the proper certified care for their children while on vacation. The KONK (Kids Only No Kidding) Club also offers sensory features, and staff asks about dietary restrictions at all meals. The hotel will provide safety kits, temporary tattoos with emergency info on them, and a number of handicap accessible rooms. The resort will also arrange auxiliary aid, beach wheelchairs and more upon request. Tradewinds Island Resort is the perfect getaway for families with special needs ensuring that everyone can have a relaxing time at the beach!
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada is a top vacation destination for the entire family. They strive to include all people with their accommodations and attractions. Las Vegas has the most hotel rooms worldwide. These rooms have features like transfer showers, tubs with built-in seats, roll-in showers, and tubs with portable seats. The Regional Transportation Commission bus service and Las Vegas Monorail are both accessible. The RTC offers a discount for people with wheelchairs. In addition, all taxi companies have lift-equipped vans. A popular attraction in Las Vegas is the casinos. Wheelchairs and electric scooters can roll up to most machines and tables and stools are within reach to those who may use canes or walkers. There is also ample space for assistive devices to remain near while you play. Within the casino, there is often a guest services desk where you can inquire about wheelchair-friendly options and may be able to rent a wheelchair.
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is an area well known for NASCAR and Spring Break. The city has invested heavily in making their beaches more accessible for those with disabilities. Daytona is somewhat unique among Florida beaches in that the sand is hard-packed, meaning that rolling beach wheelchairs across the sand is not a problem. Beach Mobility Rentals is a local company that offers power beach wheelchairs. There are also beach wheelchairs located at local lifeguard stations, but be sure to call ahead as they are limited and do go fast. Beach wheelchairs are available at the following lifeguard stations: Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, Dunlawton Avenue, Daytona Beach Shores, Beach Headquarters, Daytona Beach, Cardinal Avenue, Daytona Beach.
Washington, DC
Washington, DC is gorgeous in the spring thanks to the cherry trees blossoming, there are even festivals to celebrate this time of year. The nation’s capital is home to iconic attractions like the Washington Monument, National Air and Space Museum, Lincoln Memorial, and, of course, the White House. The city has done tons of work to ensure that the disabled can visit these amazing sites. The Metro is known for being one of the most accessible transportation systems in the world. Visitors will also find accessible accommodations, restaurants, and restrooms in the city.
Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado isn’t a city known for its accessibility, but it should be. The Mile High City’s Metro is completely wheelchair accessible. People with disabilities get priority seating and those with wheelchairs have access to a service which takes them anywhere within a three-quarter-mile radius of transportation. The city’s paratransit system operates 23-hours a day, seven days a week, and offers unlimited rides. In the spring, the city and surrounding areas are full of fun activities. The Denver Center for Performing Arts, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Buell Theatre, and Boettcher Concert Hall make every effort to offer a wonderful experience for patrons with disabilities. Denver Botanic Gardens is a peaceful place to stroll and roll, read a book, enjoy a cup of coffee, catch a concert, or appreciate the art of bonsai.
Where ever you decide to head for Spring Break, we here at ADS can find you the perfect wheelchair van for your journey, or we can give your wheelchair van the once over to make sure it’s prepared for your trip! Stop by Tallahassee’s mobility experts and let us get you on the road!
