Planning an accessible road trip just got a little easier for people with disabilities. There are more resources being created by and for the disability community, and the tourism industry is beginning to recognize the value of accessible travel. As a disabled, chronically ill, neurodeviant person, I take road trips every year and have learned a few tips and tricks along the way.
Vehicle rental
Most major car companies offer adaptive driving devices for their vehicles at no extra cost. The Enterprise, for example, offers hand controls, left-foot throttle, pedal extension and rotary knobs to make steering easier. Budget can supply hand controls, knobs, panoramic mirror, swivel seats and carry boards. Be prepared to request adaptive devices at least three business days in advance.
For a wheelchair accessible truck with a ramp or lift, rent from a mobility company like BraunAbility, one of the largest manufacturers of wheelchair accessible trucks in the country, with rentals at multiple locations. MobilityWorks, a dealer of accessible vehicles and adaptive equipment, has rental locations in 34 states. AccessibleGO, which offers a one-stop service for custom wheelchair accessible rental cars and vans, has a deal with 100 wheelchair van rental locations across the country. request a quote on their website. For accessibleGO rental cars, you can request controls and a rotary knob at checkout.
Route planning
You can use Google Maps, Waze and MapQuest for initial accessibility research using photos and street view. Google Maps provides directions for some wheelchair accessible pedestrian and transit routes.
Sites like Roadtrippers and Furkot can map out an entire route. Although these sites are not specific to people with special needs, they are invaluable tools. (Travelers have a wheelchair-accessible checkbox in the search mode.) You can filter by destination type, such as national parks or museums, and search for hotels and campgrounds. Furkot lets you enter how much time you want to drive each day, whether you want to travel interstate highways or take more scenic roads. The app will determine the best route and length of time between stops and suggest where to stay overnight.
Finding accommodation
While hotels and other accommodations are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, many hotels do not meet all accessibility needs. Most of the booking sites list hotels with accessible rooms for people with mobility, hearing and vision needs, but this information is not always verified. Do additional research on review sites and look for photos. Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton and Fairmont hotels offer hypoallergenic and fragrance-free rooms in select locations. Call the hotel to verify accessibility and make sure a specific room has been reserved for you.
Vacation rentals are usually not required to be ADA compliant, but some provide accessibility information. Airbnb recently launched a custom category with accessibility search features and homes scanned for accessibility. Please check the photos and contact the host for more information. Some hosts will make adjustments, such as changing cleaning supplies or changing furniture, but document your request using the in-app messaging system so customer service can help if you run into problems.
Wheel the World is an accessible travel agency that offers reservations at more than 3,000 verified accessible hotels in the United States. The hotels have been checked in person by trained assessors. only those that meet the criteria are listed. Sign up as a disabled traveler or companion and fill out a personal profile that includes options for a variety of disabilities and accessibility needs. The site will provide listings that match your profile with some, adequate and great matching options.
Food and drugs
There are a variety of options for keeping food or medicine cold while traveling. Electric coolers can plug into your vehicle’s 12-volt outlet, but pay attention to the type of cooling mechanism — the cheaper versions are usually thermoelectric and only cool to about 30 degrees below ambient (if it’s 70 degrees in the car, it will at 40 degrees). Compressor coolers are more expensive, but maintain normal refrigerator temperatures.
Many hotels have mini-fridges. When you know you’ll be stopping somewhere with a cooler almost every night, layer large ice packs and supplies in a cooler, then add another layer of insulation like a cooler bag. This keeps everything cold for a few days at a time.
It’s also a good idea to travel with a single-burner stove — electric for indoor use or propane for use at rest areas and campgrounds — and a camping kit so you can safely cook meals.
Some of the best apps for finding food, restaurants, and grocery stores that meet dietary needs are Fig for allergy-friendly options, Happy Cow for vegan-friendly options, and Find Me Gluten Free for gluten-free spots. celiac disease. Add your favorite options to the route planning app so you know where to stop.
Find activities
In addition to the apps listed in the route planning section, state and local tourism organizations are good sources for accessible destinations.
National parks and monuments, which are required to meet federal accessibility guidelines, typically have visitor centers and recreation areas with accessible features. Each park website has information, as well as programs and services within the park. Although accessibility varies, you can usually find information about wheelchair accessible trails and campsites, touch and sound functions, assistive listening devices, and American Sign Language interpreters.
In state parks, accessibility features may not be consistent, but you can usually find some information on each park’s website.
Apps like AllTrails list wheelchair-friendly trails across the country, but the information may not be verified, so check with your park or land manager to verify. Among the parks with notable accessible trails are Redwood National and State Parks, North Cascades National Park, Badlands National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Syren Nagakyrie, the founder of the non-profit organization Hikers with special needs and its author “The Handicapped Hiker’s Guide to Western Washington and Oregon” and “The Handicapped Hiker’s Guide to Northern California”, among other guides, he leads group hikes and conducts assessments throughout the United States.
