Planning an accessible road trip just got a little easier for people with disabilities. More and more resources are 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, and neurodivergent person, I take road trips every year and have learned a few tips and tricks along the way.
Rent a vehicle
Most major automakers offer adaptive driving devices for their vehicles at no extra cost. Businessfor example, offers hand controls, left foot throttles, pedal extenders and rotary knobs for easier steering. Budget can provide hand controls, rotary knobs, panoramic mirror, swivel seats and transfer boards. Be prepared to request adaptive devices at least three business days in advance.
For a wheelchair accessible van with a ramp or lift, rent from a mobility company like BraunCapacityone of the largest manufacturers of wheelchair accessible vans in the country, with rentals in many locations. MobilityWorksa dealership of accessible vehicles and adaptive equipment, has rental locations in 34 states. AccessibleGO, which offers a one-stop shop for adapted rental cars and wheelchair accessible vans, has agreements with 100 wheelchair van rental sites nationwide; request a quote on their website. For accessibleGO rental cars, you can request hand controls and a rotary knob at checkout.
Route planning
You can use Google Maps, Waze and MapQuest for an initial accessibility search using photos and Street View. Google Maps provides directions for some wheelchair accessible pedestrian and public transport routes.
Sites such as Roadtrippers And Fourkot can trace an entire route. Although these websites are not disability specific, they are invaluable tools. (Roadtrippers has a wheelchair accessible checkbox in the search function.) You can filter by destination types such as national parks or museums, and search for hotels and campgrounds. Furkot lets you enter how long you want to drive each day, whether you want to take interstate highways or take more scenic routes. The app will determine the best route and duration between stops, and suggest where to spend the night.
To find accommodation
Although hotels and other accommodations are required to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act, many hotels do not meet all accessibility needs. Most 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 allergy-friendly and fragrance-free rooms in select locations. Call the hotel to check accessibility and to ensure a specific room is reserved for you.
Vacation rentals are generally not required to be ADA compliant, but some provide accessibility information. Airbnb recently rolled out a suitable category with accessibility search features and homes that have been analyzed for accessibility. Review photos and contact host for more information. Some hosts will make accommodations, like changing cleaning supplies or moving furniture, but will document your request using the in-app messaging system so customer service can help you if you have any issues.
Make the world roll is an accessible travel agency offering reservations at over 3,000 verified accessible hotels across the United States. Hotels were reviewed in person by qualified reviewers; only those that meet the criteria are listed. Register as a traveler with a disability or companion and complete a personal profile that includes options for a variety of disabilities and accessibility needs. The site will provide ads matching your profile with partial, adequate and exceptional match options.
Food and medicine
There are various options for keeping food or medicine cool while traveling. Electric coolers can plug into your vehicle's 12-volt outlet, but pay attention to the type of cooling mechanism: the least expensive versions are usually thermoelectric and only cool to about 30 degrees below ambient temperature (s It's 70 degrees in the car, it will cool down to 40 degrees). Compressor chillers are more expensive but maintain normal refrigerated temperatures.
Many hotels offer mini-fridges. When you know you'll be stopping somewhere with a refrigerator most nights, layer large ice packs and supplies in a cooler, then cover them with another insulating layer like a cooler bag. This keeps everything fresh for a few days at a time.
It's also a good idea to travel with a single-burner cooktop – electric for use indoors or propane for use at rest areas and campgrounds – and a camp mess kit for so you can cook your meals safely.
Some of the best apps for finding food, restaurants, and grocery stores that meet your dietary needs are fig for allergy specific options, happy cow for vegan options and Find me gluten free for celiac safe locations. Add your favorite options to the route planner app so you know where to stop.
Find activities
In addition to the apps mentioned in the route planning section, national and local tourism organizations are good sources for accessible destinations.
National parks and monuments, which must meet federal accessibility guidelines, typically have visitor centers and recreation sites with accessible features. Website of each park has information, as well as programs and services in the park. Although accessibility varies, you can usually find information about wheelchair-accessible trails and campsites, touch and audio features, assistive listening devices, and American Sign Language interpreters.
In national parks, accessibility features may not be consistent, but you can usually find information on each park's website.
Apps like All trails list wheelchair-friendly trails across the country, but the information may not be verified, so contact the park or land manager for verification. Among the remarkable parks 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 association Disabled hikers and the author of “The Disabled Hiker's Guide to Western Washington and Oregon” And “The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Northern California” among other guides, leads group hikes and conducts assessments across the United States.
