Accessible Virginia Travel

Fairy Stone State Park is just one of 48 Virginia state parks and natural areas that
are striving to make each park as barrier-free as possible for everyone.

More and more lodging establishments, attractions and events now think ADA-compliant. This means that they want to comply with the guidelines set forth by the American with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination and ensures equal access to state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities and transportation. You can read more on ADA requirements at the U.S. Department of Justice ADA site.

The Virginia Travel Guide for Persons with Disabilities describes the accessibility features of travel attractions, accommodations, activities and dining establishments statewide. The guide is designed to meet the needs of mobility-impaired as well as visually and hearing-impaired travelers. Facility descriptions range from specific measurements of door widths to availability of Braille menus and signing interpreters.

The guide is available online.

First-Hand Experience

Accordingng to Cheryl and Bill Duke, cowriters of The Virginia Travel Guide for Persons with Disabilities, many disabled travelers and their companions find it difficult to obtain pertinent information prior to their trips.

Their son, Paul sits in a 400-pound electric wheelchair that cannot be lifted up and over "just a few steps." He needs to know if doors and aisles are wide enough for his wheelchair, too.

The Virginia Travel Guide for Persons with Disabilities catergorizes accessible places around the state and offers plenty of tips and recommendations for access-able destinations.

Some Things the Dukes Ask Prior to Trips

The Dukes founded The Opening Door Inc., an organization of volunteers who research, report and educate travelers and the tourism/hospitality industry about the needs of more than 54 million Americans who live with disabilities.

Traveling with a disabled child requires more than the typical amount of preparation. "But the pleasures are worth it," says Bill Duke, who with his wife, Cheryl, opened the world for their child to experience.

Travel Tips for Persons with Disabilities

Following are just some of the questions to ask when planning a trip. For more information, visit the Society for the Advancement of Travel for the Handicapped Website. SATH's mission is to promote awareness, respect and accessibility for disabled and mature travelers and their motto is, Disability is Not Inability.

About 71 percent of persons with disabilities have taken a trip in the past two years.

Those are just some of the questions that need to be answered before you venture out. And, like the Duke's travel guide states: Travel Doesn't Have to be an Adventure!