Traveling with a friend in a wheelchair
to one of their favorite cities may be made easier if you bring along
a wheelchair ramp, but visiting one of the cities that has invested
in making their streets and public places very accessible, you may
not even have to unpack the ramp.
The Christopher & Dana Reeve
Foundation conducted a study of a hundred favorite destination cities
to find which were the most hospitable for those who are confined to
a wheelchair. The study was focused on livability as well as
accessibility, so criteria ranging from air quality to how easy it is
to get around using the public transportation systems. The top
wheelchair-livable cities are in the western states.
Consider these top destinations as a
wheelchair travel friend:
Seattle, Washington. Accessible curbs
and sidewalks give you the chance to explore Pioneer Square Historic
District, Pike Market and the Space Needle.
Albuquerque, New Mexico. Warm weather,
southwestern-style art and architecture, and delicious food greet
visitors in wheelchairs and their companions.
Reno, Nevada. Bright lights and the
charm of old-style casinos alongside the modern castles of gambling
and entertainment make this city perfect for nightowls.
Denver, Colorado. The Mile-High City
is remarkably friendly to those in wheelchairs, and offers delightful
western culture for those who love cowboy lore and tasty vittles.
Portland, Oregon. The city has long
been dedicated to making downtown completely accessible for residents
of Portlandia and the visitors who are drawn to its natural beauty
and quirky nature.
If you live in the west and head out on
a road trip to any of these destinations, you may want to pack your
portable wheelchair ramp just in case you want to stop at any of the
off-beat places along the way that catch your interest.
Reference: ChristopherReeve.org -- Top
20 Most Livable U.S. Cities for Wheelchair Users