Summertime is synonymous with vacation. The sun is shining, the weather is warm, and vacation destinations are beckoning. But, traveling and planning vacations can be challenging for people with disabilities. So, whether you’re looking for accessible hotels, restaurants, or tourist attractions, I’ve got tips and recommendations to make your summer vacation a breeze. So, pack your bags and get ready for a fantastic trip!

Once you’ve chosen a destination, it’s time to start planning your trip. When booking a hotel, be sure to specify your accessibility needs. Many hotels have accessible rooms, but accessibility varies from one hotel to the next, even within the chain. And be sure to request an accessible room when making a reservation. They’re not always available unless you request them in advance.

An accessible hotel room should have a number of features to make it comfortable for a person with a physical disability. These can include things like:

• a roll-in shower
• a roll-in sink
• a bathtub with grab bars
• shower chairs, which are also available upon request with a standard room
• low light switches
• low kitchen cabinets
• low shelving in the closet
• bed height between 17-23”

And, there are a number of features hotel rooms should have to make them accessible for people with hearing disabilities, including:

• visual doorbells or strobe lights that flash when someone is at the door
• telephones with visual ring indicators
• alert systems that use flashing lights or vibrations to inform guests of incoming calls, alarms, or other notifications
• closed captioning on televisions

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to dining out. First, call ahead to the restaurant and inquire about accessibility. Many restaurants have wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms, but not all do. It’s always best to call ahead and ensure that the restaurant can accommodate your needs. 

As for tourist attractions, again, do some research ahead of time. Many well-known popular places, such as museums and theme parks, are accessible to people with disabilities. However, smaller, lesser-known attractions may not be as accessible. 

So, there you have it. With a little bit of planning, you can have a memorable and enjoyable summer vacation! For more accessibility and design tips, follow me on LinkedIn.