According to the numbers, 1 in 6 people may experience a disability during their lifetime. Ensuring that destinations are accessible for individuals with varying abilities is crucial, given this statistic. Luckily, Ann Arbor has become a leader in accessible travel. In fact, Ann Arbor features several award-winning inclusive destinations that accommodate to those with unique challenges.
Destination Ann Arbor has partnered with Wheel the World: a global travel platform that helps people with cognitive, physical and invisible disabilities and their families plan and book accessible travel experiences. Through this partnership, Ann Arbor has earned the title of being Michigan’s first “Destination Verified” community for accessible travel. Chad Wiebesick, director of media relations and Special Projects at Destination Ann Arbor, shares more about the collaboration.
Wheel the World partnership
Destination Ann Arbor’s partnership with Wheel the World highlights an array of local hotels, activities and restaurants that meet specific guidelines and standards of accessibility. According to Wiebesick, over 50 local businesses have completed accessibility assessments. Wheel the World publishes lists of “Destination Verified” businesses that people can explore while planning their visit to Ann Arbor. Wiebesick emphasized that transparency about the accessible features of these destinations is the focus of the partnership.
“We collect[ed] over 200 pieces of accessibility information from participating businesses on things like doorway widths, seating options, restrooms and sensory-friendly features…Accessible travel is about freedom, inclusion and peace of mind,” Wiebesick said.
Destination Ann Arbor collaborated with the Disability Network Washtenaw, Monroe and Livingston (DNWML) to create the database of verified businesses. DNWML played a key role in coordinating assessments, promoting verified businesses and connecting with disability advocates. Examples of features that verified destinations offer include accessible hotel bed heights, step-free entrances, grab bars, sensory-friendly features, equipment (i.e. grab bars) in restrooms and wheelchair-accessible pathways.
Ultimately, the Wheel the World partnership provides families with an opportunity to truly tailor their itinerary to ensure that they book accessible accommodations, activities and find restaurants that meet their needs. Below are some local accessible destinations.
Featured Destination Verified Businesses
Ann Arbor Hands On Museum
The beloved Ann Arbor children’s museum offers the Access for All, which makes STEAM education accessible to more families and classrooms. The museum also offers sensory kits for neurodivergent visitors. The My Turn series also provides quiet hours at the museum for families and individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). A social story titled “My Visit to the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum” has also been published online for visitors who may benefit from becoming familiar with the museum before visiting.
200 E. Ann St. Ann Arbor. 734-995-5439
Gallup Park
Located in east Ann Arbor, this beautiful local green space features a step-free entrance, accessible parking and accessible paths. Gallup Park is also home to the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor Centennial Playground, which is a fairyland-themed accessible and inclusive playground. The nature-based play structure contains three areas connected by sidewalks, accessible topography changes and ramps.
3000 Fuller Rd. Ann Arbor. 734-794-6230
RELATED: Inclusive Playgrounds in Ann Arbor
Decode Ann Arbor Escape Room
Families and individuals searching for an exciting adventure should look no further than Decode Ann Arbor Escape Room. Featuring unique themes and puzzles, this spot also offers support for persons with physical and visual disabilities. All rooms are wheelchair accessible and closed captioning is available for select games.
3170 Packard St. Ann Arbor. 313-438-8054
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Nature and floral lovers must flock to Matthaei Botanical Gardens, home to beautiful plant collections, paths and themed floral gardens. The Matthaei Botanical Gardens offer several accessibility features, including all-terrain wheelchairs for nature trails. They also have a step-free entrance, accessible common bathrooms, accessible parking and nature paths.
1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor. 734-647-7600
U-M Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
This free museum offers visitors access to exceptionally curated exhibits: from Visions of the Postnatural to Unseen Worlds, the museum offers something for every guest interested in exploring the natural world. The museum specifically caters to visitors with sensory needs, providing access to sensory activity kits containing headphones, emotion cards and colorful toys. The museum has also published a social story to prepare visitors with sensory sensitivities for a trip to the museum.
1105 N. University Ave. Ann Arbor.734-763-3312
Interested in planning your own accessible trip to Ann Arbor? Visit Destination Ann Arbor for more resources.
