Traveling With Disabilities

The accommodations and attractions on this site that are listed as handicapped accessible have indicated that they meet the following criteria for handicapped accessibility:

• handicapped-accessible parking, where parking is available.
• wheelchair-accessible route from parking areas to entrance, elevator, public restroom and other public areas.
• service animals accepted.

Additional criteria for accommodations include:

• wheelchair-accessible guest rooms.
• the ability to handle special requests for a text telephone or TDD; and for visual notification of fire alarm, incoming phone calls and door bell.

Many accommodations and attractions that do not carry the handicapped access symbol provide some, but not all, of the services listed above. For example, many historic buildings have handicapped access on the first floor only. Before planning a trip, we strongly recommend that you call ahead to find out if accommodations and attractions meet your specific needs.

Massachusetts features some unique opportunities for people with disabilities. We have camps such as Handi Kids, a non-profit, recreational facility for children and young adults with physical and cognitive disabilities; Ironstone Farm is home to Challenge Unlimited and Ironstone Therapy, two non-profit organizations established to provide a variety of services for people with and without disabilities, using horses and the wholesome environment of a working farm; And Outdoor Explorations which offers a variety of outdoord activities for people with many types of disabilities. How about F1 Boston which features F1 cars designed specially for kids with disabilities. Salem Maritime National Historic Site now offers special audio tours. Zoar Outdoor has kayaks with adaptive seating for paraplegics, visual signals for folks with hearing loss and special rafting trips for visually impaired people. If you're interests lie more with the arts, there are many options.  The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston offers Feeling for Form Tours and Access Programs. The Museum of Science Boston has Access Features and Programs as well. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum offers access and audio tours. For theater lovers both the Wheelock and the Huntington Theaters offer audio described performances.

Search for handicapped accessible lodging, activities and events:

For additional information, contact the following organizations:

• New England ADA Technical Assistance Center
  (800) 949-4232 V/TTY
• Cape Cod Disability Access Directory
  (508) 430-0136 V/TTY
• Cape Organization for the Rights of the Disabled (CORD)
  (508) 775-8300 V/TTY
  (800) 541-0282 V/TTY
• Access-Able Travel Source
  Advice for travelers who are disabled.
  (303) 232-2979
• VSA arts of Massachusetts
  Directory of handicapped-accessible Massachusetts cultural attractions.
  (617) 350-7713
  (617) 350-6836 V/TTY
• Logan Valet & Fly
  Valet parking service available for Logan Airport travelers. Convenient, safe and secure service. A driver will be waiting right at the terminal to take your car when you pull up to the curb. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance but not more than 30 days prior to your flight. $119 and up for 7 days parking. $15 for each additional day.Please call 781-289-4200 for more info.

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