Ohio City Introduces New Accessibility Guide for Disabled Visitors

Accessibility Guide Overview

The Ohio city of Columbus is enhancing accessibility for travelers with disabilities by publishing an insightful accessibility guide. This comprehensive resource includes vital information about hotels, restaurants, transportation options, and other essential facilities.

The guide emphasizes accessible options across several categories: mobility, vision, hearing, and cognition. Experience Columbus, the city’s destination marketing organization, shared insights about the guide’s offerings. Additionally, it encompasses over 20 attractions, diverse dining options (including outdoor spaces), hotels, and handy transportation links.

“We welcome visitors of all abilities to Columbus and want everyone to comfortably experience and enjoy our city,” stated Experience Columbus’ Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer, Sarah Townes. “Our Accessibility Guide serves as a one-stop resource that visitors and residents can utilize while planning their trip to Columbus or while exploring the city in real-time.”

Every option featured in the guide has undergone meticulous review and screening by experts in disability inclusion, ensuring that the information remains relevant and accurate through continuous updates.

Moreover, the guide highlights practical tips for planning an accessible meeting, ensuring professional gatherings are inclusive and accommodating to all attendees.

Community Efforts and Inclusion

“In recent years, we have launched various initiatives focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion,” remarked Shannon Jones, Experience Columbus’ director of diversity, equity, and inclusion. “We anticipate that this new Accessibility Guide will serve as a valuable resource for both the community and visitors, demonstrating that Columbus is a welcoming and inclusive destination.”

Industry-Wide Accessibility Initiatives

Columbus is joining a growing number of destinations in the travel industry aiming to enhance accessibility. For instance, last week, Six Flags announced the introduction of a specialized restraint harness for park-goers with physical disabilities and obtained accreditation as a Certified Autism Center at each of its theme parks. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Transportation published the first-ever bill of rights, emphasizing the rights of airline passengers with disabilities.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer at iBestTravel. When not exploring new destinations, she enjoys spending time at the beach and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her on Instagram for more adventures.