Accessible Seattle (for Mobility-Challenged Travelers)
Accessible Seattle (for Mobility-Challenged Travelers)
For those traveling to Seattle, Washington, while using a wheelchair or scooter there are many things to do and see!
Probably the most iconic site to visit in Seattle is the Space Needle. This tower has appeared in so many TV shows, movies, and other media that it’s almost a must-do while there. The tower has ramps that provide access to the elevators that will whisk you up to the main observation deck. There is a vertical chair lift available to take you to the outside area, which is really floor to ceiling glass so it’s safe. Enjoy the views of Seattle and its beautiful surroundings literally at your feet!
Right next to the Space Needle you will find another amazing Seattle icon, the Museum of POP Culture (MoPOP to the locals). This museum offers legendary pop culture artifacts such as current exhibits of The Art of the Disney Costume, exhibits on both Pearl Jam and Nirvana – huge bands with roots in Seattle. The museum is extremely wheelchair friendly and even has some for rent on a first come, first-served basis. They also host sensory events for visitors that experience sensitivity to sound and light.
One of the most astounding places to visit if you like visual arts is the Chihuly Garden and Glass. Dale Chihuly is a world-renowned glass blowing artist who has had many large-scale exhibitions world-wide. His work is shown in over 200 museums around the globe, and he is the recipient of many awards. You might have seen his work on the ceiling of the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas! A visit here rates as the #1 Thing to Do in Seattle on Trip Advisor. The facility is a one-story wheelchair and scooter friendly building. The organization that runs the Garden and Glass is very pro-active in working with other special needs as well such as providing transcripts of tours, sensitivity to sensory needs, etc.
Of course, no visit to Seattle would be complete without seeing the Pike Place Market and the “flying fish”! The fish mongers here actually throw fish to fulfill orders and the practice has become a site to see. There is lots more to see, however. They have a year-round farmer’s market which provides a “Meet the Producer” program so you can see where the food comes from and hear how it’s grown. There are also around 80 restaurants to choose from where the definition of farm-to-table is demonstrated before your eyes. The entire length of the huge market is wheelchair accessible, however the surrounding areas can be hilly and steep, so a bus is recommended to provide transportation to the market.
There are so many inspiring and fun things to do in Seattle that we can’t list them all here. Some suggestions to investigate further would be the Seattle Art Museum, the Pacific Science Center (lots of interactive exhibits), and the Seattle Aquarium.
Special Needs Group can assist you by providing wheelchairs, scooters, and other special needs equipment for both hotel stays and cruises. Give us a call at 800-513-4515 to find out details on how we can help you enjoy this incredible city!
