The Oregon Tourism Commission, operating as Travel Oregon, has collaborated with Wheel the World (WTW) to secure a historic designation for the state: it is now the first to be recognized as “Accessibility Verified.” This designation enhances transparency and fosters inclusivity in travel experiences for individuals with both visible and invisible disabilities.
This achievement is the result of a comprehensive statewide initiative aimed at evaluating, promoting, and improving the accessibility of tourism-related businesses across all seven of Oregon’s tourism regions. This effort encompasses a wide range of attractions, from hotels and outdoor adventures to cultural sites and culinary experiences. Visitors with disabilities or mobility challenges can now plan their travel itineraries using an online resource that prioritizes their needs.
As part of this statewide initiative and previous local assessments, WTW has reviewed over 750 hotels, restaurants, and tourism businesses across 43 communities in Oregon, with more evaluations planned. They have assessed various features related to mobility, vision, hearing, and cognition to ensure that travelers with diverse needs can plan their trips with confidence. These evaluations are accessible on WTW’s website, empowering visitors with disabilities to know that their requirements will be met at each destination.
Through WTW’s Accessibility Verified program, information on the accessibility features of local hotels, experiences, and attractions is now available online at www.traveloregon.com and www.wheeltheworld.com. This initiative provides essential, reliable information on accessibility—an important consideration for travelers with disabilities. Unlike other programs that rely on self-reporting or mere compliance with the ADA, WTW’s Accessibility Verified program employs a structured evaluation process that includes physical measurements across various dimensions of accessibility.
To showcase this initiative, Travel Oregon and Wheel the World teamed up with accessibility advocate Kaylee Bays, the first wheelchair user to compete on *So You Think You Can Dance*. Kaylee shares her journey with her 140,000 Instagram followers (@slayleebays), inspiring many with her experiences. She personally explored Oregon’s accessible offerings, taking in the breathtaking landscapes of Smith Rock and kayaking amidst the stunning mountains of Hosmer Lake in Central Oregon.
This partnership with Wheel the World is part of Travel Oregon’s broader strategy to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for both visitors and residents with disabilities. With accessibility data now readily available and bookable online, travelers can access detailed listings, utilize Wheel the World’s AI-driven accessibility profiles, take advantage of 24-hour customer support, and receive personalized recommendations tailored to their specific needs.
