Travel Oregon worked with Wheel the World to become the first U.S. state to achieve a landmark designation: “Accessibility Verified.” This designation elevates transparency and promotes inclusivity in travel experiences for people with visible and non-visible disabilities. It was earned following a statewide effort to evaluate and improve the accessibility of tourism-related business across all seven of Oregon’s tourism regions, including 750 hotels, restaurants in 43 communities (with more to come), outdoor adventures, attractions, culinary experiences, welcome centers, and more.

As Wheel the World points out, “This project wasn’t done from behind a desk…This statewide collaboration took us to more than 750 places including hotels, restaurants, wineries, museums, parks, and transportation options. Every single one was checked on-site by our expert mappers, measuring the details that are relevant for travelers: entrances, bathrooms, signage, tactile and auditory guides, and so much more.”

In practice, Oregon is now the first state recognized for its ability to offer visitors with mobility, visual, hearing, and cognitive challenges and/or other disabilities an opportunity to confidently plan practical travel itineraries through an online resource that keeps their needs top of mind.

😋 explore Portland’s art & culinary scene
🛶 paddle an alpine lake or hike a trail in Central Oregon
🚂 ride a train through Eastern Oregon
🌲 climb an old-growth tree at Silver Falls State Park
🥾 zipline near Crater Lake
🧑‍🦽‍➡️ roll along Oregon’s pristine coastline
🌈 enjoy the waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge…

Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/gDRWv647

Explore the verified experiences and regional videos here: https://lnkd.in/gb-cMVsx