Accessible Travel
Maine Resources
Acadia National Park (U.S. National Park Service) - Acadia’s Accessibility Page - Offers wheelchair accessible buses, horse drawn carriage rides; information about sign language services, braille translations, alternative motor-driven mobility devices, traveling with service dogs, and more.
Accessible Places to Visit and Things to Do in Maine - World on Wheels - A well-written blog review of Maine Places to Visit by someone who uses a wheelchair. Most places reviewed in this blog article are in Portland, ME and surrounding areas on the writer’s way up to Acadia, Bar Harbor and Eastport, ME.
Adaptive Outdoor Education Center | Lodging - The AOEC offers a fully accessible lodge with a variety of room options. Located in Carrabassett Valley, ME, the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center is a great location to stay for people looking to experience what the mountains of Maine have to offer.
Beach Accessibility - Visit Maine - A thorough list of accessible beaches in Maine, with information on location, beach offerings, and more for each location listed. Search using the map, or by reading the descriptions and clicking into each area’s page.
Campgrounds - Acadia National Park (U.S. National Park Service) - Acadia National Park offers accessible shuttles, campgrounds, campsites, and trails for people with limited mobility.
Casco Bay Lines - ADA Accessibility - Casco Bay Lines Accessibility Page: Based out of Portland, ME, Casco Bay Lines offers half-priced fares to the elderly, people with disabilities, and free tickets to PWD’s service animals/caregivers.
Impossible Dream - “The world’s only catamaran designed to be accessible from the keel up”. They are a 501c3 non-profit organization, visiting ports all along the East Coast–From Maine, to Florida. Click the link for information on where you can currently find The Impossible Dream, how to donate, and how to go on a sail with them.
Wheelchair friendly, All-access trails – Maine by Foot - A list of trails, all throughout Maine, that can be accessed from a wheelchair. The blog writer’s father used a wheelchair, and stated that all of the trails listed are intentionally listed with the idea that someone who uses a wheelchair could be pushed through the terrain with assistance from a friend or caregiver.
Regional Resources
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) - The MBTA provides accessible buses, trains, and stations throughout the Greater Boston area. Services include elevators, low-floor buses, and THE RIDE, a paratransit service for those unable to use standard transit options.MBTA
Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) - RIPTA offers accessible bus services statewide, featuring buses with lowered floors or lifts, priority seating, and audible announcements. Additionally, a paratransit service is available for individuals unable to utilize regular bus services.Visit Rhode Island
Amtrak - Connecting major New England cities, Amtrak provides accessible train services, including wheelchair spaces and assistance for boarding and alighting. The Acela service between Boston and Providence, for example, offers first-class accommodations with accessibility features.
National Resources
Travel For All - An inclusive, accessible, full-service travel agency dedicated to planning worry-free vacations for travelers living with disabilities. They have team members available to provide you with any assistance you may need during the length of your stay–should something come up.
Wheel the World - Making travel accessible! Book hotels and find experiences with all the accessibility details you need. Specifically focused on well-organized group trips for travelers with disabilities. Provides information on accessible accommodations and is dedicated to making travel as inclusive and worry-free as possible!
AccessibleGO - A comprehensive travel booking platform tailored for travelers with disabilities. It offers accessible hotel bookings, rental cars with hand controls, wheelchair van rentals, and mobility equipment. Each booking is verified by a team member to ensure your specific accessibility needs are met.
Accessible Travel Resources by Connectra - Offers a curated directory of travel resources, including accessible accommodations, transportation, and activities.
U.S. Department of Transportation - Traveling with a Disability - Provides information on the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which prohibits discrimination against passengers with disabilities. It outlines your rights and what to expect when flying.
TSA Cares - A helpline designed to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. It offers information on what to expect during the security screening process and can arrange assistance at checkpoints.
National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) – Promotes accessible transportation options for older adults and people with disabilities, providing resources and technical assistance.
AXS Map - A user-generated database that allows individuals to rate and review the accessibility of various locations, including restaurants, hotels, and public spaces.