Chicago Meeting Professionals Guide - 2025
Accessible Chicago
2024-12-26 09:47:15
Learn about the many accessible ways for attendees to get around the city.
Chicago is on a mission to become one of the most accessible big cities in the country. The city offers a variety of resources to increase accessibility for travelers within airports, public transportation, and beyond. Check out the many accessible ways for attendees to navigate Chicago.
CHICAGO’S AIRPORTS
Chicago O’Hare and Midway International Airports both offer various accommodations to help travelers with disabilities get to and from Chicago safely and conveniently, including accessible parking, restrooms, service animal areas, and special accommodations during security.
The new Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program at O’Hare and Midway allows travelers to voluntarily share that they have a disability with airport employees, many of whom will be wearing an “I Support the Sunflower” pin. Travelers can pick up a green-and-yellow Sunflower lanyard at an airport information desk, choosing from 25 specific icons that quickly communicate things such as: Stairs/ramps are a barrier to me, I have sight loss, or I have a hearing impairment. Both O’Hare and Midway also offer the free Aira app for blind and low vision passengers, which assists in navigating the airports through the help of a trained visual interpreter. Find accessibility guides for both airports at flychicago.com.
BUSES AND TRAINS
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates 127 bus routes that make stops throughout the city and surrounding area. All of Chicago’s CTA bus routes feature accessible buses for riders with disabilities. These buses are equipped with ramps, designated priority seating, wheelchair securement areas, audio announcements inside and outside of the vehicle, and accompanying text on LED displays for route and stop information.
Chicago’s rapid transit train system, known as the ‘L,’ serves 145 stations around the city and nearby suburbs. Most of Chicago’s rail stations are accessible, with features that include audio and Braille on fare vending machines, wheelchair accessible fare gates, Braille station and platform signage, elevators and/or ramps, and tactile platform edging. The All Stations Accessibility Program is committed to making 100% of Chicago’s rail stations fully accessible for all riders.
All CTA train cars feature priority seating and designated wheelchair areas, accessible doors and ramps, Braille signage, interior LED signs displaying announcement text (on certain cars), and automated voice announcements for routes and stops. Learn more about CTA accessibility features, services, and frequently asked questions at transitchicago.com.
All 11 train lines in the Metra system are fully accessible to riders with disabilities. Metra has modified railcars and most of its busiest train stations to accommodate individuals with hearing, vision, and mobility disabilities, providing improved amenities, signage, and pathways. Every Metra train is equipped with at least one accessible railcar with a wheelchair lift. On the Metra Electric Line, all cars are accessible. Train service for passengers with disabilities spans all six counties in metropolitan Chicago. Find more information on Metra accessibility features at metra.com.
CABS AND RIDESHARE SERVICES
Passengers can request a wheelchair-accessible cab by calling 888-WAV-CABS (888-928-2227) or using the Curb app. Riders can also request a wheelchair-accessible vehicle with the Uber app.
Accessibility Services
TOOTL TRANSPORT
offers wheelchair-accessible transportation throughout the Chicago area for guests with mobility and cognitive challenges.
FUN4THEDISABLED
presents videos that uplift disabled voices with content that includes accessible activities, events, and resources.
INTERNATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETERS
provides certified local ASL interpreters and translators in all languages for conventions, conferences, and trade shows.
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