2025-01-21 13:36:10
TRIP TIPS TO HELP EXPLORE THE CITY OF CHICAGO.
GETTING AROUND
Chicago O’Hare and Midway International Airports both offer accessibility amenities and special accommodations to help travelers with disabilities get to and from Chicago, including accessible parking and service animal areas. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program provides lanyards for travelers with disabilities who might require additional support or assistance.
All Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses and ‘L’ trains are accessible. Bus features include ramps, designated seating, wheelchair securement, and audio announcements. Travelers will find Braille on fare vending machines and wheelchair-accessible gates at train stations.
People with disabilities can request a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) though the city’s taxi dispatch service via phone at 888-928-2227 or the CURB app. Passengers can also request Uber WAV rides through the Uber app.
SENSORY-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS
Those sensitive to high-energy environments will find inclusive offerings at many of Chicago’s top cultural attractions, including the Shedd Aquarium. Download the Shedd’s sensory-friendly app to discover activities and spaces like the Quiet Room, where families can take a break. On select dates, the Shedd offers the Calm Waters program for guests seeking a more low-key experience.
Explore interactive exhibits during Low-Sensory Mornings at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. The museum also offers sensory backpacks and noise-reducing headphones. A Sensory Map provides details on exhibits that could be intense and highlights others that are quiet or have dim lighting.
Sensory-friendly activities at Navy Pier include Play for All events at the Chicago Children’s Museum. Select performances at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater feature lower lighting, noise-reducing headphones, and subdued audience engagement.
WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE SPACES
Downtown Millennium Park features smooth concrete paths for exploring the sights. Accessible seats can be reserved in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Visitors can request to use a complimentary wheelchair at the Patron Services Tent.
Most museums in Chicago are wheelchair accessible. For example, the Adler Planetarium at the Museum Campus features accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms. Its sky theatres offer designated seating for wheelchair users. Free manually operated wheelchairs are offered on a first-come, first-served basis at the box office.
The lakefront Northerly Island features paved trails that make it easy for those using wheelchairs to explore. At its Huntington Bank Pavilion, reserve accessible seats that offer clear views of the outdoor concert stage.
INCLUSIVE PERFORMANCES
Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s accessibility resources include ASL-interpretations and assistive hearing devices for patrons who are deaf and hard-of-hearing, along with audio-described performances, Braille playbills, and touch tours for guests who are blind or have low vision. Sensory-friendly performances feature less noise, lower lights, and spaces between seats.
Accessibility services for guests who are hearing impaired at the Lyric Opera of Chicago include the innovative SoundShirt vibration technology and assistive hearing devices. Audio-described performances, touch tours, Braille and large-print programs, and high-powered opera glasses are available for those with low or no vision.
The Goodman Theatre offers touch tours, assistive listening devices, ASL- and open-captioned performances, audio-described performances, and Braille and large-print programs. Check the Goodman’s calendar for sensory-friendly performances.
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