Jackie Duda 2023-11-22 08:16:14
When Maryland says, “You’re welcome,” we mean it, and you’ll see those warm vibes certainly apply to explorers with disabilities. Countless destinations provide long-awaited opportunities for people of all abilities to get out and enjoy our great state. Here’s a snapshot of what’s accessible in Maryland. Tip: Plan ahead by calling attractions to ask for accessibility updates. National Aquarium in Baltimore Baltimore At this aquatic jewel on the Inner Harbor, dive in to learn about the finned, clawed and tentacled creatures living in our deepest oceans and regional waterways. Accessible features include wide walkways, elevators, a soothing quiet room and loaner wheelchairs. You’ll also find Braille signage, closed captioning and sound and light warnings, along with KultureCity sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys. Calvert Marine Museum Solomons You’ll like the cut of this museum’s jib: Their accessible maritime experience delights with spacious exhibits and a touch tank where skates and rays swim, plus narrated films about the Drum Point Lighthouse, virtual tours and an elevator for visitors. At the free, biannual Night at the Museum for Friends with Disabilities, take a cruise, hunt for sharks’ teeth and touch fossils. A cozy quiet room boasts sweeping marina views. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and wheelchair-accessible cruises are available with advance notice. Deep Creek Lake State Park near Swanton Experience one of the state’s most loved natural sites via the Sensory Awareness Trail (known locally as “the Braille trail”) and the Discovery Center with elevator and Braille signage. Cast a line from the accessible fishing pier or ask a lifeguard to borrow the beach wheelchair for some fun in the sun. Glen Echo Park Glen Echo This national park site lays claim to a fully restored 1921 Dentzel carousel with a cheerful Wurlitzer-band organ. Both a ramp and ear protection are available upon request. Other disability-friendly spotlights include accessible trails, ranger-led programs for the Deaf or hard of hearing, and audio components and tactile objects for the blind or those who are visually impaired. Patapsco Valley State Park near Ellicott City Soak up Maryland’s great outdoors as you roll along the fully paved Grist Mill Trail. Other highlights within the park include an accessible playground and an All-Sensory Trail with Braille signage. The Patapsco Valley State Park for Everyone program offers cool adaptive events like kayaking, biking and fishing, too. Six Flags America Bowie An Accredited Certified Autism Center, this amusement park practically guarantees glee for people of all abilities with Sensory Sensitive Days. Expect noise-canceling earplugs, no park audio and sound-and-surprise warnings. On regular operating days, accommodations include custom ride harnesses for people with amputations, sensory info for attractions and low-sensory areas. Assateague Island National Seashore Berlin Enjoy the ocean, white beaches and dappled wild ponies at this national seashore, where disability-friendly features include beach wheelchairs, picnic areas and two accessible nature trails. Watch waves break from Mobi-Mats or the elevated boardwalk and rinse off in roomy shower stalls. Baltimore boasts many accessible options for travelers. Highlights span Fort McHenry, The Walters Art Museum, Ravens and Orioles games and more. In addition, Baltimore/ Washington International Airport (BWI) is one of 18 U.S. airports with adult changing tables in restrooms. Ocean City brims with options, including its world-famous boardwalk and Northside Park, which features a playground, plus accessible crabbing and fishing areas. Feel sea breezes from the shore at beach access locations with Mobi-Mats and sand-friendly wheelchairs, or reserve motorized beach wheelchairs at sandhelper.com. PARK PASS PERKS Both our national and state parks offer free passes to some people with disabilities. National parks pass info: bit.ly/mdnps State parks pass info: bit.ly/dnrmd A FEW FOR THE TO-DO LIST Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center offers paved paths, airy exhibits and a chill Zen Garden. (Solomons) Shows at The Maryland Theatre offer accessible seating, sensory-friendly suites and hearingloop technology. (Hagerstown) At Merriweather Post Pavilion, rock out with ASL interpreters, accessible seating in the pavilion and interpretive services via mobile device with advanced notice. (Columbia) Antietam National Battlefield welcomes guests with paved paths, ASL interpreters, Braille guides and a state-of-the-art visitor center. (Sharpsburg) Wind through Ladew Topiary Gardens on compacted gravel pathways with seating areas. And keep an eye out for their annual Pathfinders for Autism Family Night. (Monkton) Maryland State Parks make accessibility as natural as, well … nature. Find more options. Writer bio: Jackie Duda is a freelance writer with disabilities in Frederick who specializes in health, accessibility and travel writing.
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