Trip Tips for People With Diverse Disabilities By Jackie Duda 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. Boundless Maryland Patapsco Valley State Park 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. 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. 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. From top: Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park/@khopshoots; Instagram: @jks_imagery Calvert Marine Museum VISITMARYLAND.ORG 75
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2024 Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 75
