Published on
October 12, 2025
Oregon has earned the honour of being the first state in the U.S. to receive the ‘Accessibility Verified‘ distinction by the global travel site, Wheel the World. This honour reflects the State of Oregon’s commitment to accessible travel for all visitors, including those with disabilities. The partnership between Travel Oregon and Wheel the World demonstrates Oregon’s forward-thinking passive in advancing accessibility within the tourism sector.
The ‘Accessibility Verified’ status is a testament to the state’s commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities can fully enjoy their travel experiences across Oregon’s varied landscapes. From the scenic Oregon Coast to the majestic Mount Hood, this designation promotes an inclusive environment that enhances accessibility for a wide range of visitors, including those with mobility challenges.
Comprehensive Statewide Accessibility Evaluation
The process to earn the ‘Accessibility Verified’ status involved a detailed and thorough evaluation by Wheel the World. Over the course of two and a half years, specialists from Wheel the World visited 43 communities across Oregon, assessing over 750 tourism businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and outdoor attractions. This included measuring over 200 specific accessibility features such as bed heights, doorway widths, bathroom accommodations, and the availability of accessible transportation options.
This evaluation covered every aspect of the tourist experience, ensuring that visitors with disabilities can plan their trips confidently, knowing they will have access to all essential services and amenities. This initiative involved destinations in all seven of Oregon’s key tourism regions: the Willamette Valley, Central Oregon, Portland, Mount Hood, the Columbia River Gorge, Southern Oregon, and Eastern Oregon.
Impactful Accessible Travel Itineraries
As part of the collaboration between Travel Oregon and Wheel the World, accessible travel itineraries have been created for seven key regions of Oregon. These itineraries offer detailed accessibility information for hotels, restaurants, and popular activities, allowing visitors with disabilities to explore cities such as Bend, Ashland, and Cannon Beach with ease. Each itinerary is designed to provide a seamless travel experience, ensuring that all visitors can access activities, events, and sightseeing opportunities.
In addition to offering these itineraries, Travel Oregon has also implemented accessibility improvements across the state. This includes a series of grants funded by Travel Oregon to enhance accessibility in public spaces and private businesses. Over the past two years, more than USD 8 million has been invested in projects designed to improve travel experiences for those with disabilities.
Real-World Accessibility Improvements
The commitment to accessible travel is reflected in tangible improvements throughout Oregon. One example is the installation of Mobi-Mats at Kiyokawa Family Orchards in Mount Hood. These mats, which provide wheelchair-accessible pathways through orchards, offer stable and slip-resistant surfaces that allow wheelchair users and those with strollers to navigate through uneven terrain. This project, funded by Experience Mt. Hood and the Gorge in collaboration with Travel Oregon, is the first of its kind in Oregon’s u-pick farm setting.
The addition of Mobi-Mats is just one of many initiatives designed to make outdoor experiences more accessible. These enhancements are expected to benefit not only people with disabilities but also families with young children and older adults, contributing to a broader, more inclusive tourism experience.
Positive Feedback and Continued Efforts
Oregon’s efforts to enhance accessibility have already garnered positive feedback from visitors with disabilities. Many travellers have expressed their appreciation for the newly created itineraries, with some participants describing activities they never thought would be accessible to them. This feedback affirms the importance of continued investment in accessible travel infrastructure.
Both Travel Oregon and Wheel the World are committed to expanding the list of accessible destinations and activities. Future plans include adding more businesses and enhancing the availability of inclusive services to ensure that all visitors can enjoy everything Oregon has to offer. This ongoing effort positions Oregon as a leader in accessible tourism, setting a model for other destinations across the country.
A Future of Inclusive Travel
Oregon’s accomplishment of the ‘Accessibility Verified‘ designation is an exciting development in the state’s commitment to accessible travel. Oregon is establishing a national standard for accessibility by developing access through comprehensive assessment, investment, and community collaboration. Oregon is now an accessible travel destination for individuals with disabilities, where they can experience the state’s natural beauty and cultural richness with ease.
