In a groundbreaking achievement for inclusive tourism, Travel Oregon has partnered with Wheel the World to become the first state in the United States to receive official ‘Accessibility Verified’ designation, marking a significant milestone in making travel experiences available to visitors with disabilities and mobility challenges.
This historic accomplishment comes after an extensive collaborative initiative to assess, enhance, and promote accessibility features across tourism businesses throughout all seven of Oregon’s distinct tourism regions. The comprehensive evaluation covered everything from hotel accommodations and outdoor adventure activities to cultural landmarks and dining establishments—creating the nation’s first statewide online resource that enables travelers with disabilities to confidently plan complete itineraries.
Comprehensive Accessibility Assessment Across Oregon
Wheel the World (WTW) conducted thorough accessibility evaluations of more than 750 establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and tourism-related businesses spanning 43 communities throughout the state. The assessment also included all Travel Oregon Welcome Centers, ensuring visitors receive accessible information from the moment they arrive.
The evaluation process examined four critical accessibility categories: mobility accommodations, visual accessibility features, hearing assistance capabilities, and cognitive accessibility considerations. This multi-dimensional approach ensures that travelers with various types of disabilities can make informed decisions when planning their Oregon adventures.
Detailed Information Now Available Online
Through the Accessibility Verified program developed by Wheel the World, comprehensive accessibility details for local hotels, outdoor experiences, attractions, and dining venues are now prominently featured on both the Travel Oregon website and Wheel the World’s digital platform. This transparent sharing of accessibility information provides travelers with disabilities the detailed, trustworthy data they need during the trip planning process.
“Earning the distinction of being the first Accessibility Verified state reflects Oregon’s deep and ongoing commitment to welcoming all travelers,” explained Kevin Wright, Vice President of Brand Stewardship at Travel Oregon. “Through this designation, we’re building a tourism landscape where inclusion is meaningful and central to the visitor experience.”
Showcasing Oregon’s Accessible Adventures
To highlight Oregon’s newly verified accessible tourism offerings, Travel Oregon and Wheel the World collaborated with accessibility advocate Kaylee Bays, who gained national recognition as the first wheelchair user to compete on the television show “So You Think You Can Dance.” Kaylee actively shares her journey through social media platforms like Instagram, where she inspires thousands of followers with her authentic experiences navigating the world as a person with disabilities.
During her Oregon exploration, Kaylee experienced the state’s accessible outdoor offerings firsthand. Her adventures included visiting the dramatic rock formations and scenic vistas at Smith Rock State Park, as well as kayaking on the pristine waters of Hosmer Lake in Central Oregon, surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes.
“I used to assume nature wasn’t something I could really be part of. Oregon showed me that I was wrong,” Kaylee shared, reflecting on her experiences. Diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)—a degenerative connective tissue condition—at age 21, Kaylee has become a powerful voice for accessibility awareness. “It opened a whole new world for me. Kayaking and experiencing places like Smith Rock showed me that people are taking real steps to make outdoor adventures inclusive and accessible.”
Setting a National Precedent for Inclusive Tourism
Oregon’s Accessibility Verified status establishes a model that other states can follow to make tourism more inclusive for the millions of Americans living with disabilities. By providing verified, detailed accessibility information across an entire state’s tourism infrastructure, Oregon is removing barriers that have historically prevented people with disabilities from confidently exploring new destinations.
The initiative demonstrates how destination marketing organizations can work with specialized accessibility experts to create meaningful change in the travel industry. As awareness of accessible tourism grows, Oregon’s pioneering approach positions the state as a leader in welcoming all visitors, regardless of their physical abilities or mobility needs.
This certification represents more than just a designation—it’s a commitment to ensuring that Oregon’s natural wonders, cultural experiences, and hospitality services are genuinely available to everyone who wishes to explore what the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Explore more stories about accessible travel innovations, inclusive destination initiatives, and practical trip planning resources at The Inspiring Insight—where we cover breakthrough developments in travel that make exploring the world possible for everyone.
