Industry

Travelabilty on the Oregon Coast

Working to Increase Accessibility on the Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast Visitors Association and coastal cities, organizations and destinations all along the coast are working to improve “travelability,” which simply means the ability for our accessibility community to travel on the coast. Some of these initiatives include: 

  • David’s Chair: Anyone with mobility disabilities, such as those who use wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes or crutches, can reserve an electric all-terrain Track Chair free of charge. David’s Chair and Oregon Parks Forever have partnered to make these chairs available along the Oregon Coast, providing freedom for visitors to get onto the beach and into nature. Chairs are currently available at these  Oregon Coast locations.
  • Mobi-mats: Mobi-mats are temporary weather-proof pathways designed to make uneven terrain accessible to people with mobility challenges. Bringing these mats to trails, beaches, or events opens up access and inclusivity to everyone. There are currently over 1,000 feet of Mobi Mats on the coast, with more on the way. If you’re interested in bringing Mobi Mats to your community’s beach, trails, or events, start with our step-by-step guide.
  • Wheel the World: In 2023, eight Oregon Coast destination management organizations were granted a total of $201,240 to partner with Wheel the World, a global accessible travel company, in their effort to make the Oregon Coast more accessible to travelers with disabilities. These eight organizations will work with Wheel the World to conduct an accessibility assessment of local tourism businesses, receive accessibility training through Wheel the World Academy, and have local tourism businesses listed on WheeltheWorld.com, a comprehensive guide for travelers with disabilities to find and book accessible travel experiences.
  • Accessible trails, fishing piers, and kayak launches: A full list of Oregon Coast locations equipped with accessibility amenities can be viewed here.

Funding Available! Apply to Bring Mobi-mats to Your Oregon Coast Community

OCVA has created an annual Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) to rapidly and surgically respond to coastal tourism needs and priorities. OCVA has committed to the Glasgow Declaration and has released a 10-year Mitigation, Adaptation and Resiliency Plan.

For the 2024 cycle, funds will be focused on Travelabilty on the Oregon Coast through the implementation of Mobi-mats, which are temporary weather-proof pathways designed to make uneven terrain accessible to people with mobility challenges. Bringing these mats to trails, beaches, or events opens up access and inclusivity to everyone. Learn more about how to apply here!

 

Industry Resources for Travelability

  • Llevando Mobi-mats a Tu Comunidad

    Llevando Mobi-mats a Tu Comunidad! Kit de herramientas en espanol .

  • Toolkit: Bringing Mobi Mats to Your Community

    This toolkit is a comprehensive guide designed to empower organizations interested in fostering accessibility and inclusivity in outdoor spaces through the use of Mobi Mats. Mobi Mats are weather-proof pathways designed to make uneven terrain accessible to people with mobility challenges. Bringing these mats to trails, beaches, or events opens up access and inclusivity to everyone.

  • Basecamp Group: Oregon Coast Travelabilty

    The Oregon Coast Travelabilty Basecamp group works to improve the experience on the Oregon Coast through improved infrastructure, programs and partners focusing on accessibility, diversity, equity and inclusion. The group meets regularly to share the latest news and developments in travelabilty on the coast. If you are interested in being part of this group, contact industry@thepeoplescoast.com

Travelabilty News

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