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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
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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.
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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
Travelability News on the Oregon Coast
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Join a weekend of adaptive camping and surfing at the Oregon Coast!
Adventures Without Limits is teaming up with AmpSurf & RAPID to host a weekend of adaptive surfing and camping in Newport, Oregon. This event is designed to be accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities, Veterans, and first responders. Sign up for 1 of 4 adaptive surf sessions with AmpSurf on Saturday, August 17th or Sunday, August 18th.
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Becoming rentABLE Inclusive Hosting Virtual Summit
Learn essential strategies to boost bookings and create welcoming experiences for the disability and senior communities
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2024 TravelAbility’s Emerging Markets Summit: November 13-15th 2024
The Travelability Emerging Markets Summit will be held in San Francisco on November 13-15th 2024. The summit will provide travel industry professionals with a big-picture view and concrete strategies for tapping the growing market of accessible travel.
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Funds available to improve access to walking, rolling and public transportation
Funding from ODOT could go towards accessibility! Cannon Beach used this fund last year to purchase beach wheelchairs.
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Powering up local mobility: wheelchair charging stations
A Jefferson Public Radio/Southern Oregon University podcast features an intriguing discussion on the innovative effort to establish and map wheelchair charging stations: “Powering up local mobility: wheelchair charging stations for Jackson County.”
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Outdoor Recreation Grant: $5,000 -$10,000 available for projects aimed at inclusivity
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BLM Launches New Searchable Map for Accessible Recreation Points
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ODOT: We're building ADA curb ramps along U.S. 101 this year