Our Accessible Experience of Visiting Central Oregon

Central Oregon is often lauded for its stunning landscapes, vibrant outdoor activities, and welcoming communities. But how accessible is it for travelers with disabilities? Kerry, a wheelchair user, and her travel companion Carly, recently took a trip to Central Oregon with the support of Wheel the World to explore the area’s accessible offerings. Here’s their story and why Central Oregon should be on your list of accessible travel destinations.

Exploring Central Oregon with Wheel the World

Kerry and Carly’s journey to Central Oregon was filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation. As Kerry, who has been paralyzed for two years, explained, traveling with a disability can often be challenging due to limited accessible options and the lack of clear information. However, their experience in Central Oregon was refreshingly different.

"We came to Central Oregon with Wheel the World to explore some accessible adventures," Kerry shared. "Since we’ve been here, we’ve gone to Benham Falls, visited the High Desert Museum, explored Smith Rock, and even did some off-roading. The accessibility has been really great."

Accessible Features That Made the Trip Memorable

One of the highlights of Kerry and Carly’s trip was the wide range of accessible features available across Central Oregon. Kerry emphasized how important it is for her to have independence while traveling. "As an independent disabled traveler, I really look for features that allow me to do things solo, like ramps I can push up myself, lifts that I can operate independently, and feeling safe in the places I visit," she said.

The duo found that Central Oregon exceeded their expectations in this regard.

"Everything felt like it was part of the process to have ramps, lifts, lower counters, and accessible railings," Kerry noted. "I never felt like a secondary consideration, which is often the case when traveling."

"I never felt like a secondary consideration, which is often the case when traveling."

A Companion’s Perspective on Accessibility

For Carly, traveling with Kerry as her companion, the accessibility features also made a significant difference. "I came here prepared to assist her as needed," Carly said. "But I was pleasantly surprised by how accessible Central Oregon has been. There were so many features that allowed Kerry to enjoy the trip independently, which meant I could also relax and enjoy the experience without worrying."

Unforgettable Experiences in Central Oregon

Kerry and Carly’s adventures in Central Oregon included some first-time experiences that left a lasting impression. One such experience was visiting Smith Rock using an AdvenChair, an adaptive off-roading wheelchair. "I’ve never been able to hike or experience nature in this way before," Kerry shared. "It was stress-free and magical to be able to get down into the canyon and truly enjoy the beauty of the area."

The off-roading experience was another highlight for Kerry. "We went ATVing for the first time, and it was exhilarating!" she said. "I got to be an outdoor adventure passenger princess, which is something I never thought I’d do."

Why You Should Consider Central Oregon for Your Next Accessible Trip

Kerry and Carly’s trip to Central Oregon showcased how accessible the region can be for travelers with disabilities. "As a disabled traveler and disability advocate, I can confidently say that Central Oregon has been very accessible," Kerry stated. "The people here are so kind and willing to help, and the range of activities available is truly impressive."

Carly echoed these sentiments, noting that Wheel the World made the trip even easier by taking care of the details. "My experience with Wheel the World has been great. They take the guesswork out of travel and make it easy to book activities that are accessible and enjoyable."

"My experience with Wheel the World has been great. They take the guesswork out of travel and make it easy to book activities that are accessible and enjoyable."

A Message to Local DMOs

Kerry had a final message for local Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs): "To any local DMOs, I strongly encourage you to invest in the disabled community. We need your help to access life in the way it’s meant to be experienced. By creating more accessible options, you’re not just helping us travel—you’re helping us live."

Final Thoughts

Kerry and Carly’s journey through Central Oregon highlights the importance of accessibility in travel. With the right resources and support, places like Central Oregon can offer unforgettable experiences for everyone, regardless of physical ability. So if you’re looking for an accessible adventure that offers both natural beauty and thoughtful design, Central Oregon might just be your next destination.

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