When you or a loved one needs to navigate life in a wheelchair or scooter, accessibility becomes everything. And beyond the challenges of everyday life at home (Can you get around your house? Can you get into the bathroom?), getting out to go anywhere for fun or a mental break becomes that much harder.
It’s been 35 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed, requiring public accommodations, employers, transportation providers, and other entities to be accessible to people with disabilities. But accessibility in and around Louisville still has a ways to go to be compliant, says Liz Fust, founder and executive director of the disability advocacy organization Gathering Strength.
While the work continues to improve accessibility throughout the city, there is good news for those who want to get out and about in a wheelchair or scooter this summer: Liz and her team have compiled a list of accessible outings around town. Find a more comprehensive list — as well as details for the Adaptive Recreation Showcase, virtual adaptive exercise classes, and many more resources — at gatheringstrength.org.
Visiting Downtown
The main challenge here is parking. Liz recommends going early or at an off time when more accessible parking spaces are available, and then visiting a few different places. You can get around on sidewalks to the Slugger Museum, Angel’s Envy Distillery, the Kentucky Science Center, the Muhammad Ali Center (which has its own parking lot), and more. Refuel at Mussel & Burger Bar, Bristol Bar and Grille Downtown, or Proof on Main.
Peruse the collections and end with lunch at the cafe. Go on a Sunday for free admission.
Insider tips: Companion care bathrooms are available. The building itself is very accessible, but the parking is very limited. Consider going at off-times and take a friend in case you need help parking in a non-accessible spot.
There are several accessible restaurants you can visit around town (see more ideas at gatheringstrength.org), but this one particularly stands out because of its large space that is easy to navigate with a wheelchair. And Liz says, “A lot of people with disabilities frequent this business, so they are pretty familiar with our needs.” She likes to come here for good pizza and beer.
Insider tips: There is a good amount of parking in the parking lot. If you go on a weekend, you can use adjacent Spalding University parking lots.
By Jessica Alyea | Photos submitted
P.S. See the full article here.
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