Oregon has made history by becoming the first U.S. state to achieve the prestigious ‘Accessibility Verified’ designation, a testament to its commitment to welcoming all travelers. This significant milestone was reached through a collaborative effort between Travel Oregon, the state’s tourism commission, and Wheel the World (WTW), a leading global platform for accessible travel. The initiative aims to enhance transparency and promote inclusivity for individuals with visible and non-visible disabilities, making it easier for them to explore and enjoy all that Oregon has to offer.
A Statewide Commitment to Accessibility
The ‘Accessibility Verified’ designation follows an extensive, coordinated statewide effort to meticulously evaluate, promote, and improve the accessibility of tourism businesses. This comprehensive undertaking spanned all seven of Oregon’s distinct tourism regions, encompassing a wide array of establishments from hotels and restaurants to outdoor adventure experiences and cultural attractions. Unlike programs relying on self-reporting or basic ADA compliance, Wheel the World employs a rigorous, on-site evaluation process that involves physical measurements and detailed documentation of accessibility features. This ensures that travelers receive accurate, reliable information they can trust when planning their trips.
Unprecedented Data for Confident Travel Planning
Through this partnership, Wheel the World has assessed over 750 tourism businesses and 43 communities across Oregon, in addition to all Travel Oregon Welcome Centers. These assessments have delved into critical aspects of accessibility, including mobility accommodations, visual and hearing assistance capabilities, and cognitive accessibility considerations. The detailed findings are now available on both the Travel Oregon and Wheel the World websites, providing travelers with disabilities and mobility challenges with an unprecedented online resource to plan their itineraries with their specific needs at the forefront. This detailed information allows visitors to confidently decide where to stay, what to enjoy, and how to navigate the state.
Setting a National Precedent
Kevin Wright, VP of Brand Stewardship at Travel Oregon, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “Earning the distinction of being the first Accessibility Verified state reflects Oregon’s deep and ongoing commitment to welcoming all travelers. Through this designation, we’re building a tourism landscape where inclusion is meaningful and central to the visitor experience.” This groundbreaking initiative not only benefits travelers by removing uncertainty and barriers but also positions Oregon as a national model for inclusive tourism, demonstrating how destination marketing organizations can partner with specialized experts to drive meaningful change in the travel industry.
Impact and Future Outlook
Alvaro Silberstein, CEO & Co-founder of Wheel the World, highlighted the vision behind the program: “Our vision is to remove uncertainty and establish trust by helping every destination verify, improve, and promote accessibility—creating real impact for travelers with disabilities and measurable returns for communities.” Beyond enhancing the visitor experience, this push for accessibility is expected to boost Oregon’s local economy by attracting a wider range of travelers, supporting businesses, and creating new job opportunities. The benefits extend to residents as well, making Oregon a more inclusive destination for everyone. To further promote these efforts, Travel Oregon has partnered with accessibility advocates and is rolling out training workshops for travel industry professionals statewide, fostering a network of “Accessible Tourism Ambassadors.”
