Connecticut’s Wheelchair Accessible Destinations and Resources
This New England gem holds a host of accessible destinations that give you an opportunity to celebrate true mobility freedom your way.
Connecticut flies under the radar when it comes to vacation destinations — but, make no mistake. This is one New England state that combines accessibility and mobility freedom in unique and varied ways. Choose from vibrant attractions or quaint towns to create a holiday experience that you’re not soon to forget.
Outdoor Wheelchair Accessible Destinations
When it comes to fun and adventure, Connecticut’s wheelchair accessible destinations have so much to offer. You’ll find sporting events, historic tours, rooftop dining, and just about anything you can think of doing. And, depending on the time of year, you’ll visit an entirely new state every time you come.
Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport. This zoo uses 12,672 newspaper pages a year to make excellent bedding, because it provides lightweight warmth and lets the animals create their ideal den, burrow, or nest simply by scratching, shredding, and crumpling it to achieve the optimum sleep spot. The zoo has wheelchairs for rent, and it's a wild way to spend a sunny day.
Farmington Canal Rail to Trail, New Haven. More than half of this 84-mile trail from New Haven to Northampton, Massachusetts is paved, with motor vehicles prohibited, and it's become a favorite path for folks who appreciate the beauty of nature. Along the way you'll cross over several bridges — some built with stone, some made of steel — and all lead to a relaxing, visually delightful excursion.
Yale University, New Haven. Welcome to the Ivy League — and one of the most prominent universities in the world. The Yale University campus is wheelchair accessible, and you'll be shown this revered center of learning by a student guide. Founded in 1701 as the Collegiate School at New Haven, the name changed in 1718 to honor Elihu Yale, a powerful trading company official who donated a crate of goods to help the new school.
Indoor Wheelchair Accessible Destinations
Connecticut boasts a collection of indoor wheelchair accessible destinations to rival any state on the east coast of this great nation. With an emphasis on our unique history and relaxing culture and customs, check out some of these outstanding activities popular with repeat vacationers.
Discovery Museum and Planetarium, Bridgeport. One exhibit, called First in Flight, commemorates the venture into aviation by Connecticuter Gustave Whitehead and his ‘Number 21’ airplane, which flew in 1901 — two years before the Wright Brothers, who might have made a deal with the Smithsonian Institution for ‘first in flight’ status. In fact, many historians credit Whitehead with the "real" first airplane flight. Intrigued? All this cool stuff is fully accessible for wheelchairs.
The Mark Twain House & Museum, Hartford. One of America's most revered authors, he wrote his now-classic stories in his 25-room home — magnificent gothic architecture with an exquisite glass conservatory, a grand hall and impressive library, and the cozy billiard room where he did his writing. The museum is fully accessible, as is the first floor of the home, though the upper floors are accessed by stairs.
Timexpo, Waterbury. Originally the Waterbury Clock Company, Timex took it over, produced some of the most popular watches in the world, and continues keeping time to this day. The location of Timexpo is marked by a 40-ft. statue of Easter Island Moai, which connects to the Timexpo archaeology exhibit. You'll go through the Time Tunnel that leads to an ancient world, and you'll have several unique hands-on activities to give you a greater appreciation of this mysterious dimension.
Connecticut Wheelchair Accessible Resources
Connecticut’s wheelchair accessible resources can be utilized via the Internet or by phone. It’s always better to call or plan ahead of your visit to various attractions in order to customize your visit to your particular needs. This will ensure your visit is stress-free and fun-filled.
Access for Persons with Disabilities. Located at https://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325078&deepNav_GID=1650, the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection is working to ensure that all visitors have access to the many outdoor recreational opportunities available at Connecticut State Parks and Forests.
Accessible Connecticut — Welcoming to All Abilities. Click on http://www.ctvisit.com/articles/accessible-connecticut to find just a few of the places in Connecticut already offering programs and services dedicated to welcoming guests of all ages and abilities.
The ABCs of Accessible Trails: Connecticut, Delaware, & Florida. The ABCs of Accessible Trails series, which will detail the best accessible trails in State and National Parks across the country, can be found at https://www.gogrit.us/news/2016/2/11/the-abcs-of-accessible-trails-connecticut-delaware-florida.