Oregon has made history by becoming the first state in the United States to receive “Accessibility Verified” status, according to Travel Oregon. The milestone is an ongoing effort to make travel more inclusive for people with disabilities. The designation, awarded by Wheel the World, a specialized travel platform for people with disabilities, is the result of an extensive evaluation process. Wheel the World assessed more than 750 hotels, restaurants, and tourism businesses across 43 communities throughout the state.
This achievement highlights Oregon’s commitment to creating an environment where all travelers can experience the state’s natural beauty and culture without facing accessibility barriers. The verification process examined critical accessibility features, including the availability of roll-in showers, step-free entrances, service animal policies, cognitive-friendly navigation systems, and hearing accessibility accommodations.
What Accessibility Verification Involves
The evaluation conducted by Wheel the World went beyond surface-level assessments, delving into specific features that make destinations genuinely accessible. Travel Oregon’s report indicates that each of the state’s welcome centers underwent rigorous assessment to ensure all visitors could access them regardless of mobility or sensory needs.
The verification process cataloged accessible travel options on Wheel the World’s website, organizing information by specific guaranteed accessible features and including recommended travel itineraries for each region of the state. This detailed approach provides travelers with disabilities with precise details on what to expect, removing the uncertainty that often accompanies travel planning for those with accessibility requirements.
Oregon’s Commitment To Inclusive Tourism
“Earning the distinction of being the first Accessibility Verified state reflects Oregon’s deep and ongoing commitment to welcoming all travelers,” said Kevin Wright, the Vice President of brand stewardship at Travel Oregon. “Through this designation, we’re building a tourism landscape where inclusion is meaningful and central to the visitor experience.”
This achievement represents years of focused effort to enhance accessibility across Oregon’s tourism infrastructure, demonstrating how destinations can prioritize inclusivity as a core value rather than an afterthought. According to New Mobility magazine, Travel Oregon has invested $8 million in accessibility grants over the last two years.
The Impact On Disability Travel
“Traveling with a disability often means facing the unknown,” Alvaro Silberstein, the CEO and co-founder of Wheel the World, said in a statement. “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. By becoming the first state to achieve Accessibility Verified status, Oregon is setting a precedent and proving how powerful this cycle can be for travelers and for the communities that welcome them.”
