My 2024 "Hidden Gem" of Accessible Travel Destinations

When public and private institutions join together to advance accessibility in the travel industry, the progress of inclusion accelerates.

Photo courtesy Visit Fort Wayne.

Today, I am excited to release the Fort Wayne, Indiana Wheelchair Accessible Travel Guide, which is packed full of the information and resources you need to make visiting this Midwestern gem a reality. It joins more than 50 other cities in my Directory of Accessible Travel Destinations, and I hope you will consider including it in your future travel plans.

While the travel guide can speak for itself, I’d like to share a bit more about what makes this destination — and community — so special.

“I truly adore your community.”

I spoke these words from the podium at Visit Fort Wayne’s inaugural Power of Tourism event, which last month gathered local business leaders and hospitality professionals to recognize their contributions to the tourism economy.

Nearly 300 people attended Visit Fort Wayne’s Power of Tourism event, which recognized business leaders and organizations for their contributions to the local tourism economy.

My keynote address was meant to inspire business leaders’ commitment to accessibility which, for many destinations, is spoken but rarely practiced. That isn’t the case in Fort Wayne, a reality that became quickly apparent — from the moment I landed at Fort Wayne International Airport, investments in accessibility stared me right in the face (the airport is undergoing a $140 million capital improvement project to expand connectivity and improve accessibility).

On the day of my arrival, I got right to work — visiting the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo (one of America’s best and most highly rated), and the Turnstone Center (one of eight Paralympic training facilities in the United States). Accessibility was described as a primary focus of both organization’s work, and it’s no surprise they were honored with awards at the Power of Tourism event.

My keynote address had been written long before I departed Boston but, after just a couple of days in Fort Wayne, I found myself staying up late, rewriting sections that no longer seemed to apply. City leaders don’t need inspiration, I thought — they’re already so engaged! — they need to learn how their commitments are positively impacting disabled people, and how they can level up to create an even more inclusive travel destination.

When Visit Fort Wayne invited me to visit their city, that invitation was delivered directly by the organization’s President and CEO, Jill Boggs. The commitment to accessibility at the highest levels of leadership, not only at the tourism board but at countless local businesses and organizations, has allowed Fort Wayne to advance accessibility as a priority and to establish itself as an accessible travel destination.

During my visit, I had the opportunity to connect with representatives from organizations like The League and AWS Foundation, many of whom have disabilities and all of whom share in my commitment to advocate for Equal Access Everywhere. They are leading the charge, advocating for disability inclusion and, in the case of the AWS Foundation, funding projects that incorporate universal design.

There are disability advocates doing important work in every city, no doubt, but in Fort Wayne I saw a level of engagement between advocates and community leaders that left me speechless. Accessibility is a shared goal in Fort Wayne, rather than a contentious battle. That’s a refreshing sight to see, and a model for other communities and the nation to follow.

The journey towards equal access will be a long one. Some say it may never be finished. But if we hope to make any progress, public, private and personal interests must coalesce around a shared purpose — to make our communities, public spaces and businesses places where all are welcome. Fort Wayne is demonstrating purpose and a commitment to action — I hope it sustains!

To get started in researching and planning your visit, check out the Fort Wayne, Indiana Wheelchair Accessible Travel Guide, which contains these resources:

• 11 Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Fort Wayne — Fort Wayne has a world-class zoo and an art museum with exceptional glass sculptures, but it also boasts and adaptive sports complex, some of the best street art in the USA, and unique activities like a printmaking workshop.

• Accessible Hotels in Fort Wayne — Take a look inside Fort Wayne’s top hotels, with pictures and measurements to help you make an informed decision about where to stay.

• Guide to Wheelchair Accessible Public Transit in Fort Wayne — Fort Wayne’s Citilink bus service provides hourly service in low-floor city buses with wheelchair ramps and two wheelchair securement spaces.

• Accessibility at Fort Wayne International Airport — Investing $140 million into an airport terminal building can make a big different in accessibility, and the new adult changing table is just one way Fort Wayne International Airport is better serving disabled travelers.

• Wheelchair Accessibility of Fort Wayne Sidewalks — As part of its ADA Transition Plan, the City of Fort Wayne took an inventory of its sidewalks and curb ramps, and made a significant commitment to fund improvements. The city’s downtown core is now wheelchair-friendly.

Will you add Fort Wayne to your travel itinerary? Let me know in the comments!