Your Guide to Accessibility in Portland, Oregon

Our hometown of Portland, Oregon is a hub of one-of-a-kind personality, charm, and dedication to caring for the environment and its inhabitants. Visitors from near and far love exploring the organic and homegrown way of life that our close-knit community provides, and those who use wheelchairs would be pleased with its accessibility. As one of the most ADA-compliant cities in the U.S., anyone can enjoy some of Portland’s most sought-after attractions. Here are a few places in our area that are easily accessible for those who use a wheelchair:

The Grotto. If you are looking for a picturesque and immersive spiritual experience, the Grotto, formally known as The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, is your destination. The sanctuary, located in the Madison South District, is widely known as “a place of peace, prayer, and natural beauty” with a little bit of everything for everyone. Catholic visitors could strengthen their religious connection through prayer at the daily mass in the Chapel of Mary. Meanwhile, those non-practicing can explore the sanctuary’s 62 acres of beautiful trails, botanical gardens and foliage. With the exception of gentle slopes and uneven surfaces in some places, all pathways of the sanctuary are paved and wheelchair-accessible. Wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge at the Grotto Gift Shop on a first-come first-served basis. To learn more about the parking and accessibility of The Grotto, click here.

Powell’s City of Books. Housing over 1 million books, this exceptionally vast bookshop is a book lover’s haven. Powell’s Books is the largest new and used bookstore globally, taking up an entire block in downtown Portland. Down every wheelchair-accessible aisle are endless opportunities to immerse yourself in all types of literature. Whether you are a bookworm or not, there is a book for everyone at Powell’s. So feel free to stay and browse for minutes, hours, or even a whole day. You can learn more about accessibility and parking options at Powell’s City of Books here.

Portland Art Museum. Lovers of the arts will feel right at home at the Portland Art Museum, which holds visually captivating exhibitions and unforgettable art installations of many mediums. Aides and caregivers receive free admission at the museum, which accommodates people with numerous types of impairments and disabilities. For wheelchair users, there is a designated path both in and out of the museum for easy access. A wheelchair-accessible ramp is located at the north side of the building between SW 10th and SW Park Avenue to enter. The accessible exit is located through the Special Exhibition Gallery and the gift shop or the Center for Modern & Contemporary Art through the Mark building. All areas are accessible through the elevators, and manual wheelchairs are available to the public free of charge. Service dogs are also welcomed. You can learn more about the accessibility and accommodations provided by the museum here.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park. In Portland, no one takes a warm and sunny day for granted. When the weather gets mild, everyone ventures outside to romp around and soak up some rays. The Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland allows you to do so with stunning views of the Willamette River and many museums and shops. The public riverfront park boasts 36 acres and a 1.5-mile paved path that can easily and safely accommodate wheelchair users and service animals so that everyone can enjoy the stunning views of Portland’s river, as well as its bridges and city skyline. Feel free to stop by the monumental Japanese American Historical Plaza, browse the Portland Saturday Market housing the largest arts and crafts fair in America every weekend, visit the Oregon Maritime Museum on a historical tugboat, and cool off or make a wish at the fountains at Salmon Street Springs — all within the park grounds. At Tom McCall Waterfront Park, a unique historical and cultural experience is guaranteed to please all senses at every corner. You can learn more about these attractions and the other amenities of the riverfront park here.

Trustworthy Portland, Oregon Social Security Disability Attorneys

At Kerr, Robichaux & Carroll, we are proud to call the beautiful city of Portland, Oregon, our home. We care deeply about our community, both longtime members and new additions, and want everyone to have their best chance at a beautiful life here. However, if you are or have recently become disabled, you may feel lost in the very place you call home. Our attorneys work tirelessly to advocate for our disabled community and acquire the Social Security Disability benefits that they not only need but deserve. Do you need help getting Social Security Disability benefits? Submit an inquiry on our website or call our office toll-free at 503-255-9092 for a free consultation today.

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