Accessible Travel To Las Vegas For The Disabled

: Image by Ken Lund via Flickr

Las Vegas is one of those rare cities where those of us with disabilities can do almost everything that we would like to do without worrying about accessibility. In fact, in one recent year it has been estimated that 2.8 million visitors with one or more disabilities visited the city.

Whether it is motivated by sensitivity or greed, let’s face it: Casinos do not want to place any obstructions in the way of us being able to get into the establishment to try our luck. All of the hotels on the Las Vegas strip have been built during an era when accessibility issues have been included in the construction codes, as older hotels have made way for bigger, glitzier and more accessible venues. Even in the older downtown area though, it’s easy to move from street level directly into the welcoming hotel-casinos without encountering even a small step or ramp.

Of course there is much more to do in this tourist destination. Whether it is lounging by the pool, enjoying a jacuzzi or participating in the spectacle of a major Las Vegas show by your favorite entertainer, you will discover that the hospitality industry has taken your unique needs into consideration. You can even arrange for a flight (in advance) over the spectacular Grand Canyon, or easily join a more grounded bus tour or the canyon or, closer to the city, Hoover Dam.

The very flat geography of this city make it easy to get from one place to another for people in a wheelchair or scooter. In fact, those in mobility vehicles may find it easier to get around than your companions who try to move from one location to another in a car through the strip’s nearly immobile traffic. Alternatively, those who can walk with varying degrees of difficulty won’t find the added problems associated with hills that are found in many western cities, such as San Francisco.