Boundless Maryland
Trip Tips for People with Diverse Disabilities
When Maryland says, “You’re welcome,” we mean it, and you’ll see those warm vibes certainly apply to explorers with disabilities. Countless destinations provide long-awaited opportunities for people of all abilities to get out and enjoy our great state. Here’s a snapshot of what’s accessible in Maryland.
Tip: Plan ahead by calling attractions to ask for accessibility updates.
Dive in at the National Aquarium
At this aquatic jewel on the Inner Harbor, you’ll learn about the finned, clawed and tentacled creatures living in our deepest oceans and regional waterways. Accessible features include wide walkways, elevators, a soothing quiet room and loaner wheelchairs. You’ll also find Braille signage, closed captioning and sound and light warnings, along with KultureCity sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys.
Explore the Calvert Marine Museum
You’ll like the cut of this museum’s jib: Their accessible maritime experience delights with spacious exhibits and a touch tank where skates and rays swim, plus narrated films about the Drum Point Lighthouse, virtual tours and an elevator for visitors. At the free, biannual Night at the Museum for Friends with Disabilities, take a cruise, hunt for sharks’ teeth and touch fossils. A cozy quiet room boasts sweeping marina views. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and wheelchair-accessible cruises are available with advance notice.
Get Outside at Deep Creek Lake State Park
Experience one of the state’s most loved natural sites via the Sensory Awareness Trail (known locally as “the Braille trail”) and the Discovery Center with elevator and Braille signage. Cast a line from the accessible fishing pier or ask a lifeguard to borrow the beach wheelchair for some fun in the sun.
Be Delighted at Glen Echo Park
This national park site lays claim to a fully restored 1921 Dentzel carousel with a cheerful Wurlitzer-band organ. Both a ramp and ear protection are available upon request. Other disability-friendly spotlights include accessible trails, ranger-led programs for the Deaf or hard of hearing, and audio components and tactile objects for the blind or those who are visually impaired.
Enjoy Nature at Patapsco Valley State Park
Soak up Maryland’s great outdoors as you roll along the fully paved Grist Mill Trail. Other highlights within the park include an accessible playground and an All-Sensory Trail with Braille signage. The Patapsco Valley State Park for Everyone program offers cool adaptive events like kayaking, biking and fishing, too.
Find Amusement at Six Flags America
An Accredited Certified Autism Center, this amusement park practically guarantees glee for people of all abilities with Sensory Sensitive Days. Expect noise-canceling earplugs, no park audio and sound-and-surprise warnings. On regular operating days, accommodations include custom ride harnesses for people with amputations, sensory info for attractions and low-sensory areas.
Hit the Beach(es) at Assateague Island National Seashore and Ocean City
Enjoy the ocean, white beaches and dappled wild ponies at at this national seashore, where disability-friendly features include beach wheelchairs, picnic areas and two accessible nature trails. Watch waves break from Mobi-Mats or the elevated boardwalk and rinse off in roomy shower stalls.
Ocean City brims with options, including its world-famous boardwalk and Northside Park, which features a playground, plus accessible crabbing and fishing areas. Feel sea breezes from the shore at beach access locations with Mobi-Mats and sand-friendly wheelchairs, or reserve motorized beach wheelchairs at sandhelper.com.
Soak up History and Nature at State and National Parks
Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg welcomes guests with paved paths, ASL interpreters, Braille guides and a state-of-the-art visitor center.
Maryland State Parks make accessibility as natural as, well … nature. Both our national and state parks offer free passes to some people with disabilities. National parks pass information can be found here and state parks pass info is available here.
Explore Charm City
Baltimore boasts many accessible options for travelers. Highlights include Fort McHenry, The Walters Art Museum, Ravens and Orioles games and more. In addition, Baltimore/Washington InternationalAirport (BWI) is one of 18 U.S.airports with adult changing tables in restrooms.
Catch Some Beauty and Culture
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center in Solomons offers paved paths, airy exhibits and a chill Zen Garden. Shows at the Maryland Theatre in Hagerstown offer accessible seating, sensory-friendly suites and hearing loop technology. At Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, rock out with ASL interpreters, accessible seating in the pavilion and interpretive services via mobile device with advanced notice. Wind through Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton on compacted gravel pathways with seating areas. And keep an eye out for their annual Pathfinders for Autism Family Night.
About the author: Jackie Duda is a freelance writer with disabilities in Frederick who specializes in health, accessibility and travel writing.