Unlocking the beauty of travel means ensuring everyone can explore, and Central Oregon is leading the way. This vibrant region is making significant strides in accessibility, creating a truly inclusive environment for all travelers.
A Commitment to Accessibility
Recently, Visit Central Oregon joined forces with Wheel the World, an organization dedicated to making travel accessible for individuals with disabilities. This partnership demonstrates a passionate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that Central Oregon not only welcomes travelers of all backgrounds but actively champions their needs. Through this collaboration, local accommodations, attractions, and transportation options have achieved the Destination Verified status, adhering to defined accessibility standards that promise a worry-free experience for visitors.
Assessing the Impact
Imagine vacationing in a stunning landscape, enriched with outdoor adventures and charming local culture, yet feeling excluded due to accessibility barriers. Central Oregon acknowledges this concern and has responded with an impressive initiative—more than 50 local properties have been certified as accessible. This certification process equips travelers with crucial information to confidently plan their visits, ensuring they can enjoy marvelous experiences without encountering unmanageable limitations.
Community Engagement: Beyond Certification
What makes this initiative remarkable extends beyond mere certification of properties. The collaboration brings a community focus, actively contributing to local causes. For instance, they have generously donated adaptive equipment to Oregon Adaptive Sports, ensuring that more individuals can participate in exciting outdoor activities. This partnership exemplifies how fostering inclusive environments strengthens community bonds and enhances the travel experience for everyone.
Inclusive Hikes: A Step Towards Unity
Adding an experiential layer to the commitment to accessibility, Visit Central Oregon also organizes inclusive events. One prime example is the recent 3-mile adaptive hike, which not only promotes accessibility but also encourages connection among participants. Picture hiking alongside various individuals, each with a unique story—this event fosters an enriching sense of community and togetherness in the outdoors, reinforcing the essence of travel as a shared experience.
Spotlight on Accessibility
To amplify its message of inclusion, Visit Central Oregon launched a video overview showcasing the region's extensive accessible options. With over 60,000 views, this engaging piece not only highlights the beauty of the region but also showcases its earnest efforts to ensure that everyone can discover its wonders. This has sparked greater interest and curiosity among potential travelers who may need accessibility features, inviting them to explore what Central Oregon has to offer.
Making a Difference
The partnership between Visit Central Oregon and Wheel the World is just the beginning of a transformative journey towards inclusivity in travel. Their efforts set an exemplary standard for other regions looking to bolster their accessibility initiatives. For travelers seeking unforgettable experiences, this commitment to inclusivity means more options and opportunities to connect with the beauty of nature and culture.
Your Next Adventure Awaits
Central Oregon is not just another travel destination; it sets the stage for a change in how we perceive inclusivity in travel. With its systematic approach to accessibility, robust community partnerships, and a growing list of certified properties, this region is truly paving the way for a future where travel is universally enjoyable. Ready to embark on an adventure that embraces everyone? Central Oregon is waiting for you!
In conclusion, the union between Visit Central Oregon and Wheel the World represents a significant milestone in accessible travel, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can explore the beauty of Oregon with confidence and joy.