OVERVIEW

Carbondale is a city in Jackson County, in the state of Illinois.

LANGUAGE

The official language of the United States is English.

CURRENCY

The official currency of the United States is the dollar.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

CARBONDALE : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

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CARBONDALE : Accommodations

HOTELS

Hampton Inn (Marion, IL.): “The hotel is truly accessible. It had all the typical accessibility features and the hand-held showerhead was placed in a lower position rather than the higher position like most hotels do.” Carolee, 6/26/11

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CARBONDALE : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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ACTIVITIES

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

17th St. BBQ (in nearby Murfeesburrough): “The restaurant has a separate accessible entrance all the way in the back of the building. You have to ring the doorbell to use it because there is no door handle on the outside. Also, the restrooms are inaccessible to the point that not even a normal sized wheelchair can squeeze through the hallway to get to the restrooms.” Carolee, 6/26/11

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CARBONDALE : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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CARBONDALE : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

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ADDITIONAL LINKS

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OVERVIEW

Chicago is the third largest city in the United States (by population). Incorporated in 1837, the city boasts a robust history that is evident in its unique architecture, geographic layout, and diverse population. Chicago is divided into four main sections, which break down into its 220 distinct neighborhoods. It is a fantastic city to visit, very accessible for people of all abilities.

LANGUAGE

The national language of the United States is English, but multiple languages can be heard being spoken throughout the city of Chicago, as it is a very diverse city.

CURRENCY

The currency of the United States is the US dollar.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

CHICAGO : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Chicago can be accessed from two main airports, O’Hare, and Midway. Both airports are equipped to handle travelers with disabilities. Loaner wheelchairs are available (if needed), as are individuals to assist with transfers and transport to and from their flight.

For travelers unable to walk on the plane, “aisle chairs” are available. These chairs are small enough to fit down the aisle of a plane, with the assistance of airport personnel.

O’Hare terminals are equipped with “family bathrooms” which accommodate a single user. This is very useful for travelers that need assistance by a companion. Terminal 1: Family/companion private bathroom located near the “B” gates. Terminal 3: Family/companion private bathrooms located throughout terminal, first is at entry to terminals H and K, second is located near ATM in food court.

Both O’Hare and Midway airports can be quite busy, so it is best to notify the gate personnel immediately upon arrival if boarding assistance is needed. It takes the ground crew extra time to transport a wheelchair to the tarmac and load onto the flight, which can cause delays if put off. Plus, by notifying the gate personnel early, the traveler has a better chance of being able to board first, which offers the benefits of privacy and availability of overhead bins near their seat.

Wheelchair accessible taxis frequent both airports. To obtain a wheelchair taxi, visit the taxi stand after retrieving baggage. The taxi stand has the ability to call up a wheelchair cab from the cue straight to the front – no need to wait in line.

For people traveling with pets at O’Hare Airport – “I noticed on the way to the baggage claim area there are signs that lead you to an “Animal Relief Area”. The area is right off of the baggage claim.” Carolee, 8/10/10

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Chicago has several options for to assist all travelers transportation needs. These include both public and private transport, which can be broken down into: elevated train (“L”), bus, train (Metro), taxi, and rental car.

TAXI

Flash Cab: Chicago has a well organized wheelchair taxi system. The taxis are minivans, equipped with rear or side entry ramps, and tie down systems. The taxis are large enough to accommodate a sizeable power chair, plus luggage and companions. Cabs are best ordered in advance (the farther the better) especially during peak times. When a cab is ordered, make sure to provide your phone number – an automated call will be placed when your cab has arrived. IMPORTANT: make sure to listen to the message, and instruct the cab to wait for the maximum (5 minutes). We have had cabs take other fares, or simply come and go, so instructing it to wait is best. You can also contact Flash Cab at (773) 561-1444

“For an accessible taxi, you can also call “Central Dispatch”. Central Dispatch has access to all the accessible taxis in Chicago, not just Flash. Their phone number is (800) 281-4466.” Carolee, 7/26/09

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SHUTTLE

Go Airport Express: Airport Express offers wheelchair transportation in the Chicago area. You can make your reservations online at www.airportexpress.com or by telephone toll-free at 1-888-2THEVAN. There are also additional discounts if you have more than one person in your party. When making a reservation, make sure you check the accessible vehicle box if you make your reservations online, or tell the telephone operator if you make your reservation by phone.

“Warning: Airport Express only goes to certain zip codes. I tried using my zip code of 60608 and they do NOT service that area.” Carolee, 7/26/09

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RENTAL CAR (Wheelchair Van)

A variety of wheelchair van rental companies exist and serve the Chicago area.

Wheelers Van Rentals: Wheelers rents wheelchair accessible vans in the Chicago area, and has locations throughout the United States. The company offers delivery and pick-up (for a fee), and 24 hour emergency vehicle service. We have used Wheelers on several occasions in California and have been very pleased with the service. The vans have always been in nice condition, and located where they were supposed to be dropped off.

Mobility Works: MobilityWorks has wheelchair accessible rental vans available and have a couple of locations. The vans can be rented for just a few hours or weeks at a time. To rent a van, the website provides a number to call. If you can’t pick up the van at one of the MobilityWorks dealerships, the vehicle can be delivered to you for an additional fee.

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BUS

Chicago Transit Authority: All of the bus routes in Chicago are wheelchair accessible. The buses are equipped with either lifts or ramps to assist people who utilize wheelchiars, or anyone who has problems climbing stairs, even if their problem is temporary, according to the website. For convenience, the CTA has a bus tracker located on their website to track the estimated time your bus will arrive. Also, the CTA website provides a video on the public transit options available in Chicago to inform their customers about the services offered for customers who either have a physical disability,  are visually impaired, or  are hearing impaired. Always remember to plan your trip ahead of time, which can easily be done by visiting the CTA website or by calling the phone number located on the website.

TRAIN (Light Rail)

Elevated train: Chicago’s “L” is a network of several train lines, identified by different colors (e.g., brown line, red line, orange line, blue line). It is under constant renovation, and as such, accessible stops continue to be added to all routes. Because the train runs both above and below ground, it is important to verify the stops you would like to use both have elevators and they are functioning (in my experience, the elevators at any given stop go out of service frequently, so it is important to check which are out each day you want to use the train). The CTA provides assistance at every stop, and if needed, a “gap filler” will be set up for you to board the train. I also recommend riding in the first car, with the conductor. That way he will clear the accessible priority seating, and will know your future stop.

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TRAIN (Heavy Rail)

Metra: Chicago’s rail system is accessible and has routes that run from the heart of the city (Union Station) to destinations all over the greater Chicago area.

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CHICAGO : Accommodations

HOTELS

The City of Chicago has no shortage of hotels capable of accommodating the physically challenged traveler. When making reservations, be sure to request an accessible room if needed. We have stayed at the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower (they have a great brunch), and the Park Hyatt Chicago (they have a nice bar).

Westin O’Hare Airport Hotel (Rosemont): “95% of the hotel is wheelchair accessible. The only place I couldn’t get to was a small bar area called “The Lounge”.  The only restaurant in the hotel besides “The Bakery Café” (a baked goods kiosk)is the Benchmark. It is super expensive and they automatically charge a 20% gratuity for any orders (even if it’s just one person ordering!). While the hotel is very nice, there is at least one place a wheelchair can’t go (The Lounge Bar). There’s only one restaurant in the hotel and it is super expensive. The hotel is located in an area that doesn’t make it easy to walk across the street to another restaurant so you have to order from a local restaurant that is willing to deliver to a hotel (you can get menus from the Concierge). The hotel does offer a shuttle service to/from O’Hare, but it’s not accessible. So you have to find other means of transportation.” Carolee, 8/30/2010

“The carpet throughout the hotel is extremely thick. I have a power-assisted wheelchair and I had to make several battery changes throughout the day because it was so thick.” Carolee, 8/30/2010

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LUXURY RESORTS

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CHICAGO : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Shoreline Sightseeing Tours: Chicago is known for its diverse architecture and several tour companies offer architecture tours by boat. Shoreline’s tour is wheelchair accessible, and departs from the Navy Pier. Make sure you plan ahead and buy tickets in advance, especially during the heavy tourist months of summer.

Spirit Cruises of Chicago: Another way to see Chicago by boat is on the Spirit of Chicago boat cruise. The cruise leaves from Navy Pier and includes dinner, entertainment and dancing. I found the boat to be very accessible, and had no problem getting on or off in my power wheelchair.

Chicago Trolley and Double Decker: The trolley is a great way to see Chicago especially if you don’t want to be on a strict timetable throughout the day. They offer a “hop on hop off” tour where you can literally get on and off at certain popular destinations so you can do things like grab a lunch or spend time at one of Chicago’s many museums.

The trolley service requires that people with a disability call 48 hours in advance to book tickets to this tour at 773-648-5000 seven days a week.

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ACTIVITIES

Billy Caldwell Golf Course: The Billy Caldwell 9 hole course is one of the many Forest Preserve Golf courses located in Chicago. When traffic is light, the drive is only about fifteen minutes from downtown. The course is perfect for people who utilize a wheelchair because there are no steep hills and the terrain is manageable.

Chicago Children’s Museum: Chicago Children’s Museum is committed to providing exhibits, programs, and public spaces that are inclusive and interactive for all visitors. The entire museum is wheelchair accessible, with elevators serving each of the museum’s three floors. CCM offers a variety of assistive devices, including adult and child-sized wheelchairs, sound-reducing headphones and Museum Kits. The Kits include a storybook guide that describes each of the museum’s interactive exhibits, a museum schedule that can be personalized to the child’s needs and interests and pocket rule cards for children who prefer visual messages. Assistive devices can be checked out at the admissions desk free of charge. Caregivers can download the storybook guide by going to the Access & Inclusion page on CCM’s website.

CCM Play For All events, the second Saturday of every month, invite children and families with disabilities to come and experience CCM’s inclusive, multisensory exhibits and programs. The museum opens one hour early, at 9:00 a.m., for pre-registered guests. The first 100 visitors to register receive free admission. For registration and accommodation requests, call the Play For All hotline at 312-321-6551.

Chicago Theater: The theater hosts a variety of concerts and plays. No steps at the front entrance. Wheelchair seating is on a platform located in the back of the theater, on the ground floor, and also on the ground floor up front on the left side. The theater has an accessible bathroom. The Chicago Theater will only sale one companion ticket per person with a disability.

John Hancock Center Signature Room: The Signature Room is a great stop for dinner, drinks, or dessert. A popular destination, the Signature Room is totally accessible. Ladies, be sure to check out the view from the Women’s restroom, as it is the best vantage point in the building.

Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program: The adaptive sailing program in Chicago offers classroom and on-water boat instruction to people with physical impairments.

Lincoln Park Zoo: The Lincoln Park Zoo is open year round, and is decorated during the month of December with holiday lighting. The Zoo is free of charge, and is totally accessible for the guest with mobility difficulties.

Montrose Point Bird and Butterfly Sactuary: The Montrose Point Bird and Butterfly Sactuary is located at 4400 N. Montrose Avenue, along the lake. Surrounding the sanctuary is a path which is wheelchair accessible. If you like to paint nature scenes, this is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. Accessible parking is located at the entrance of the sanctuary.

Navy Pier: Chicago’s Navy Pier is a big tourist attraction for the city. It features an IMAX theater, plenty to do for the family, including a Ferris wheel, and many restaurants and shopping.

Sears Tower Skydeck: The Sears Tower Skydeck offers fantastic views of the city of Chicago. It is the tallest observatory in Chicago, and famous for its architecture. The Sears Tower Skydeck is totally accessible.

Shedd Aquarium: The Shedd Aquarium is fully accessible. The front entrance is marked “Accessible Entrance” in large letters above the powered doors. It’s located south of the main entrance.  The aquarium is equipped with elevators that visit every floor. Bathrooms are accessible and there are companion restrooms located near Guest Services,  the Wild Reef,  and the Polar Play Zone.  Visitors who plan to watch the Fantasea show should arrive at least 25 minutes early since wheelchair accessible seating is very limited. Wheelchairs receive priority seating and companions will be asked to sit in another section.  Throughout the aquarium, there are Interactive touch screen computers at wheelchair level, to learn more about marine life at each tank.

TriBalance: TriBalance is a yoga studio located in Schaumburg. If you’re traveling and looking for a place to calm your mind, body, and spirit, come check out what this yoga studio has to offer.

“The instuctor’s name is Corey. He works with people with all abilities. He also is studying under Gabriel Helpurn from Yoga Circle downtown on Orleans I think— right off of I-90.They are both pretty amazing and out-of-the-box thinkers, willing to try whatever works for you. Totally recommend them!” Reveca, 3/18/2010

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

Chicago’s neighborhoods come to life at night, presenting the visitor with the happy dilemma of deciding which neighborhood to visit and what establishments to enjoy. Visitors who have difficulty ascending steps or utilize a wheelchair should always check with the establishments they are considering visiting to make sure they have an accessible entrance. Chicago is an older city and many places still have steps in their entrances. Here is our list of favorite accessible restaurants in Chicago: Aria, The Berghoff,  Cafe Ba Ba Reeba, Carsons, Japonais, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria (not all Malnati’s locations are accessible), Naniwa, Osteria Via Sato, Potbelly,and Sushi Samba.

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CHICAGO : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITALS

Chicago is a modern city with many choices for medical services. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Swedish Covenant Hospital, and Children’s Memorial Hospital are just three of the options available to the physically disabled traveler. If you anticipate you may need medical services in Chicago, make sure you do your research ahead of your trip.

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Illiana Home Medical: Illiana Home Medical prides themselves on exceptional customer service. They offer free product information and training on rental equipment. They also offer free delivery within 24 hours to the Chicago area.

Northshore Care Supply: The Northshore Care Supply is a local Illinois medical supply company.  They have been a very dependable company for years, always quick at getting our medical supplies to us in a timely manner. Darren, 3/29/2010

Also, some of the wheelchair accessible van rental companies mentioned above have medical equipment rentals.

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CHICAGO : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Chicago can be subject to extreme weather during both the summer and winter months. If you have trouble regulating your body temperature, make sure to bring a variety of clothing and be sure to dress appropriately. One technique we use is layering. That way, even if it gets too warm or cold, we can accommodate on the fly.

Chicago is overall relatively accessible. However, many restaurants still have steps in the front entrance, due to the historic nature of the city. Some restaurants will bring out a ramp if access via wheelchair is required, or zip you through an alternate accessible door. It’s recommended to verify access when you call to make a reservation. You will most likely always need a reservation at most restaurants in Chicago!