Austin, Texas, USA

AUSTIN : Overview

OVERVIEW

Austin, Texas is a fast growing and friendly city. Given it is a university town, there are a lot of young people and fun activities. Known as the live music capita of the U.S., the city has a vibrant music and arts culture. The city is also home to many major corporations including Dell and Whole Foods. It’s a wondeful place for a disabled holiday, and accessibility is relatively good.

LANGUAGE

The official language of the United States is English.

CURRENCY

The official 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

AUSTIN : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport: The airport is a newer facility, so there are not any major obstacles. There are automatic doors and elevators throughout.

The airport has a jet bridge for easy boarding. For aircrafts that must park and unload passengers onto the tarmac, a lift system is available for assistance.

The airport provides loaner wheelchairs and aisle chairs to easily board the aircraft. Airport personnel are ready to help board the plane, however contact your airline ahead of time to request an escort or assistance.

There are not family/companion restrooms but there are wheelchair accessible stalls.

In the passenger waiting area there are electrical outlets on pillars (easier to access) as well as under seats which was convenient to connect a computer or other devices while waiting. However, the internet stations are designed to be used from a standing position- they are high which makes it hard to reach keys from a wheelchair.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

Austin Cab Company: Austin Cab Company can provide a wheelchair accessible cab upon request – 512 478-2222

Austin Yellow Cab: Austin Yellow Cab Company has wheelchair accessible cabs. Wheelchair accessible cabs must be specifically requested and should be booked ahead of time.

“Most were mini vans with ramps in the back for wheelchair access.” Reveca, 10/12/2009

North Austin taxi Services: according to the website, the only taxi company in North Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park & Georgetown Areas that offer wheelchair accessible transportation for customers who use a wheelchair or other mobility device and cannot transfer into a sedan or mini-van.

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SHUTTLE

“The shuttle bus system has several routes that go to the airport and drop you at reasonable locations.” Reveca, 10/12/2009

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BUS

Metrobus: “All Metro buses in Austin are equipped with lifts for easy access. They have a great bus system, the buses kneel. The buses come around every 20-30 minutes, even in the areas further from downtown. $0.75 one-way. $1.50 for a 24 hr unlimited pass. This was great-it got us around town and back to our hotel for $1.50/day.” Reveca 10/12/2009

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TRAIN (Light Rail)

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TRAIN (Heavy Rail)

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AUSTIN : Accommodations

HOTELS

Super 8 (downtown): “As travelers on a budget, we stayed at the Super 8 Downtown/University. There were curb cuts everywhere around the hotel property. The hotel had an elevator. Key cards were given to access the room. In the computer, there was a computer area and printing was free. Breakfast area offered continental breakfast until 9am and drinks/snacks 24 hrs.”

“The bathroom was exceptionally spacious but only had a tub option (it did have grab bars but the shower head was not hand-held). They did provide a simple shower bench (no back support). The sink faucet fixtures were knobs not levers (difficult for those with limited hand function). I fit under the sink barely—someone with a tall wheelchair would not have fit. The ADA rooms only had a queen size bed. They did bring us a roll-away.” Reveca, 10/12/2009

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AUSTIN : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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ACTIVITIES

LADY BIRD LAKE: ”The lake is located just south of downtown. It is a beautiful lake with 10 miles of trails surrounding it. The grounds are flat and easily maneuvered. You will see students running, mothers with their children in strollers, and cyclists… all throughout the day and into the night.” Reveca, 10/12/2009

6TH STREET:. “On 6th street there are lots of bars and great nightlife. On the east side of Congress you will find college bars and a younger crowd—little more rowdy. On the west side it’s swankier. The bars had easy access, but many had rooftop sitting areas, which seemed to be very popular but had no elevator to them. Many bars had live music.” Reveca, 10/12/2009

SHOPPING: ”We shopped downtown on 2nd and 3rd streets. You will find a lot of locally owned art inspired businesses including sculptures, prints and furniture. The business owners are friendly to visitors. All shops were accessible to get in with ramps.” Reveca, 10/12/2009

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS: “Austin City Limits is a music festival featuring over 100 bands in 3 days. It takes place in Zilker Park right outside of downtown. The grounds are grassy but pretty flat since they recently put a lot of money into fixing the grass. The festival has an access tent with maps on accessibility. Each stage has a separate stage for disabled access and a combined area (for Deaf or Hard of hearing and wheelchair users). They provide ASL interpreters. C3 Productions is in charge of all access and they did a great job coordinating it. They are the same company that does Lollapalooza in Chicago. Each “handicap” stage also has an ADA portable toilet within the fencing to provide easy access for patrons during the show. There was a free accessible shuttle taking patrons from downtown to the park. On the way back the shuttles were too crowded. If in a power chair you can manage the hike back from Zilker Park to downtown (about 45min—sidewalks all the way back).” Reveca, 10/12/2009

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

La Condessa:”Mexican food. It was delicious! They have an outside seating area with regular tables that a wheelchair can fit under. Their restrooms are on the second floor, but there is a lift.” Reveca, 10/12/2009

Lamberts: “Amazing local barbecue. There is a ramp off to the side of the building, and the restaurant has outdoor seating.” Reveca, 10/12/2009

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AUSTIN : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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AUSTIN : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

“Some areas in the downtown are hilly. If you are pushing a manual chair you may get tired.” Reveca, 10/12/2009

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