Every day in sunny Southern California is sublime, but summer is especially divine. The golden light, the salty breeze, the jasmine-scented evenings …. Heaven!
Beaches, gardens, amusement parks; concerts, art shows, sporting events … summer activities warm the soul and enliven the spirit, so let’s get out there and enjoy them!
In Los Angeles County, there’s no reason for impaired mobility, hearing loss or any other handicap to hold us back. Los Angeles is one of the most disabled-accessible cities in the world. We’re not just friendly, we’re handicapped-friendly!
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At the Aquarium of the Pacific, wheelchairs can be wheeled right up to the fish-filled tanks. There are audio tours for visitors who are sight-impaired, and copies of show scripts for those with impaired hearing.
The spectacularly designed Walt Disney Concert Hall, home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, offers seating for patrons in wheelchairs (and their companions) in all price sections. Music Center representatives offer escorted wheelchair transport to and from the theater.
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At Universal Studios Hollywood, many rides and attractions are walker and wheelchair accessible. Devices to aid hearing are available on-site, and sign language interpreters are available with two weeks notice. Six Flags Magic Mountain offers a printed handbook for visitors with disabilities, with specific instructions on how to approach rides, shows and restaurants.
The Los Angeles Zoo runs a Safari Shuttle that brings disabled visitors up close and personal to their favorite wild animals. The zoo also offers sign language interpreters and assisted listening devices.
The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens’ new structures are well planned for disabled art and garden lovers. The Visitor’s Guide shows recommended routes for wheelchairs. Wheelchairs are available for loan at the entrance arcade.
The Grove at Farmers Market is a shopping and dining nirvana. Arrival is aided by valet parking and plentiful handicapped parking on the first floor. Wheelchairs are ready at the Concierge desk, and the Grove’s trolley has a wheelchair lift for whisking visitors to the fabulous Farmers Market next door.
On the West Side, Santa Monica’s popular Third Street Promenade is another open-air dining, shopping and movie-going mecca. This pedestrian-only mall features broad walkways and easily navigated ramped curbs. Most restaurants are right at street level for easy entry.
At the gorgeous Getty Center, a complex of art galleries surround an easily accessed central courtyard. Wheelchair rental, sign language interpretation, assisted listening devices, and TTY public phones are available. The historic Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades provides the same services.
And the beaches! California is blessed with gorgeous beaches, and the California Coastal commission is committed to helping all residents experience their beauty firsthand. Beach wheelchairs—offered free of charge at many California beaches—are equipped with large, wide wheels which can be rolled across the sand without sinking. Some locations even offer motorized chairs! Go online to www.coastal.ca.gov/access/beach-wheelchairs.html to find out more.
Right in our own backyard are the Eagle Rock Concerts in the Park, a series of free concerts ranging from rock to disco to big band swing. The concerts kick off Sunday, June 30 with music from 6-8:30 PM, followed by a fireworks display. The series continues alternate Sundays through August. It all takes place at the baseball diamond at Eagle Rock Recreation Center, where even ground and wide ramps make easy accessibility for walkers and wheelchairs. All are welcome!
For traveling around Los Angeles, check out the Los Angeles Metro Transit Authority (Metro). Metro buses and rail systems can accommodate all types of wheelchairs. Metro also offers hearing and visual aids like Braille-encoded and large type “Metro Flash Books” for signaling the correct bus. And don’t forget Metro’s reduced fares for disabled passengers!
At Solheim Lutheran Home, we don’t let anything get in the way of a good time. Solheim residents enjoy summer excursions in the style and safety of our own wheelchair-friendly vans and new 30- passenger bus, complete with wheelchair lift. (Thank you, dear donors, for giving so generously to our Transportation Fund!)
Solheim Lutheran Home wishes everyone a mobile and fun-filled summer. Enjoy!