Category: Oregon

How a Musical is Changing Perceptions About Disabilities, Including Mine

Support Claire Caregivers wheeled Luke Hogan Laurenson and me into the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's Angus Bowmer Theater: me with muscular dystrophy to my seat; him with cerebral palsy onto the stage for his role in Hairspray. By the musical's finale - an uptempo collective promise for social progress - we would both be assisted onto … Continue reading How a Musical is Changing Perceptions About Disabilities, Including Mine →

Accessibility at Portland’s International Rose Test Garden

Support Claire With over 10,000 roses on display, there's a lot of ground to cover--4.5 acres to be exact--at Portland’s International Rose Test Garden (commonly referred to as Portland Rose Garden). Thanks to voters’ passage of the 2014 Parks Replacement Bond, enhanced ADA accessibility makes exploring this beautifully landscaped park easier for those of us … Continue reading Accessibility at Portland’s International Rose Test Garden →

Regal Cinemas Bridgeport Improves Accessibility

Support Claire Access advocacy works! Many thanks to everyone who contributed constructive comments regarding the need for ADA automatic front door openers at Regal Cinemas. After my original post (Where are the ADA automatic front door openers at Regal Cinemas?) and other collaborative calls for action, this critical accessibility feature was added in Fall 2018 at … Continue reading Regal Cinemas Bridgeport Improves Accessibility →

Scootering the Row River Trail, Oregon

Support Claire The unassuming city of Cottage Grove is the home of one of Oregon’s most gorgeous recreational multi-use trails, the Row River Trail. The paved, mostly flat path offers the perfect adventure: spectacular scenery, interesting history and great accessibility for mobility devices of all kinds. It’s a perennial day trip from Portland for my … Continue reading Scootering the Row River Trail, Oregon →

Accessible Adventure at Vernonia Lake and Banks-Vernonia State Trail, Oregon

Support Claire In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous. – Aristotle Although the entire 21-mile Banks-Vernonia State Trail has felt the tred of my red scooter tires, the section my husband and I return to most frequently starts at the Vernonia Lake adjunct. (See map.) Super accessibility The paved loop around … Continue reading Accessible Adventure at Vernonia Lake and Banks-Vernonia State Trail, Oregon →

Oregon Shakespeare Festival

Support Claire I have often teared up at a theater, but at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, I teared up because of the theater. Let me explain: OSF‘s dedication to Access for All its patrons is an impressive example of social responsibility — and a smart move for the ongoing success of the theater organization. From … Continue reading Oregon Shakespeare Festival →

Where are the ADA automatic front door openers at Regal Cinemas?

Support Claire Making Accessibility Happen Here's what I e-mailed the corporate headquarters of Regal Cinemas (a recently acquired subsidiary of the Cineworld Group), and why I say that their motto “The Best Place to Watch a Movie!” only applies if you can get in the door. Copy sent to: Regal Entertainment Group; Regal Oregon, Washington, Idaho … Continue reading Where are the ADA automatic front door openers at Regal Cinemas? →

LA Fitness Tualatin Upgrades Accessibility

Support Claire It's always uplifting to hear about a corporation putting people first. I'm happy to be the bearer of such good news. Since my post, LA Fitness: Why the “LA” Stands for Lacks Accessibility, first aired in February 2018 a lot has happened, good stuff, progress. And without a protest march, petitions or expensive lawyers. … Continue reading LA Fitness Tualatin Upgrades Accessibility →

Accessible Bridges and Boardwalks, Portland, OR

Support Claire After wintering in the desert, it was great to reacclimate to the luscious Pacific Northwest with one of our favorite ADA accessible outings, one we’ve done over a dozen times: rolling a section of the Springwater Corridor into and around downtown Portland’s riverfront. Scenic cityscapes peek through punctuated clearings of natural wetlands, making … Continue reading Accessible Bridges and Boardwalks, Portland, OR →

Accessible Travel: Lithia Springs Resort, Ashland, OR

Support Claire As frequent travelers to Ashland‘s Oregon Shakespeare Festival, my husband and I have stayed all over the city. By far, Lithia Springs Resort is our favorite accommodation for several reasons, starting with accessibility. I always aim to book early to get the ADA compliant room we most prefer, which is the patio bungalow … Continue reading Accessible Travel: Lithia Springs Resort, Ashland, OR →

Astoria River Trail

Support Claire Making Accessibility Happen Every city wants your business. Let them know what you need and want in order to make that business happen. Here's what I sent to: City of Astoria - Mayor and City Council To the City of Astoria: The Astoria River Trail is a gem. A bit bumpy in places, … Continue reading Astoria River Trail →

LA Fitness: Why the “LA” Stands for Lacks Accessibility

Support Claire Making Accessibility Happen  Here's what I e-mailed the corporate headquarters of LA Fitness (called Fitness International,) and why I say the "LA" in LA Fitness stands for "Lacks Accessibility". Copy sent to: Tualatin building officials, mayor and chamber of commerce, and The Oregonian. If you or anyone you know is experiencing similar accessibility issues … Continue reading LA Fitness: Why the “LA” Stands for Lacks Accessibility →