Enjoying Attractions
Many local attractions and events incorporate accessibility features to maximize everyone’s enjoyment. Here are just a few examples:
Sensory-friendly showtimes at Celebration! Cinema locations feature brighter lights, lower sound, limited previews and a group of people who understand sensory challenges.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is an ADA regulated and accessible facility. Both indoor and outdoor spaces are barrier-free with ramps and paved pathways to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers and allow easy maneuverability.
All areas of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum are ADA compliant and accessible to people in wheelchairs. A number of exhibits offers closed captioning, text panels and a T-coil assisted listening loop. Sign language interpreters and an interpretive guide for the visually impaired are available with a minimum of two weeks notice.
All public areas, entrances and restrooms in the Grand Rapids Art Museum are wheelchair accessible. Assisted hearing devices are available for lectures, presentations and films.
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum offers sensory tool kits with noise-reduction headphones, weighted vests and suspenders, tangle bracelets and a museum social story for anyone needing extra sensory support. All staff members have gone through an autism training program.
Grand Rapids Public Museum is accessible for all visitors and its “West Michigan Habitats” exhibit offers signage in Braille.
Accessibility features at John Ball Zoo include an ADA-approved pathway, motion-activated drinking fountains and an automatic water bottle filler.
The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Movie Theater is hearing loop enabled. Individuals with other disabilities are encouraged to call the theater 72 hours in advance of their visit to arrange accommodations.
Star of Saugatuck Boat Cruises can accommodate canes, walkers, crutches and non-motorized wheelchairs no wider than 27”.