Ability Beyond Disability
This year, 2023, is the 28th year our nation has recognized March as the National Disability Awareness Month. According to the CDC one in four people, or about 26 percent, have a disability in the state of Florida. The number of people who suffer from mobility and cognition impairment far outweighs other kinds like hearing and vision. This may come to no surprise given Florida has the second highest percentage of people aged 65 and older (21.3%).
Outings can be difficult with loved ones who have mobility challenges. Luckily, the Fort Myers and Naples areas of Florida offer some fun and engaging activities that are very accessible and offer assistance so that you and your loved one can enjoy the special experience without travelling too far. Here are a few ideas in our local area of Fort Myers and Naples:
Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium. There’s nothing like a day in nature to freshen the spirit and invigorate the mind. Check out the museum and planetarium or stroll along the nature trails and aviaries. They also have animal and laser shows as well as stargazing events.
Manatee Park. This is a warm water refuge for Florida Manatees that can be spotted during the colder months of December through March.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates. This National Register Historic Site has more than 20 acres of gardens, botanic laboratories and the winter homes of Edison and Ford. The gardens feature more than 400 species of plants from 6 continents, and the laboratories are part of the Edison Botanic Research Corporation, the only such designated lab in the state of Florida.
Dolphin Sunset Cruise. Cruises let local residents and visitors from afar enjoy the stunning beauty of the water, sunset and natural sea life that exists off our coast. Most of the companies that run the cruises offer accessibility features.
Our Beaches. The Fort Meyers area boasts 7 miles of beaches, most of which are wheelchair accessible and certain beaches even offer beach wheelchairs. Stroll the beach or look for unique seashells, a designated national treasure unique to our area.
Travel. If you are traveling a distance to enjoy other parts of our beautiful state and need transportation, you can rent an accessible vehicle that accommodates wheelchair passengers. In the Fort Meyers area, for example, companies like MobilityWorks offer van rentals that are fully equipped and offer 24 hour emergency hotline services along with the rental fee.
This year, 2023, is the 28th year our nation has recognized March as the National Disability Awareness Month. According to the CDC one in four people, or about 26 percent, have a disability in the state of Florida. The number of people who suffer from mobility and cognition impairment far outweighs other kinds like hearing and vision. This may come to no surprise given Florida has the second highest percentage of people aged 65 and older (21.3%).
Outings can be difficult with loved ones who have mobility challenges. Luckily, the Fort Myers and Naples areas of Florida offer some fun and engaging activities that are very accessible and offer assistance so that you and your loved one can enjoy the special experience without travelling too far. Here are a few ideas in our local area of Fort Myers and Naples:
Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium. There’s nothing like a day in nature to freshen the spirit and invigorate the mind. Check out the museum and planetarium or stroll along the nature trails and aviaries. They also have animal and laser shows as well as stargazing events.
Manatee Park. This is a warm water refuge for Florida Manatees that can be spotted during the colder months of December through March.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates. This National Register Historic Site has more than 20 acres of gardens, botanic laboratories and the winter homes of Edison and Ford. The gardens feature more than 400 species of plants from 6 continents, and the laboratories are part of the Edison Botanic Research Corporation, the only such designated lab in the state of Florida.
Dolphin Sunset Cruise. Cruises let local residents and visitors from afar enjoy the stunning beauty of the water, sunset and natural sea life that exists off our coast. Most of the companies that run the cruises offer accessibility features.
Our Beaches. The Fort Meyers area boasts 7 miles of beaches, most of which are wheelchair accessible and certain beaches even offer beach wheelchairs. Stroll the beach or look for unique seashells, a designated national treasure unique to our area.
Travel. If you are traveling a distance to enjoy other parts of our beautiful state and need transportation, you can rent an accessible vehicle that accommodates wheelchair passengers. In the Fort Meyers area, for example, companies like MobilityWorks offer van rentals that are fully equipped and offer 24 hour emergency hotline services along with the rental fee.