As one of the most popular travel destinations in the United States, Greater Fort Lauderdale provides a welcoming environment for all individuals, no matter their abilities. With increased access to services, reduced limitations in public spaces, and year-round sunshine, visiting Greater Fort Lauderdale is always a good idea. So, if you’re looking for a fully accessible travel itinerary that accommodates everyone under the sun, read on.
Day 1
Upon arriving at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), visitors with hidden disabilities, including autism, chronic pain, and learning difficulties, as well as mental health conditions, mobility, and speech impairments, can discreetly request help through the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program (HDSP). Wearing a sunflower lanyard or pin at FLL signals to airport employees that you may need extra time with travel processes. To opt into the voluntary program at no charge and request a lanyard or pin, send an email to contactfll@broward.org.
Start your epic vacation at Fort Lauderdale's sprawling (and stunning) Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, this ADA accessible property offers free wheelchairs on a first-come, first-serve basis. Plus, trained service animals are welcome to join visitors with disabilities.
Located near the Bonnet House, revel in over 6,000 works of art at NSU Art Museum. The museum entrance, public areas and galleries are all wheelchair accessible. Plus, wheelchairs are available at the admission desk on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visitors who need special accommodations should contact (954) 262-0240 or cw752@moafl.org at least 7 days prior to their visit. Art lovers can also find accessible accommodations at Coral Springs Art Museum, with manual wheelchairs available free of charge.
After indulging in a delicious meal at one of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s many accessible restaurants, like Deerfield Beach’s JB’s on the Beach, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea's Blue Moon Fish Co or Fort Lauderdale’s Kaluz Restaurant, end your evening at the Broward County Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This ADA accessible entertainment venue offers a host of accommodations for visitors with disabilities. Blind or partially sighted theatre-goers can participate in a touch tour prior to certain performances and listen to a live description of the action and visual elements of a performance through an assistive listening device (ALD). Assistive listening devices are also available to clarify and amplify sound for patrons who are hard of hearing. For visitors with hearing loss, Open Captioned (OC) performances and sign interpreted performances are offered. Additionally, children or adults on the autism spectrum can enjoy the venue’s sensory-inclusive performances. Accessible seating is also available for purchase, and a limited number of wheelchairs are available at no charge.
Day 2
Embark on a second day full of adventure at Hollywood Beach’s iconic broadwalk, where Sun & Fun Cycles Hollywood offers accommodations for every type of explorer, including electric mobility scooters, high quality wheelchairs, and beach accessible chairs.
After making a splash at Hollywood Beach, head to Davie’s Flamingo Gardens, a 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary. With 3,000 species of rare and exotic, tropical, subtropical, and native plants and trees, Flamingo Gardens is home to the largest collection of Florida native wildlife. Here, both manual and electric wheelchairs are available to rent to help you explore the grounds.
A trip to Greater Fort Lauderdale isn’t complete without a visit to the Museum of Discovery & Science (MODS), South Florida’s leading science education institution, which supports individuals and families with physical, sensory and emotional disabilities. From 11am to 1pm on the fourth Sunday of every month, the museum’s AutoNation® IMAX® Theater opens its doors to those needing a more sensory-sensitive environment. These special screenings are presented in 2D with the lights turned up and the sound lowered. Audience members are also welcome to get up, sing, walk, dance and shout without worrying about disturbing others.
Nothing is off limits in Greater Fort Lauderdale, and we can’t wait for you to experience it all.