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Philadelphia proudly offers visitors of all abilities the opportunity to explore the city with a sense of independence, and institutions and organizations across the city have made access for visitors with disabilities readily and easily available.
With accessible hotels, historic sites, museums, restaurants, transportation and services widely available, travelers can be confident while navigating the City of Brotherly Love.
The information presented below aims to help assist those with disabilities in planning a visit and serves as a jumping-off point to learn more about accessibility at top attractions, from the Liberty Bell to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The city’s accessibility compliance services work to ensure that residents and visitors with any disabilities have the same rights that are available to all Philadelphians. For more information, please visit the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities.
Note: This article includes many local favorite spots but is not comprehensive. Visitors are encouraged to contact destinations directly to review specific questions, needs or requests.
Travelers with disabilities have a range of options for navigating the city.
Not only is SEPTA (the city’s public transportation system) highly accessible, but multiple other transportation operators also offer services for visitors with disabilities.
In addition, nearly all city parking lots and garages include designated disabled placard/plate parking, including for side-loading vans.
Philadelphia’s public transit system — the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) — operates commuter trains, subways, elevated trains, buses, trolleys, light rail and paratransit services across the five-county region.
Over 60% of SEPTA rail, subway, trolley and bus stations are wheelchair accessible (with a goal of near-systemwide accessibility by 2034). Accessible stations feature the access symbol (♿) next to the line name on septa.org. SEPTA offers an Elevator Alerts webpage and a 24-hour elevator status hotline at 877-SEPTA4U (877-737-8248).
Every SEPTA bus and trackless trolley is accessible, including a wheelchair elevator (lift) or ramp, the ability to kneel to street level upon request, and audible announcements vocalizing next stops, stop requests, route or line, connection, and when doors are opening and closing. All vehicles have designated seating for seniors and people with disabilities marked with an access symbol (♿). All Regional Rail cars are wheelchair accessible, and bridge plates are available at accessible stations. Individually trained service animals are welcome on all forms of transportation.
— Photo courtesy SEPTA
SEPTA Key fare kiosks at stations have braille and raised lettering and an audio function that converts on-screen text to spoken word.
Half-price fare discounts on weekdays are available with a SEPTA Key Reduced Fare Card (available by appointment at SEPTA Headquarters or Suburban Station’s Accessible Travel Center) or PA Disability Transit ID Card. Registered Personal Care Attendants may ride with clients at no additional cost on buses, trolleys and subways.
SEPTA Access paratransit service (rebranded from CCT Connect) offers transit for people with disabilities who are not able to use regular service lines. Schedule trips by phone at (215) 580-7720.
Contact SEPTA at (215) 580-7800, (215) 580-7853 (TDD/TTY), [email protected] or septa.org.
Read More on Accessible SEPTA
The Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop is a quick, simple and inexpensive connection to key Philadelphia historic attractions and cultural institutions. The easily identifiable purple buses run a daily circuit from Penn’s Landing to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with over a dozen other visitor-friendly stops.
All PLHASH buses are wheelchair accessible — with lifts and wheelchair securement — and temperature controlled, arriving at stops every 15 minutes daily during their April through September season (with weekend service through December).
Seniors, children under 4 and SEPTA Pass and SEPTA Key card holders ride free, and riders with a Reduced Fare Card or PA Disability Transit ID Card may ride at a discount. All others ride for $2 (or $5 for an all-day pass).
Contact the Philly PHLASH team at (800) 537-7676, [email protected] or ridephillyphlash.com.
Read More about Philly PHLASH
A handful of other public transit services operate around Philadelphia.
Taxicabs
By law, all Philadelphia taxicabs have passenger information monitors (PIMs) in the backseat that provide cab and driver information and fare amounts. Also, by law, taxi dispatchers must accept requests for wheelchair accessible vehicles and coordinate service calls with other dispatchers.
The Philadelphia Parking Authority-certified 2-1-5-Get-A-Cab dispatch service offers an easy way to hail an accessible taxi via a form on their website or by phone. Get more info at (215) 438-2222, [email protected] or 215getacab.com.
Accessible and wheelchair-ready certified taxis are also available from Germantown Taxicab Co. Get more info at (215) 438-8888, [email protected] or germantowntaxicab.com.
Rideshare Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles
Uber and Lyft, two of the most popular rideshare services in the U.S., also offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) for users who utilize non-folding motorized wheelchairs and need a vehicle equipped with ramps or hydraulic lifts.
Riders using the Uber app can request an uberWAV by entering the destination, scrolling to “WAV” at the bottom of the screen, then selecting “Choose WAV.” Get more info at (833) 873-8237, [email protected] or uber.com.
Uber Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle — Photo courtesy Uber
In the Lyft app, enable the WAV option by choosing “Settings” from the right-side navigation drawer, then toggling “Wheelchair Access” to “On.” Request a WAV ride by entering the destination, scrolling to “Wheelchair” at the bottom of the screen, then selecting “Acknowledge,” then “Select Wheelchair.” Get more info at (844) 493-9881, [email protected] or help.lyft.com.
Tour Bus
Two major open-top double-decker bus companies operate hop-on/hop-off expert-guided sightseeing tours around Philadelphia, both with wheelchair accessibility.
The Philadelphia Big Bus company operates Big Bus Tours, which cover 27 stops near Philadelphia’s most popular attractions, largely wheelchair accessible and operated year-round. Board or disembark anywhere along the 90-minute route (within valid single-trip ticket time). The company suggests wheelchair users contact them 48 hours prior to confirm plans and availability. Get more info at (215) 389-8687, [email protected] or phillytour.com.
Offering bus tours for over 25 years, City Sightseeing Philadelphia operates a 16-mile bus tour with 28 stops that cover the entire route in 90 minutes. Guests must check in and start in front of the Bourse Building but can board and disembark at any stop. The company offers accessible vehicles but requires advanced notice and is subject to availability. Buses feature plug-in headphone audio, helpful for riders who are hard of hearing or experiencing hearing loss. Get more info at (215) 922-2300, [email protected] or philadelphiasightseeingtours.com.
Van Rental
A number of companies, mostly national organizations, offer both side- and rear-loading wheelchair-accessible van rentals during your stay for a day, a weekend, several days or longer, including MobilityWorks, Wheelers Accessible Van Rentals and Cloud of Goods.
The City of Philadelphia allows up to 60 minutes of free street parking (except where parking is prohibited) for any vehicle displaying Disability Parking Placards or Plates when operated by or transporting a person with a disability. Unlimited free street parking (except where parking is prohibited) is permissible for vehicles with clearly identifiable wheelchair lifts or ramps.
Drivers and/or passengers with disabilities of any vehicle displaying Disability Parking Placards or Plates can park in designated disabled or van-accessible spaces throughout Philadelphia. Get more info at (215) 683-9746, [email protected] or philapark.org.
Residents of Philadelphia and other Pennsylvania counties can obtain a Disability Parking Placard through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Form MV-145-A (for individuals with disabilities) and Form MV-145-V (for veterans with disabilities) applications are available on PennDOT’s website. Get more info at (717) 412-5300, [email protected] or dmv.pa.gov.
Many sites, venues and cultural institutions around Philadelphia have wheelchairs available or for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. However, the local organizations listed below can assist in acquiring wheelchairs and other equipment when visiting, if needed.
Wheelchairs, scooters and other devices
Philadelphia-based Marx Medical Equipment offers manual and powered wheelchairs, lifts, scooters and other items for rent and can assist in emergency repair. Get more info at (215) 426-9242, [email protected] or marxmedicalequipment.com.
Visitors can also rent scooters, wheelchairs and other mobility devices from the local office of national company Scootaround, with a variety of options and rates. Get more info at (888) 441-7575, [email protected] or scootaround.com.
Assisted listening devices
The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Act Program at Temple University, aka TechOWL, offers a wide array of equipment, assistive technology and demonstration resources for loan to Pennsylvania residents, including augmentative and alternative communication devices. Get more info at (215) 204-1356, [email protected] or disabilities.temple.edu.
Childcare gear
Visitors who do not own or cannot travel with strollers, cribs and car seats can rent those and other childcare gear from BabyQuip on a daily or monthly basis, deliverable to hotels, vacation rentals, private residences or the airport through third-party providers. Get more info at (201) 695-8094, [email protected] or babyquip.com.
The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities helps serve the needs of Philadelphians with disabilities and ensures compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
It provides helpful information about many services, including traveling through Philadelphia International Airport and designated parking regulations. Get more info at (215) 686-2798, 311 (short code), [email protected] or phila.gov.
Nonprofit Art-Reach supports equitable access to the arts for people with disabilities and traditionally underserved audiences by creating accessible arts programming, maintaining public arts initiative ACCESS Philly (see below for discount card details) and advocating for underrepresented communities in the cultural sector of Philadelphia through training, consulting, community partnerships and programming. Get more info at (267) 515-6720, [email protected] or art-reach.org.
Art-Reach experience at the Rodin Museum — Photo courtesy Art-Reach
The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University manages several programs, including assistive technology services; advocacy for people with disabilities; and leadership, resources, education and training support for the Philadelphia disability community. Get more info at (215) 204-1356, [email protected] or disabilities.temple.edu.
An advocacy organization that champions and promotes independent living for all people with disabilities, Liberty Resources offers services, peer support and life-skills training to help with full independence while ensuring protected civil rights and equal access. Get more info at (215) 634-2000, (215) 634-6195 (TTY/TDD), [email protected] or libertyresources.org.
For visitors who are blind or experiencing low vision or vision loss, the Philly Touch Tours program coordinates inclusive cultural and historical tours and experiences at sites like Washington Crossing Historic Park and other frequently rotating significant spots. Get more info at (609) 760-8223, [email protected] or phillytouchtours.com.
Philly Touch Tours experience at the Penn Museum — Photo courtesy Philly Touch Tours
VisionLink (formerly Associated Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired) provides services and guidance to help adults who are blind or experiencing low vision or vision loss stay independent through advocacy, education and support services. Get more info at (215) 627-0600, [email protected] or visionlinkphl.org.
Other accessible travel and hotel accommodation information can be found at WheelchairTravel, SEPTA Access and accessibleGO.
Philadelphia is a city that came of age during the 17th century, but it now offers modern amenities to accommodate travelers and explorers of all abilities. Accessible attractions range from historic landmarks in Old City to cultural institutions on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the theaters along the Avenue of the Arts.
Most museums, landmarks, attractions and venues welcome service animals as defined by the ADA, but visitors should contact individual destinations with specific questions, including inquiries about emotional support animals. Most also offer free entrance or admission to personal care attendants (for seated events, it is advised to inform the venue ahead of time), complimentary manual wheelchairs (on a first-come, first-served basis), and specially designed organized tours and programming to meet individual or group visitors’ needs.
— Photo courtesy Art-Reach
Individuals with disabilities (as well as individuals receiving public assistance for food and medical benefits) may purchase an ACCESS Card directly from Art-Reach via their website. The card allows people with disabilities to receive $2 admission to more than 80 museums, gardens, theaters and cultural sites throughout Greater Philadelphia. The same discounts are available to Pennsylvania residents with a state-issued PA ACCESS Card.
Please take note: Many historical sites across the city date back decades or centuries. While most have been retrofitted in some way to accommodate visitors with disabilities, some preserved locations are as they were 250 years ago, and not all rooms, floors and exhibits can accommodate wheelchairs or people with mobility or sensory issues. Please contact individual sites for details.
The National Park Service sites within Philadelphia’s Historic District’s Independence National Historical Park offer visitors of all abilities a peek into the city’s — and the nation’s — exciting history.
Independence Hall — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia
The first stop for visitors to Philadelphia’s Historic District is the fully accessible Independence Visitor Center, which offers maps, brochures, tickets, tour information, souvenirs, films and video presentations. 599 Market Street, (800) 537-7676, phlvisitorcenter.com
UNESCO World Heritage Site Independence Hall is where the Founding Fathers first defied the King of England and later gathered to pen the U.S. Constitution. 520 Chestnut Street, (215) 965-2305, nps.gov
Home to one of the world’s most recognizable symbols of freedom, the wheelchair-accessible Liberty Bell Center offers visitors an up-close-and-personal experience with a (cracked) piece of American history. 6th and Market streets, (215) 965-2305, nps.gov
— Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia
Three city blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, the Benjamin Franklin Museum is the site of the inventor and statesman’s final home and workspace showcasing his many endeavors, including his newspaper printing office and post office. 317 Chestnut Street, (215) 965-2305, nps.gov
The Betsy Ross House, the home of America’s most famous seamstress, offers a glimpse into the life of the woman best known for sewing the first Flag of the United States. 239 Arch Street (215) 629-4026, betsyrosshouse.org
The Museum of the American Revolution, the country’s first museum dedicated to the United States’ War of Independence, offers an inclusive picture of the American Revolution through an extensive collection of art and artifacts, immersive displays and interactive exhibits. 101 S. 3rd Street, (215) 253-6731, amrevmuseum.org
— Photo courtesy Museum of the American Revolution
The only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution, the National Constitution Center offers exhibits and artifacts, a 360-degree live theatrical production telling the story of “We the people” and life-size bronze statues of the Founding Fathers. 525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6600, constitutioncenter.or
One block from the Independence Visitor Center, this contemporary multi-story venue housing the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History tells the true, compelling stories of Jewish migrants in the United States and the centuries-old history of Jewish life in America. 101 S. Independence Mall East, (215) 923-3811, nmahj.org
One of the finest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist and early modern paintings in the world, the Barnes Foundation boasts an impressive collection that features 181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes and over 120 works of African art. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 278-7200, barnesfoundation.org
Barnes Foundation visitors with low vision or blindness can experience art multi-sensorially. — Photo courtesy Art-Reach
The Philadelphia Art Museum has one of the largest art collections in the nation, spanning the ancient world, medieval times, the Renaissance, the Impressionist movement and modern day. 26th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.org
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, locally known as PAFA, was the nation’s first art school and is considered the country’s oldest art museum. It is known for its permanent collection of 18th- and 19th-century American works and more-contemporary American art from the 19th century to today. 118-122 N. Broad Street, (215) 972-7600, pafa.org
The most-visited museum in the tri-state area is all about science. The Franklin Institute covers all the fun of science, from its namesake Benjamin Franklin’s experiments and discoveries to the latest in robotics, technology, astronomy, biology and more. 222 N. 20th Street, (215) 448-1200, fi.edu
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
The nearly 140-year-old University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (aka the Penn Museum) houses over a million objects from around the globe, making it one of the world’s finest archaeological and anthropological museums. 3260 South Street, (215) 898-4000, penn.museum
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is home to a fully constructed Tyrannosaurus rex, bugs from around the world, and more specimens for biodiversity studies. 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 299-1060, ansp.org
The Please Touch Museum is dedicated to discovering the power of learning through play. Young children explore, discover, learn and engage the senses in interactive play spaces that include water tables, vehicles, rocket ships and more. 4231 Avenue of the Republic, (215) 581-3181, pleasetouchmuseum.org
Carousel at the Please Touch Museum — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Zoo, America’s first and oldest zoo, is set in the style of a 42-acre Victorian garden and stuns visitors with its Zoo360 experience — a campus-wide network of see-through mesh trails where animals roam freely above the grounds. 3400 W. Girard Avenue, (215) 243-1100, philadelphiazoo.org
Ensemble Arts Philly, formerly the Kimmel Cultural Campus, is a collection of three of the city’s most prestigious artistic institutions: the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (home to The Philadelphia Orchestra), Miller Theater (previously known as Merriam Theater) and the Academy of Music, which together welcome myriad musicals, plays, orchestra performances and special events. 300 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1900, ensembleartsphilly.org
Even with its world-renowned art museums, Philly’s best art collection lives along the walls, bridges and sidewalks of the public city. Thanks to Mural Arts Philadelphia, the living gallery presented across the city features over 4,000 murals, sculptures and installations with canvases from giant building façades to intimate alleyway walls. 1727-29 Mt. Vernon Street, (215) 925-3633, muralarts.org
Coming into Philly to catch a game, show or concert? The venues at the world-famous South Philadelphia Sports Complex are fully ADA accessible and welcoming sites for fans with disabilities. Pattison Avenue and South 11th Street
Below are direct links to the accessibility features, accommodations and services at each of Philly’s large venues.
Philadelphia is home to scores of hotels accessible to visitors who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices, are in need of visual and hearing assistance, experience development or sensory processing issues or have hidden disabilities, with accommodations spanning multiple neighborhoods, budgets and tastes.
All hotels welcome service animals as defined by the ADA, but guests should contact individual hotels with specific questions, including inquiries about emotional-support or therapy animals.
This list includes several local favorites but is not comprehensive. Visitors are always encouraged to contact a hotel directly to review specific needs or requests.
Visitors love the charm of the historic 20th-century building and contemporary interior of The Warwick Hotel, Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia. The well-located hotel offers accessible rooms that include roll-in showers, tubs and toilets with grab bars and seat-to-tub transfer. 220 S. 17th Street, (215) 735-6000, warwickrittenhouse.com
Just one block from Rittenhouse Square and premier dining and shopping, Sofitel Philadelphia houses two French restaurants — Liberté Lounge and Chez Colette. The front entrance includes a wheelchair-accessible ramp, and accessible rooms feature marble bathrooms with roll-in showers and grab bars or separate tubs. 120 S. 17th Street,(215) 569-8300, sofitel-philadelphia.com
On the east side of City Hall, the large Philadelphia Marriott Downtown hotel is located in the heart of the city — and in close proximity to Chinatown, Washington Square and Old City. Its accessible rooms have 32-inch-wide entryways, roll-in showers featuring handheld showerheads with grab rails and seats, flashing door knockers, alarm clock phone ringers, lowered beds, lowered locks and peepholes, lowered outlets and more. The business center, fitness center and on-site restaurants are all in accessible areas. 1201 Market Street, (215) 625-2900, marriott.com
— Photo courtesy Marriott
The boutique Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, across the street from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, offers a full suite of accessibility options. Its front entrance is level with the sidewalk, and the business center, fitness center and on-site restaurant are all accessible. Some rooms are equipped with roll-in showers, phone ring signalers and in-line amplifiers, visual alarm clocks and smoke detectors, bed shakers and door-knock alerts. Additionally, braille and tactile signage are available for permanent rooms and spaces. 433 Chestnut Street, (215) 925-2111, monaco-philadelphia.com
The accessible Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia is one block from Rittenhouse Square and surrounded by dozens of shops and restaurants. The boutique property’s entrance is sidewalk level with 24-hour valet parking, and the exercise facility and on-site restaurant are accessible. Some rooms are equipped with roll-in showers, accessible spa tubs, door-knock alerts, and visual fire alarms and alarm clocks. Accessible amenities like beach wheelchairs are available by request. 117 S 17th Street,(215) 563-5006, hotelpalomar-philadelphia.com
The busy University City neighborhood is home to The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel, which offers easy access to the Penn Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art and Blanche P. Levy Park. This Hilton property features select accessible rooms with 32-inch-wide entryways and roll-in showers as well as assistive listening devices for business meetings. The front entrance is ground level with an elevator to the lobby, and they offer valet-only parking, an accessible concierge desk, a business center, an on-site restaurant and an exercise facility. 3600 Sansom Street, (215) 222-0200, hilton.com
The Delaware River waterfront Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia Penn’s Landing — neighboring popular seasonal attractions along the riverside like Independence Blue Cross RiverRink and Race and Cherry Street Piers — includes a ramp, automatic doors and designated parking in the hotel’s lot. The property’s six accessible rooms feature grab bars for showers and accessible vanities. All elevators are accessible, as are the business center and a ballroom. 100 North Columbus Boulevard, (215) 627-7900, hiepennslanding.com
Several organizations provide services and opportunities for individuals with sensory processing sensitivities, offering detailed lists of services, community activities and programs in Greater Philadelphia. Some of these organizations are listed below.
Philadelphia Autism Project offers a centralized resource hub to individuals with autism and their families, as well as a calendar of local sensory-friendly activities and events to foster community collaborations. Get more info at (215) 571-3209, [email protected] or phillyautismproject.org.
KultureCity works with stadiums, museums and theaters in Philadelphia to create inclusive spaces with amenities like sensory bags, quiet spaces and trained staff, plus visitor information tailored to those with sensory issues. Some Sensory Inclusive Certified venues include Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field and City Hall. Get more info at [email protected] or kulturecity.org.
Autism Speaks, a national organization dedicated to assisting individuals on the autism spectrum, offers a detailed list of services, community activities and programs. Get more info at (609) 955-2076, [email protected] or autismspeaks.org.
Autism Society Greater Philadelphia connects people to resources through education, advocacy and community programming. Get more info at (610) 358-5256, [email protected] or facebook.com/autismsocietygreaterphiladelphiaasaphilly.
AMC Theaters, in partnership with the Autism Society, offers sensory-friendly showings of select films, with locations at AMC Painters Crossing 9 in West Chester, AMC Marple 10 in Springfield (Delaware County) and AMC Neshaminy 24 and AMC Philadelphia Mills 14, both in Bensalem.
Visitors are encouraged to contact individual venues and institutions for specific information on sensory-friendly policies and programming.
Public Transportation: Whether traveling to and from inner-city neighborhoods, the suburbs or the airport, SEPTA’s commuter rail, bus, trolley and subway services offer a variety of accessibility services, accessible stations and vehicles. Some reduced-fare programs are also available.
SEPTA’s website includes comprehensive, detailed descriptions of each service, such as information on which stations are accessible and up-to-date operational statuses of the elevators.
Individually trained service animals are welcome on all forms of transportation.
Rideshares: Both Uber and Lyft in Philadelphia offer Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) that users can request through their respective apps. For how to access the WAV option, visit uber.com or lyft.com.
Taxicabs: Accessible taxis can be ordered from 2-1-5-Get-A-Cab by phone at (215) 438-2222 or via a form on their website or from Germantown Taxicab Co. at (215) 438-8888. By law, all Philadelphia taxicabs must feature backseat passenger information monitors (PIMs) for cab, driver and fare information, and dispatchers must accept requests for WAVs and coordinate service calls with other dispatchers.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has a wide range of services available to travelers with disabilities, from the moment you arrive at the airport to the minute your plane departs.
The airport features 171 large, easy-to-read LCD monitors throughout the terminals that visually convey information from the public address system and offers video phone services for travelers who are deaf, hard of hearing or experiencing hearing loss. Each airline has personnel trained to accommodate fliers with disabilities in each of its terminals and at its gates.
PHL participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard program, which helps airport personnel identify passengers with non-visible disabilities when support may be needed. The program also integrates with the technology service AIRA, which connects travelers who are blind or experiencing low vision or vision loss to remote agents to assist in wayfinding.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration provides additional assistance during the security screening process through its TSA Cares program. For any questions on what to expect at the security screening, call the TSA Cares hotline at (855) 787-2227.
The Philadelphia airport also offers Access for All, a detailed 64-page guide designed for travelers with disabilities (particularly first-time and infrequent fliers), covering every stage of the airport experience, including packing, parking, shuttle bus and commuter rail service, elevators, accessible restrooms, mobility assistance, navigating security and more. It also incorporates guidance for fliers with lesser-known disabilities such as bladder or breathing issues.
Concerns and questions about accessibility can be addressed by the ADA Coordinator at Terminal D/E, Third Floor, or via the contact info here. Get more info at (215) 937-5533, [email protected] or phl.org.
Philadelphia has many options for sign language interpreters for travelers who are deaf, hard of hearing or experiencing hearing loss.
Hands Up Productions offers interpretation services primarily for performing arts and cultural events. Get more info at (856) 302-5115 (fax), [email protected], or handsupproductions.com.
Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre offers interpreting services for hire, including for personal medical, educational and legal needs, and at public events. Get more info at (610) 604-0450, (484) 477-0817 (videophone), [email protected] or dhcc.org.
Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing offers an extensive database of American Sign Language interpreters through the Department of Labor & Industry. Get more info at (814) 792-2381 (voice or TTY), (800) 233-3008 (videophone), [email protected] or pa.gov.
Travelers who are blind or experiencing low vision or vision loss and flying into Philadelphia International Airport can reference the airport’s Access for All guide for specific information on braille signage, elevators and ATMs. As part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard program, PHL also offers access to the service AIRA that assists travelers who are blind or experiencing low vision or vision loss with wayfinding.
The airport welcomes service dogs individually trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities, including guide dogs. There are numerous animal relief areas throughout every terminal. Sighted guide services and assistance are available through airline personnel as well.
SEPTA Access paratransit service (formerly CCT Connect) from Philly’s public transportation authority provides transportation to visitors with disabilities (including vision-related). Get more info at (215) 580-7145 or septa.org.
The Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians (previously known as the Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped) — run by the Free Library of Philadelphia and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh — offers a variety of accessible media (including print, audio and digital), braille transcriptions, computers, screen-reading software and magnification tools, plus support and outreach, at branches throughout Philadelphia. Get more info at (215) 683-3213, [email protected], or freelibrary.org.
Most local museums, cultural institutions and historic sites welcome service animals as defined by the ADA. Most also offer free entrance or admission to personal care attendants, but for seated events, it is advised to inform the venue ahead of time if you will be bringing an attendant.
Public arts initiative ACCESS Philly — managed by nonprofit organization Art-Reach — supports equitable access to the arts for people with disabilities and people in underserved communities. Pennsylvania residents with a state-issued PA ACCESS Card (plus up to three additional guests) are eligible for $2 admission to more than 80 museums, gardens, theaters and cultural sites throughout Greater Philadelphia.
Individuals with disabilities who do not have a state benefits card can purchase an ACCESS Philly Card directly from Art-Reach. Get more info at (267) 515-6720, [email protected] or art-reach.org.
It’s Philly’s biggest year yet!
Make the most of it by booking the Visit Philly Overnight Package, which comes with free hotel parking and complimentary tickets to some of the most popular attractions in each of Greater Philadelphia’s five counties including Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute, the Mercer Museum in Bucks County, Longwood Gardens in Chester County, the Brandywine Museum of Art in Delaware County and Elmwood Park Zoo in Montgomery County.
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