A DIFFERENT WAY TO ENJOY: EXPERIENCING KANSAS CITY WITH A
DISABILITY
A
s a person with a disability, I experience Kansas City a little differently. I don’t enjoy a trip to a museum or art gallery as much as other people because they’re very visual experiences, and I have a visual impairment. If you or someone you know also has a disability of some kind, let me share some tips for how you can enjoy yourself in Kansas City.
The KC Streetcar: Traveling Independently and Efficiently A big thing is transportation. I can’t drive and never will be able to, but there are a lot of things to do in Kansas City that are spread all across the area. I recommend taking the streetcar that runs through most of downtown Kansas City, MO. It has stops at Union Station, River Market, the Power & Light District 24 KC GOING PLACES | 2022
and everywhere in between. Inside the streetcar, you’ll find wheelchair-accessible seating, and the location of each stop is announced via an automated message over an intercom, so you can hear exactly when you need to get off. The streetcar is free, in contrast to other public transportation like a bus, and it can get you pretty much anywhere you’d need to go in the downtown KCMO area.
Science City: A Sensory Experience When it comes to Kansas City attractions, I’ve had a great time at many places and one of these places is Science City in Union Station. Although technically geared toward kids and teens, this attraction offers something to do for all ages, from toddler to adult. Science City is a great experience for people with disabilities because it’s very hands-on. Most of the exhibits have interesting objects you can pick up with your hands then interact with, making for a very tactile experience. Though there are some visual components, a person with low vision or high sensory needs will still have a good time.
