While every attempt has been made to ensure the greatest degree of accuracy of the contents within, 20 States on Wheels makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this book and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this book. No warranty of any kind, implied, expressed or statutory, including but not limited to the warranties of non-infringement of third party rights, title, contents of this book or its URLs to other Internet resources. Reference in this the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by 20 States on Wheels. Many of the photographs used in this book were taken directly by team members of 20 States on Wheels. All photographs not taken by our team members were posted online under Creative Commons 2.0 copyright licensing, and an attribution to the photographer is listed.
for Haley Rue, fellow adventurer, whose spirit lives on.
Philadelphia, PA by Kunho
Brad and You-Myeong were all excited to see a bell. I did not know what the bell was. I took US history in my sophomore year of high school, but had long forgotten the
near the old buildings that so resembled the buildings we knew at Harvard. I saw my friends walking towards a building with a long line. I guessed that must be the building with the important bell inside. After waiting in line more than an hour, I thought that it must be one incredible bell, at least 10 feet tall, like one of the Chinese ones I knew. Finally, the guard let us in. The museum was cool and crisp ing to see something massive. I couldn’t see anything. I wheeled around a bit more. Maybe, I thought, it’s deep inside. I learned from the museum boards that the bell was a symbol of independence here in the land of the free. To Americans, this ideal is sacred, and I imagined that their symbol in this bell would be awe-inspiring. Keeping my hopes high, I saw the liberty bell at the end of the hall. It was much smaller than I had imagined. It was so small! After driving this far, I knew well how huge America was. that it was small! Afterwards we walked to Independence Hall. There was
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The guide made special room for me and my friends at the front of the more about American history. I’m not sure how long I will remember what I learned there, though, as I’m not so good in history. Eh, whatever.
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Basics Weather The weather in Philadelphia can be very changeable, so make sure to check the weather for the dates you will be visiting. That said, here are some basic guidelines: Spring Spring in Philadelphia is ering trees, highs in the 70s, and lows in the 40s. Bring a jacket.
-
Summer Highs in the 80s, with lows in the 60s. Bring comfortable clothing.
Autumn Pleasant climate, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s. Bring a jacket. Winter highs in the 50s and lows in the 20s. Bring a winter jacket.
Parking with a Disability Placard Pennsylvania DOES accept disabled parking placards from other states. tered parking fees, but you are allowed to park your vehicle for 1 hour in excess of the posted time limit.
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Philadelphia, PA
Accessible Van Rental The following are some companies in Philadelphia that rent wheelchair accessible vans: Mobility Works of Norristown, PA Toll Free: (877) 659-1458 925 S. Trooper Rd, Norristown, PA 19403 controls. Rideaway Wheelchair Vans Toll Free: (800) 910-8267 2460 General Armistead Ave, Norristown, PA 19403 hand controls.
Accessible Taxi The following company provides wheelchair accessible taxis in Philadelphia. Call at least an hour in advance for timely service. Freedom Taxi (215) 222-9999 www.freedomtaxi.com/philadelphia-wheelchair-taxi-service
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Basics Public Transportation To be eligible for reduced fares, people with disabilities must present a Medicare ID card or a PA Disability Transit ID card. If you are interested in pursuing a fare reduction card, see the SEPTA website at www.septa.org/fares/discount/ disabled-id.html for more information. Fares:
Regular: Disability:
$2.25 $1.00
Bus All SEPTA buses are ADA accessible, equipped with lifts or ramps. Subway Not all SEPTA subway stations are wheelchair accessible. All accessible stations are marked with the international handicap sign on the map to the right.
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Philadelphia, PA To view this map in greater detail, please visit our website at: 20statesonwheels.com/maps
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Attractions
Philadelphia, PA
Independence Hall 520 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 965-2305 www.nps.gov/inde/index.htm Entrance Bathroom Parking Price Hours
main entrance accessible by ramp none street parking or lot with designated handicap parking under visitor center FREE walk-up tickets. Advance tickets to skip the line $1.50 each
The historic Independence Hall as seen from below.
Independence Hall is the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. minutes. The staff will provide special accommodations for wheelchair users, bringing them to the front of the crowd to make sure everything is the building, which is not covered by the tour, is not accessible. Tickets are required from March to December. To skip the line, visitors can buy $1.50 advance tickets. Otherwise, visitors must line up for the free walk-in tickets from March to December. 336
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The Liberty Bell itself, sympbol of American freedom and independence, is on display in the museum.
Liberty Bell 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, (800) 537-7676 www.phlvisitorcenter.com/attraction/liberty-bell Entrance Bathroom Parking
Hours Price
fully accessible main entrance accessible public restroom available at corner of Chesnutt and S 5th St. designated handicap parking lot available under Independence Visitor Center at 599 Market Street, 1N. Independence Mall west, Philadelphia, PA 19106 May 23-Sept 7 Daily 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Sept 8-Dec 31 Daily 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Free
dence in the United States of America. The museum offers many exhibits on the history of the bell and its symbolic
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is available for tourists to observe and take pictures with. street level. 20 States on Wheels Philadelphia, PA
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Attractions The National Constitution Center 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 409-6600 www.constitutioncenter.org Entrance Bathroom Parking Price
Hours
fully accessible main entrance accessible restrooms at the following locations: street parking, or lot with designated handicap parking on Race St between 5th and 6th Streets Adults: $14.50 Seniors (65+)/Students/Youth (13-18): $13.00 Children (4-12): $8.00 Active Military and Children 3 or under: Free Mon-Fri 9:30-5:00 p.m. Sat 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Sun 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
The National Constitution Center is a museum devoted to the history of the Constitution of the United States of America. The Center exhibits begin with a brief show on the history of the Constitution which takes place in an circular theater. Staff will take you up an elevator to a glass booth at the top of the theater where you can see the show with an unobstructed view. From there, double doors lead from the top of the theater to the main Courtesy of Michael Kunne
The main entrance of the Constitution Center is fully accessible. 338
20 States on Wheels Philadelphia, PA
Courtesy of Elliot Schwartz
Bronze statues of the Founding Fathers inside the museum.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia Museum of Art 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130 (215) 763-8100 www.philamuseum.org Entrance Bathroom Parking Map Price
Hours
accessible back entrance by parking lot of Anne d’Harnoncourt Dr lot with designated handicap parking on Anne d’Harnoncourt Drive map indicates accessibility Adults: $20.00 Seniors (65 & over): $18.00 Studetns/Youth (13-18): $14.00 Children (12 & under): Free Mon Closed Tues-Sun 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. select exhibits open until 8:45 p.m.
The massive Philadelphia Museum of Art sits on top of a hill overlooking the city and is housed in a majestic Parthenon-esque style building. The main entrance is not accessible due to stairs. Visitors in wheelchairs can park by the back entrance on Anne d’Harnoncourt Drive and enter either by the back entrance or a ramp that leads to the front entrance. Inside the museum, ramps and elevators throughout provide access. The back entrance by the parking lot is accessible by ramp.
The main entrance to the Philadelphia Museum of Art is not accessible.
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The main entrance of the Mutter Museum is not accessible. There is a staff-operated accessible entrance in the back of the building.
Courtesy of Smallbones
M端tter Museum of Medical Oddities 19 S 22nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215) 563-3737 www.muttermuseum.org Entrance
accessible back entrance on Van Pelt Street, operable by staff (press button to request entry)
Bathroom Parking Map Price
Hours
desk map indicates accessibility Adults: Military/Seniors: Students/Youth (6-17): Children (5 & under): Daily 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
$15.00 $13.00 $10.00 Free
The M端tter Museum has a fascinating collection of bizarre medical cases, from conjoined fetuses in glass jars to an eight foot long colon. The main entrance is not accessible due to stairs, and wheelchair users will need to go around to the back and ring the bell for security to let them in.
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Attractions
Philadelphia, PA
Rodin Museum 2154 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130 (215) 763-8100 www.rodinmuseum.org Entrance Bathroom Parking
Price
Hours
trance operable by staff (press button for entry) accessible restroom near front desk street parking available on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, handicap parking available across from main building admission is by donation with suggested prices below: Adults: $10.00 Seniors (65+): $8.00 Students/Youth (13-18): $7.00 Children (12 & under): Free Tues
Closed
Rodin, the French artist who is considered the father of modern sculpture. The main entrance of the museum is not accessible, and wheelchair users will need to enter through an accessible back entrance, where they will have to ring a bell for the staff to let them in. From there the entire mumuseum featuring several works of sculpture, but its gravel pathways and steps make it inaccessible.
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Courtesy of Wickedthought
The main entrance of the Rodin Museum is not accessible. There is a staff-operated accessible entrance in the back of the building.
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Attractions Reading Terminal Market 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 922-2317 www.readingterminalmarket.org Entrance Bathroom Parking Hours
fully accessible main entrance accessible restroom next to City Kitchen (at the end of row D) street parking Mon-Sat 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Sun 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
The main entrance to the Reading Terminal Market is accessible.
This bustling marketplace offers a wide variety of foodstuffs and a few Philly specialties, such as the famous cheesesteak sandget very crowded on weekends and the aisles can be somewhat narrow. This congestion can pose a mobility challenge for wheelchair users. The market will not be impassable, but it might take some maneuvering to get through the crowd.
Over-the-counter restraunts serve the classic Philly cheesesteak at this bustling market-place.
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Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia City Hall 1401 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 686-1776 www.visitphilly.com/history/philadelphia/city-hall/ Entrance Bathroom Parking Price
accessible entrances on 1 E Penn Square and S Penn Square sides none street parking Free
Philadelphia City Hall is the largest municipal building in the United States. Outside the city hall main entrance, a sign warns that the hall is not wheelchair accessible. However, this can be somewhat misleading - although one entrance is not accessible due to two steps, the entrances on the 1 E Penn Square side and the S Penn Square side do offer wheelchair users limit-
Courtesy of Antoine Taveneaux
Philadelphia City Hall, completed in 1901, was the tallest habitable buildling in the world until 1908. Today it is only the 16th tallest building in Pennsylvania.
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Hotels
in Philadelphia
This randomly compiled list displays some of the hotels with accessible rooms in Philadelphia.
Hotel Name
Star Rating
Rodeway Inn
1
Hampton Inn Philadelphia/Mt. Laurel Extended Stay America Philadelphia - Mt. Laurel - Pacilli Place Knights Inn Mount Laurel Crossland Economy Studios Philadelphia - Maple Shade Candlewood Suites Philadelphia-Mt. Laurel
2 2 2 2
Super 8 Mount Laurel
2
Motel 6
2
Days Inn & Suites Cherry Hill - Philadelphia
2
Hyatt Place Mt. Laurel
3
Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia – Convention Center, PA Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District Embassy Suites Philadelphia - Center City Club Quarters Hotel in Philadelphia
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2
3 3 3 3 3
The Westin Philadelphia
4
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
4
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
4
The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia
5
20 States on Wheels Philadelphia, PA
Address
Phone (856) 656-2000
08054 08054 rel, NJ 08054 2868 NJ-73, Maple Shade Township, NJ 08052 08054
(856) 778-5535 (856) 608-9820 (856) 778-3500 (856) 787-1161 (856) 642-7567
(856) 802-2800 08054 2798 SR 73 North, Maple Shade (856) 235-3550 Township, NJ 08052 525 East Kaighns Ave, Cherry Hill, (856) 663-0100 NJ 08002 08054 1 E Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA 19107 1200 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 400 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 1776 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103 1628 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 99 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 1201 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 1200 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 10 Ave Of The Arts, Philadelphia, PA 19102
(856) 840-0770 (215) 557-0005 (215) 627-1850 (215) 923-8660 (215) 561-1776 (215) 282-5000 (215) 563-1600 (215) 625-2900 (215) 627-1200 (215) 523-8000
# Accessible # with Roll-in Shower Designated Distance to Rooms Showers Accommodations Handicap Parking Downtown (miles) 3
2
none
yes
14.7
8
0
chair by request
yes
13.1
10
10
built-in bench
yes
15.5
2
1
built-in bench
yes
14.5
7
4
built-in bench
yes
11.3
6
3
built-in bench
yes
15.8
6
6
built-in bench
yes
12.1
8
2
built-in bench
yes
10.4
4
4
built-in bench
yes
6.6
7
2
built-in bench
yes
13.1
10
2
chair by request
valet parking
0.2
25
3
built-in bench
yes
0.4
12
6
built-in bench
yes
1
15
3
chair by request
valet parking
0.9
10
5
none
street parking
0.6
10
5
built-in bench
valet parking
0.8
60
60
chair by request
valet parking
0.4
16
6
chair by request
yes
0.2
19
2
chair by request
valet parking
0.7 20 States on Wheels Philadelphia, PA
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