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.
Washington, D.C. by You-Myeong While Kunho is serious when he needs to be, he
has a very mischievous side as well. As we arrived in D.C, Kunho’s tailbone was causing him a lot of pain after running around on bumpy roads all day. He had a lot of trouble even sitting up without a cushion, and had to lie down all day. We were very worried he might have a fractured bone or some other serious medical condition. On our last day in D.C, we took Kunho to a hospital to get his tailbone checked. When we came to pick him up, his face was grim. In the car he picked up the phone and started to talk in Korean. I realized he must be calling his sister. “The doctor told me that I need surgery immediately. I can’t travel anywhere. He recommended that I leave for Boston now to be healthy in time for school.” I was the only other person in the car who understood Korean, and my heart sank as I listened to him. I thought, “why, God! We have worked so hard to make this a reality, why must this happen now!” We went to see the Lincoln Memorial, and then Kunho decided to tell us about his need for ately, and Brad called his dad to set up a surgery. It was a terrible situation, and I couldn’t see how our trip would go on…we got back in the car and drove to the hospital, where Kunho and Brad revealed that the whole thing was a prank! The doctor had taken an x-ray and told Kunho that his tailbone was okay, and just to be careful. All day, Kunho and Brad had
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it was all a trick, I sat in disbelief for a while. I was immensely relieved— but also very angry with them!
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Basics Weather Apart from its hot and humid summers, D.C. sees relatively milder seasons. Here are some basic guidelines: Spring A great time to visit, with highs in the 60s, lows in the 40s. Bring a light jacket. Summer Hot and humid, with highs in the 80s and lows in the 70s. Frequent thunderstorms. Bring an umbrella.
Autumn Beautiful weather, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 50s. Bring a light jacket. Winter Highs in the 40s, lows in the 30s. Bring a winter coat.
Parking with a Disability Placard Washington, D.C. DOES recognize disability placards from any state. In D.C., a disability placard will allow you to park in regular metered parking spaces for free for twice the posted time limit.
Accessible Taxi The following are some companies that offer wheelchair accessible taxis in the DC area: Yellow Cab DC (202) 544-1212 Yellow Cab offers wheelchair accessible taxis on demand. Call in advance to reserve. Royal Taxi (202) 398-0500 Royal Taxi offers wheelchair accessible taxis with limited availability. Call in advance to reserve. 300
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Washington, D.C.
Accessible Van Rental The following company rents wheelchair accessible vans in the DC area: Wheelchair Getaways of Maryland Toll Free: (800) 438-8465 Local: (301) 699-2238 5002 Lehigh Ave, College Park, MD 20740 Wheelchair Getaways rents wheelchair accessible vans with hand controls. There are only a few vehicles with the hand controls attached, so be sure to reserve well in advance.
Public Transportation Metrobus buses have two wheelchair securement areas and priority seating near the front of the bus. Metrorail All Metrorail stations and rail cars are accessible with designated handicap parking close to the entrances. The stations have signs indicating elevator locations and the rail cars feature gap reducers. The Metro provides emergency intercoms and priority seating areas for wheelchair users.
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Smithsonian Accessibility Map vides information on accessibility in all major Smithsonian Museums. Accessible entrances are marked with the international handicap sign, and designated handicap parking is marked as well. map on next page
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Accessibility Map : Smithsonian Museums On and Near the Mall at http://www.si.edu/content/ovs/accessmapsindd.pdf. This use of this map does not indicate endorsement of 20 States on Wheels by the Smithsonian Institution.
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Attractions Smithsonian Air and Space Museum Independence Ave at 6th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20560 (202) 633-2214 www.airandspace.si.edu Entrance Bathroom Parking Price Hours
main entrance not accessible; accessible entrance by 7th street SW and Independence Avenue street parking or garage parking free Daily 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum exposes visitors to the history of human engineering in the skies and in outer space. Most exhibits are accessible, including all theaters and galleries. Some model space rockets are inaccessible. Accessible bathA model space shuttle at the Air and Space Museum.
Tourists enjoy an exhibit on the history of human
Courtesy of Don DeBold
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Washington, D.C.
Smithsonian Institute Castle - Visitor Center 1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20004 (202) 633-1000 www.si.edu Entrance Bathroom Parking
Price Hours
accessible main (south) entrance and northwest entrance North and northeast entrances not accessible accessible restroom available by information desk street or garage parking; parking information available at visitor center some commercial parking garages near the Smithsonian Museums are at the following locations: Pennsylvania and 14th St 6th and G St 1st and Massachusetts Ave (by Union Station) L’Enfant Plaza (follow signs; across from African Art Museum) 6th and C St (across from Air and Space Museum) free Daily 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
The visitor center is located in a building shaped like a castle.
A staff-operated lift by the south entrance provides access to the information desk. Staff are present at the south entrace during open hours at the visitor center.
The Smithsonian Institute Castle houses the visitor center for all Smithsonian museums in D.C. There are two accessible entrances to the castle, one on the northwest side and one on the south side. The accessible north entrance has a ramp; the south entrance is accessible by staff-operated lift. There are two additional entrances on the north and northeast sides of the building that are not wheelchair accessible. The information desk can provide you with parking recommendations around the area as well as daily information about museum hours and special exhibits. 20 States on Wheels Washington, D.C.
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The main entrance to the National Museum of American History is fully accessible.
National Museum of American History 1400 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 633-1000 www.americanhistory.si.edu Entrance Bathroom Parking Price Hours
fully accessible main entrance designated handicap street parking on Madison Drive across from the Museum free Daily 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
cultural and political development of the United States as a nation. All levels of the museum are accessible by elevator. There are a limited number of wheelchairs available for free rental. All restrooms, dining facilities and self-service lockers are accessible.
An exhibit on the United States at war. 306
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Attractions
Washington, D.C.
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History 10th St. and Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20560 (202) 633-1000 www.mnh.si.edu Entrance Bathroom Parking Price Hours
main entrance on Madison Dr not accessible; accessible alternate entrance on Constitution Ave street parking or garages recommended free Daily 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History holds a remarkable collection of the world’s creatures and gems. It is also famous as the home of the Diamond of Hope, a legendary 45.52-carat navy blue diamond. The main entrance on Madison Drive is not accessielevator.
Courtesy of Kmf164
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The main entrance to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History is not accessible.
A life-size model elephant in the main lobby. 20 States on Wheels Washington, D.C.
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Attractions Lincoln Memorial 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20037 (202) 426-6841 www.nps.gov/linc Entrance Bathroom Parking Price Hours
main entrance not accessible side entrance with elevator accessible restrooms by side entrance designated handicap street parking available on Daniel Chester French Drive SW free Daily 24 hrs
The main entrance to the Lincoln Memorial is not accessible, but signs point out the accessible side entrance. 308
20 States on Wheels Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States.
The Washington Monument is visible across the
Courtesy of Narenchalla
The Lincoln Memorial is a massive monument to the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of America. Today the memorial is also a symbol for the Civil Rights movement, when it was the location of historic rallies and speeches, most notably by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The memorial is accessible through a side entrance leading to a small exhibition about the life of Abraham Lincoln and the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Accessible restrooms are available by this ble by an elevator up from the exhibition room. Rangers are available to answer questions about the monument from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily and give interpretive programs every hour on the hour from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
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Attractions Korean and Vietnam Veterans Memorials 5 Henry Bacon Dr NW, Washington, DC 20024 (202) 426-6841 www.nps.gov/vive/index.htm Bathroom Parking Price
nearest accessible restroom located at Lincoln Memorial designated handicap street parking available nearby free Courtesy of Cliff
The pathway to the Vietnam Memorial is slightly sloped but paved.
Soldiers’ statues at the Korean Memorial.
Memorials were built to honor those who fought for the United States during the
A famous statue of three American soldiers in the Vietnam War. 310
20 States on Wheels Washington, D.C.
tion Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Each is accessible by paved paths, though there are some slight slopes and some uneven stone grounds, especially by the
Washington, D.C.
Georgetown Georgetown, Washington, DC 20057 www.washington.org/DC-guide-to/georgetown Parking
street parking
Georgetown is a small historic district located in northwest Washington, D.C., about a twenty minute drive from the downtown area. It has many shops and cafes, and the Washington harbor waterfront is a short walk away. Some street parking is available in the town residential areas. The historical brick roads here are some-
A historic area in Georgetown, D.C.
Courtesy of Daniel Lobo
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Hotels
in Washington, D.C.
This randomly compiled list displays some of the hotels with accessible rooms in Washington, D.C.
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Hotel Name
Star Rating
Best Western Rosslyn/ Iwo Jima
2
Comfort Inn Ballston
2
Hotel Harrington
2
436 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
(202) 628-8140
Days Inn Washington DC/ Connecticut Avenue
2
4400 Connecticut Avenue, Washington, DC 20008
(202) 244-5600
Comfort Inn Downtown DC/Convention Center
2
1201 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 682-5300
Comfort Inn Arlington Boulevard
2
Best Western Georgetown Hotel & Suites
2
1121 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 457-0565
The River Inn
3
924 25th St NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 337-7600
The Morrison-Clark Inn
3
1015 L St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 898-1200
Virginian Suites Arlington
3
Courtyard Washington Embassy Row
3
1600 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 293-8000
State Plaza Hotel
3
2117 E St NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 861-8200
The Churchill Hotel
3
1914 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 797-2000
Hampton Inn Washington-Downtown-Convention Center
3
901 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 842-2500
JW Marriott Washington, DC
4
1331 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004
(202) 393-2000
Le MĂŠridien Arlington
4
The Fairfax at Embassy Row, Washington, D.C.
4
2100 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
(202) 293-2100
The Jefferson, Washington, DC
5
1200 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 448-2300
20 States on Wheels Washington, D.C.
Address 22209 22201
6111 Arlington Blvd Falls Church,
22209
22209
Phone (703) 524-5000 (703) 247-3399
(703) 534-9100
(703) 522-9600
(703) 351-9170
# Accessible # with Roll-in Shower Designated Distance to Rooms Showers Accommodations Handicap Parking Downtown (miles) 3
3
built-in bench
yes
3.3
2
2
built-in bench
yes
6
7
2
built-in bench
parking not included
1.2
24
0
none
yes
3.9
2
2
built-in bench
valet parking
0.4
3
2
built-in bench
yes
8.3
5
2
built-in bench
yes
0.8
2
0
none
valet parking
1.4
5
5
chair by request
valet parking
0.7
2
2
chair by request
yes
3.1
8
8
built-in bench
valet parking
0.3
8
0
chair by request
valet parking
1.3
8
8
chair by request
valet parking
1.3
12
3
built-in bench
valet parking
1.1
22
6
chair by request
valet parking
1.1
8
8
built-in bench
valet parking
3
8
3
chair by request
valet parking
0.6
5
5
chair by request
valet parking
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