The Ann Arbor area recently made history as the first region in Michigan to earn the “Destination Verified” status from Wheel the World, a global accessibility platform dedicated to making travel more inclusive for tourists with physical, cognitive, and invisible disabilities.
Achieving this certification was no small feat. With support from the Pure Michigan Accessible Traveler Grant, Destination Ann Arbor partnered with Wheel the World and the Disability Network of Washtenaw Monroe Livingston (DNWML) to conduct detailed accessibility assessments across dozens of local businesses, hotels, and other attractions. Trained accessors evaluated accessibility features for each site, offering comprehensive insights beyond standard ADA compliance. These assessments address personalized accessibility needs—like hotel bed heights or restaurant layouts—to ensure travelers can make informed decisions tailored to their specific requirements.
“Being the first in Michigan to achieve this status is an incredible milestone,” says Sarah Miller, president and CEO of Destination Ann Arbor, in a prepared statement. “Our partnership with Wheel the World reflects our dedication to making our communities in Washtenaw County a welcoming, inclusive destination where all travelers can enjoy our vibrant community and experiences.”
Participating businesses also gained access to the Wheel the World Academy, an educational program designed to promote best practices and foster a deeper understanding of accessibility. This initiative equips the community with the tools needed to provide better experiences for travelers of all abilities.
“Accessibility is at the heart of our mission to ensure travel is accessible to everyone,” Kelly Wolgamott, vice president of Pure Michigan, adds. “We are thrilled to congratulate Destination Ann Arbor on achieving ‘Destination Verified’ status and look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on our efforts to promote accessible and inclusive travel experiences across the state.”
Travelers using the Wheel the World platform can now easily explore Ann Arbor’s accessible accommodations for various attractions.
