DC prides itself on being an accessible city.
Washington, DC is one of the most accessible cities in the world, and the city’s hospitality industry stands ready to welcome visitors with special needs. If you’re planning a visit, consult these resources for assistance. There are several programs in the city intended to ensure that on-street parking is available to both residents and visitors with disabilities. The DC Department of Motor Vehicles recognizes disability tags from other states, and cars bearing disability tags may park in any parking space designated for a disabled person or park for twice the posted time in any metered spaces (unless prohibited by the Red Top Meter Program).
Metro prides itself on being one of the most accessible public transportation systems in the world. In addition to a comprehensive website outlining services available to mobility-challenged visitors, Metro has also compiled a downloadable guide to accessible transportation options throughout the region.
ScootAround offers scooter and wheelchair rentals for a minimum of three days, weekly or for longer periods of time so that you can navigate the city and its site in comfort and ease. Call 1-888-441-7575 for details.
Orthopaedic Mobility Rentals provides service daily, weekly or monthly rentals throughout the DC Metro area. Call 571-340-8961 for more information.
Attractions
While all of DC’s attractions and cultural institutions are welcoming and accessible to visitors, the following attractions maintain dedicated web pages outlining their accessibility features, including ramps, sign language-interpreted tours and wheelchairs.
Click on an attraction name to learn more.
- Hillwood Museum & Gardens
- International Spy Museum
- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- Library of Congress
- National Gallery of Art
- Shakespeare Theatre Company Harman Center for the Arts
- Smithsonian Institution
- Washington National Cathedral
- White House
- Woolly Mammoth Theatre
For a deeper breakdown of each specific Smithsonian museum, please read our guide.
On the National Mall and in the memorial parks, you’ll find permit-only parking adjacent to the FDR Memorial. A limited number of wheelchairs are available for loan at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. You can reach the Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial interiors using elevators located in the memorials’ ground-level lobbies.
ASL/Language Services
For travelers in need of language support and interpreting, download the Jeenie app on your smartphone or iPad for 24/7 assistance, including on-demand American Sign Language interpreting via video-chat.