Wheel the World’s First “Accessibility Verified” State: Oregon

Oregon just made history. Thanks to a partnership between Travel Oregon and Wheel the World, the state has become the first in the nation to achieve “Accessibility Verified” status, a milestone that puts inclusion front and center in the tourism landscape.

This wasn’t a token effort. Over the past year, Wheel the World has conducted on-the-ground accessibility assessments at more than 750 hotels, restaurants, attractions, and welcome centers across 43 Oregon communities. These evaluations go beyond ADA checkboxes or self-reported claims. Each site was measured and verified for mobility, visual, hearing, and cognitive accessibility, giving travelers with disabilities reliable information to plan trips with money-back guarantee level confidence.

The result: Oregon is now the first state where travelers can map out entire itineraries online through Wheel the World and Travel Oregon, with accessibility information built into every step – from outdoor adventures to culinary stops and cultural landmarks.

Kevin Wright, VP of Brand Stewardship at Travel Oregon, called the designation “a reflection of Oregon’s deep and ongoing commitment to welcoming all travelers.”

Wheel the World’s CEO & Co-founder Alvaro Silberstein underscored the ripple effect: “By becoming the first state to achieve Accessibility Verified status, Oregon is setting a precedent and proving how powerful this cycle can be for travelers and for the communities that welcome them.”

For Wheel the World, this win with Travel Oregon is more than just a badge. It’s proof that accessibility can be scaled statewide, benefiting both travelers and local businesses. For Oregon, it’s a brand differentiator—positioning the state as a leader in inclusive tourism.

Businesses across Oregon are invited to join the program, further expanding the network of verified sites. Meanwhile, travelers can now browse and book Oregon’s accessible experiences directly on traveloregon.com and wheeltheworld.com, complete with detailed listings, AI-powered accessibility profiles, and 24-hour support.

Bottom line: Oregon just set the bar. The question now is: which state will be next?