Miami, Florida, USA

MIAMI : Overview

OVERVIEW

Miami, home to white sand beaches, art deco architecture, and beautiful mansions lining the waterways, also boasts a booming downtown with a large number of skyscrapers. Miami is accessible to the physically challenged traveler, and even has a wheelchair accessible section of beach to relax on.

LANGUAGE

The national language of the United States is English.

CURRENCY

The official currency of the United States is the US dollar.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

MIAMI : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Miami International Airport: The airport is very modern, and is equipped to handle the disabled traveler. It also has unisex bathrooms. Loaner wheelchairs are available (if needed), as are individuals to assist with transfers and transport to and from their flight.

For travelers unable to walk on the plane, “aisle chairs” are available. These chairs are small enough to fit down the aisle of a plane, with the assistance of airport personnel.

It is best to notify the gate personnel immediately upon arrival if boarding assistance is needed. It takes the ground crew extra time to transport a wheelchair to the tarmac and load onto the flight, which can cause delays if put off. Plus, by notifying the gate personnel early, the traveler has a better chance of being able to board first, which offers the benefits of privacy and availability of overhead bins near their seat.

Wheelchair accessible taxis frequent the Miami International Airport. To obtain a wheelchair taxi, visit the taxi stand after retrieving baggage. The taxi stand has the ability to call up a wheelchair cab from the cue straight to the front – no need to wait in line. However, sometimes it can take a while, so be prepared! Also, some cab companies don’t offer wheelchair accessible cabs every day of the week.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

Miami is very organized with provisions for wheelchair accessible taxi service. The following link will open the Miamidade.gov website which has a PDF file of all the wheelchair accessible cab companies and their contact information.

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SHUTTLE

SuperShuttle: Offering wheelchair accessible transportation to Miami International Airport, SuperShuttle can be booked either by phone or through the internet. We have not used SuperShuttle in Miami, but we have used it in Los Angeles. The van was more than capable of accommodating me and my electric wheelchair, but also had plenty of room for two passengers and our luggage.

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RENTAL CAR (Wheelchair Van)

Wheelchair Getaways: Wheelchair Getaways rents wheelchair accessible vans to the Miami area. According to the website, the company also provides 24 hour emergency vehicle service.

Wheelers: Wheelers rents wheelchair accessible vans to the Miami area, and has locations throughout the United States. The company offers delivery and pick-up (for a fee), and 24 hour emergency vehicle service. We have used Wheelers on several occasions in California and have been very pleased with the service. The vans have always been in nice condition, and located where they were supposed to be dropped off.

Sunset Mobility: This company rents wheelchair accessible vans and will deliver or pick up the van to a specified location for a fee.

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BUS

Metrobus: All Miami-Dade buses are wheelchair lift equipped and have floors that lower for easy access.

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TRAIN (Light Rail)

Metrorail: The Metrorail is 22 miles of track and runs from Kendall through South Miami, Coral Gables, and downtown Miami. All 22 stops on the route are wheelchair accessible.

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TRAM (People Mover)

Metromover: The Metromover is a tram type transit that serves the downtown Miami area. It is a free service, and there are 20 wheelchair accessible stations.

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CRUISE TERMINAL

Port of Miami Cruise Terminal: The Port of Miami cruise terminal is known as the cruise capital of the world, as it is the busiest cruise terminal in the world. There are elevators and ramps that lead from curbside to the ship, and porters take care of your luggage. When we cruise, we take two wheelchairs (one manual which we check with the porters). We label all parts of the chair that can become detached so they are not lost. We have found the only serious challenge for the wheelchair or scooter bound traveler to be in securing wheelchair accessible transportation upon completion of a cruise. There is no shortage of taxis that frequent the terminal, but the problem is everyone gets off the boat at relatively the same time, and everyone wants to get a ride quick, which means wheelchair accessible vehicles are often immediately taken by non-disabled individuals. Although priority is supposed to be given to the disabled, it is difficult to convince a family to offload their entire luggage from a van, especially when they are concerned about missing their flight. We have found the best way to get an accessible cab is to call the dispatch and explain exactly who you are and where you will be. Be sure to get your cab identification number from the dispatcher so you can check the status on your reservation.

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MIAMI : Accommodations

HOTELS

The Fountainbleau Hotel: The recently renovated Fountainbleau hotel is very accessible featuring ramps throughout.  The pool area features many options for wheel chairs as well.  

Whitelaw Hotel and Lounge: This hotel is located in South Beach, where hotels in this area tend to vary in accessibility due to the prevalence of Art Deco architecture and the ages of the buildings. The Whitelaw Hotel and Lounge was somewhat accessible. There was a ramp along the side of the building which allowed access around the stairs into the lobby, and the hotel has an elevator. Our room was not fully accessible; while I could navigate the main areas in my chair, I could not use the bathroom.

Wyndham Miami Airport Hotel: This hotel is located near the Miami Airport, and is very convenient if you are cruising out of the Miami Port and are looking for a nice hotel to crash in before the start of the cruise after a long flight. We found the hotel to be very accessible. Our room had  a nice size area for me to navigate in my chair, and the bathroom was fully accessible.

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LUXURY RESORTS

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MIAMI : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Florida Coast to Coast Helicopters: Sightseeing by helicopter is an adventurous way to see Miami, and not to mention the fabulous photographs taken from an aerial view. Florida Coast to Coast Helicopter does offer accessible tours. They simply “take off the helicopter door and wheel the wheelchair into place next to the desired seat. After which, a ramp is placed, if needed, to raise the wheelchair to seat level to allow the rider to transition into the helicopter seat.” Reservations should be made well in advance, and don’t forget to tell them if you utilize a wheelchair or another type of mobility device so the company can plan accordingly.

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ACTIVITIES

South Beach: Trendy and fun for people watching, South Beach is famous for its art deco buildings, its beaches, and Ocean Drive. We were happy to find there is wheelchair access to the beach. A mesh trail is in place near the lifeguard building that makes traversing the sand a much easier task. My electric wheelchair was able to make it all the way out to the sunbathers without getting stuck. Many of the shops, restaurants, and hotels in South Beach are in older buildings that unfortunately have stairs. Be sure to call ahead if there is a particular venue you want to visit to make sure it is accessible.

Miami Metrozoo: Miami Metrozoo is accessible to the physically challenged visitor. Even the monorail and trams are wheelchair accessible.

Miami Seaquarium: The Miami Seaquarium offers wheelchairs and strollers for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Most of the Seaquarium is accessible, but there are particular exhibits where participation is subjective. You can learn more here.

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

South Beach: During our stay, we ate at two restaurants in South Beach. Most of the restaurants have indoor and outdoor seating, which makes many of the restaurants in older, inaccessible buildings actually doable. The Casablanca Restaurant and Bar has sidewalk dining and is one such establishment. The Pelican Hotel is also located on Ocean Drive, and has a ramp along the left side of the building which allows entrance. Again, we choose to eat outside on the sidewalk because the weather was so nice and it afforded a great people watching experience. Christopher, 03/22/2010

Taverna Opa: Located in South Beach, this Greek restaurant has a high energy party atmosphere.  While accessible, the crowds and close tables make it a bit more challenging to navigate.  If planning to eat at this restaurant, when making a reservation, you should inform the restaurant that wheelchair accessible table accommodations need to be made.

Wish: Located in “The Hotel” in South Beach, this accessible restaurant features in and outdoor seating.  The menu features a variety of classic American and contemporary Asian cuisine, and has amazing seafood.

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MIAMI : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITALS

There are many hospitals in Miami to choose from if needed: Cedars Medical Center, Coral Gabels Hospital, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Mercy Hospital,and Miami Children’s Hospital

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Central Medical Equipment Rentals: This company provides a variety of medical rental equipment, including wheelchairs, walkers, canes, hospital beds, and oxygen to name a few. Central Medical Equipment serves the South Florida area.

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MIAMI : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

If you are taking a cruise out of Miami and are physically challenged and require a wheelchair accessible transport, be sure to secure travel in advance to ensure you will not miss your cruise or your flight home.

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