Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

INDIANAPOLIS : Overview

OVERVIEW

Indianapolis is a major destination for visitors interested in sporting events such as the Indy 500, music festivals, or to learn more about cultural heritage. It’s a popular destination for a disabled holiday and features many monuments within the city, and is 2^nd to Washington D.C. The overall accessibility in Indianapolis is good for people with disabilities.

LANGUAGE

The official 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

INDIANAPOLIS : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Indianapolis International Airport: The Indianapolis International Airport, which is a newer airport follows ADA guidelines and has provided many elevators, escalators, and motorized walkways to assist visitors. Braille is also placed in elevators and near emergency exits. Wheelchair assistance can be provided, and loaner wheelchairs can be provided upon request. It’s best to contact your airline a few days before departure to coordinate with personnel your specific needs.

All boarding at the Indianapolis International Airport is done by jetbridge.  However, many of the flights are on commuter jets, which are often boarded from the tarmac at other airports (at origination or destination).

There are both wheelchair accessible restrooms and family restrooms at the Indianapolis International Airport.

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FERRY

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

“Predominantly sedans, though accessible minivans are available upon request. Taxis are readily available at the airport and at downtown hotels.  In other locations, taxis are available with approx. 15-30 minutes notice.” Matt, 1/28/2010

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SHUTTLE

IndyGo:” IndyGo is a bus that leaves from the Indianapolis International Airport and has routes to downtown Indianapolis.” Matt, 1/28/2010

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RENTAL CAR

Wheelchair Getaways: Wheelchair Getaways offers wheelchair accessible vans for rent. Typically they can deliver vehicles for a fee at your desired destination (e.g., airport).

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BUS

IndyGo: All IndyGo buses are ADA accessible. Check with the IndyGo website for further information on services and routes.

” All IndyGo buses kneel and are equipped with power lifts or ramps for anyone who cannot use the stairs to board. Any passenger may request the use of the ramps or kneeling function. The ramps and lifts are designed to accommodate a “common wheelchair” as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The device should measure no more than 30 inches wide by 48 inches deep. The weight of the device when occupied cannot exceed 600 pounds.  IndyGo buses may accommodate up to two (2) mobility devices at a time. It is a good idea to measure your mobility device before attempting to board a bus. You may bring a two-wheeled mobility device such as a Segway on the bus. If you have a powered device, IndyGo recommends turning the power off. 

To board the bus, please wait in plain view at the bus stop where the operator can see you. If you need the ramp or lift, and the operator has not already deployed it, please ask the operator to do so. If you need help guiding our mobility device onto the ramp or lift, the operator can assist you. Backing your mobility device onto the ramp may make it easier to maneuver once on board. While on the ramp or lift, set your brakes and, if you have a power device, turn off the power.  Once you are on board, priority seating is located toward the front of the bus.

This area contains stations where your device can be secured while you are in transit.  The operator will assist you in securing your mobility device (tie down devices).  It is a requirement-for your safety as well as the safety of other passengers-that all mobility devices are secured while in transit.” Marsha at IndyGo, 1/29/2010

“There is a bus system that runs from the airport to downtown and from downtown to surrounding areas.  Most, if not all, buses are wheelchair accessible.” Matt, 1/28/2010

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TRAM

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TRAIN

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INDIANAPOLIS : Accommodations

HOTELS

Indianapolis Marriott Downtown: “The Indianapolis Marriott Downtown is wheelchair accessible. The accessible room was spacious and the bathroom was equipped with grab bars, roll in shower, shower chair, and a lowered sink. The bed was the right height for easy transfer. The hotel is also in close proximity to the Indy 500.” Darren, 2/8/2010

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LUXURY RESORTS

Conrad Indianapolis: The Conrad Indianapolis is located downtown.

“The Conrad Indianapolis has a total of 17 accessible rooms in the hotel. There are two types of accessible rooms, including; wheelchair accessible and hearing/vision accessible.  Of the two types, 11 rooms are wheelchair accessible and 6 rooms are hearing/vision accessible.  All 11 wheelchair accessible rooms have roll-in showers.” Justin, 2/1/2010 

Some additional features:

Wheelchair accessible
      -low peep-hole on the guest room door
     -low shower
     -seating area in the shower
     -support handles near toilet seat and in the shower
     -more bathroom space
     -wider front hallway
     -lower hooks on the bathroom door

Hearing Impaired accessible
     -rooms are equipped with door bell
     -rooms are equipped with Sonic Alert
     -special kits for visual/hearing impaired are available per request

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INDIANAPOLIS : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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ACTIVITIES

Lucas Oil Stadium: (home to the Indianapolis Colts, the 2010 NCAA Final Four, the 2012 Super Bowl, concerts, etc) The Lucas Oil Stadium was brand new in 2008 and is completely accessible. The facility also offers companion restrooms in addition to wheelchair accessible bathrooms. Please click on the following link for a list of accessible features.

Conseco Fieldhouse: (home to the Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, concerts, etc) was new in the late 1990s and is also completely accessible. Please click on the following link for a list of accessible features.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway: (home to the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400, Moto GP, etc) is nearly 100 years old and has limited accessibility (biggest problems are busy concourses and limited accessible restrooms).  

Museums: There are many great museums in Indianapolis, including the Indianapolis Childrens’ Museum (one of the nation’s best), the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Indiana State Museum (history), the Eiteljorg Musem (Native American history), the Indianapolis Motor Speedway museum, and the NCAA Hall of Champions.

Hilbert Circle Theatre: Indianapolis has a highly-rated, full-time Symphony Orchestra, which performs downtown at the recently renovated (and accessible) Hilbert Circle Theatre. 

Murat Theatre: The Murat Theatre in downtown Indianapolis offers wheelchair accessible seating on the main floor.

Clowes Memorial Hall: Located on the campus of Butler University and is an accessible venue, and is home to touring Broadway shows, concerts, dance, and the Indianapolis Opera. Visit the website and click the accessibility tab for more information about accessible features this venue has to offer.

Monuments: Indianapolis is also home to the second largest number of federal monuments in the nation (after Washington DC), including the circle monument (civil war), the WWII memorial park, the USS Indianapolis memorial, and many others.  All of these are outdoor sights that are fairly accessible. 

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

There are many restaurant options that are easily accessible in Indianapolis. Typically restaurant chains such as PF Changs, and Champs are wheelchair accessible.

Palaminos: “I don’t remember much about restroom accessibility, but Palomino’s dining room is accessible.” Mark, 2/9/2010

Howl at the Moon: “Howl at the Moon has a pretty steep ramp up to it and can get pretty crowded. It also has several tiers inside and would not be to fun to navigate in a wheelchair.” Mark, 2/9/2010

Nicky Blaines: “Nicky Blaines is below street level and I don’t recall an elevator, but that would not matter b/c it is full of large couches and chairs, making it difficult to navigate.” Mark, 2/9/2010

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INDIANAPOLIS : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

There are many hospitals to choose from in the Indianapolis area.

Methodist Hospital

Riley Children’s Hospital

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EQUIPMENT RENTALS

At Home Health Equipment

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INDIANAPOLIS : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

“Due to the large number of conventions and sporting events in downtown Indianapolis, this part of the city should pose few problems and boasts convenient hotels, restaurants, museums, sights, sporting events, etc.  Broad Ripple may pose some parking challenges, but should be fine once you are there.  The north side should be no concern once (other than getting there).  The Speedway is likely the biggest challenge, but would be well worth it.  The airport is brand new, large, and not all that busy, so should be a piece of cake.” Matt, 1/28/2010 

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