Oregon's Adventure Coast Boosts Accessibility for Outdoor Recreation

Photo above courtesy of David’s Chair Outdoor Mobility System

We believe everyone who visits Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston should be able to enjoy its natural beauty and welcoming communities. To make our region a more inclusive destination, the Oregon Coast Visitors Association (OCVA) and coastal partners like us are engaged in various initiatives to enhance Travelability, ensuring everyone can enjoy the Oregon coast. In addition, the Coos Bay Visitor Center recently added a solution for visitors with mobility challenges, so they can also enjoy the natural amenities that make Oregon’s South Coast such a special place to visit.

Visitors with Limited Mobility Can Now Access Beaches & Trails With David’s Chair

We are thrilled to announce the addition of David’s Chair Outdoor Mobility Systems, an all-terrain track chair, enabling individuals with mobility challenges to access difficult terrains like beaches and trails. David’s Chair is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering mobility-impaired individuals to engage in outdoor activities, providing independence and freedom at no cost. Unlike traditional wheelchairs, these track chairs, featuring tank-like tracks, can traverse various terrains. The chair is free to use and is available by reservation through the David’s Chair website .

When David Hartrick was diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in 2017, he decided to live what time he had left on his terms and find a way to continue to do the things he loved. An avid outdoorsman, David would need an all-terrain track chair to access the outdoor destinations he most loved, but the $20,000 price tag presented a significant challenge. David also wished for other individuals with mobility limitations to use the chair once he could no longer use it himself. David’s friends rallied around him and held a fundraiser to purchase the Action Track Chair, and David’s Chair was born. Click here to hear David tell the story of his nonprofit in his own words.

The David’s Chair is housed at the Coos Bay Visitor Center, along with a tow-and-go trailer to transport the chair. Thanks to the support of the local American Legion, Elks Lodge, and the City of Coos Bay, the beaches and trails on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston will be accessible to people of all abilities, allowing everyone to fully experience Oregon’s Adventure Coast.

For more information on David’s Chair, visit the website or contact Janice at the Coos Bay-North Bend-Charleston Visitor & Convention Bureau at info@visitoac.com .

New Options for Visitors with Hearing Impairments

Visitors with hearing loss will soon have access to hearing loops at The Coos Bay Visitor Center starting in August 2024. These assistive listening systems help individuals with hearing aids or cochlear implants to hear more clearly by transmitting sound directly to the hearing device via a magnetic field, reducing background noise and enhancing the clarity of the audio. Hearing loops are commonly installed in public spaces, such as theaters, places of worship, conference rooms, and service counters. This provides a valuable service for people with hearing loss to access clear audio in various environments.

We are committed to making Oregon’s South Coast more inclusive, striving to ensure that everyone can enjoy its majestic beauty, exciting outdoor activities, and welcoming communities. Please contact the Coos Bay-North Bend-Charleston Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) with questions about accessibility on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston. Here are some additional resources to help you navigate our region:

• Coos Bay Accessibility Insights: Where to Stay and What to Do
• Accessible Southern Oregon Coast Travel
• Travelability on the Oregon Coast
• Best Wheelchair Friendly Trails in Coos Bay
• Coos Bay Accessibility Insights: Top 5 Accessible Restaurants
• Accessible Adventures to the Oregon Dunes and Beyond

Whether you’re looking for excitement, fun, or relaxation, there’s something for everyone on Oregon’s Adventure Coast. Planning a trip? Be sure to check our Events Page & Calendar for the most up-to-date details on what’s happening in our region. Book your accommodations early to ensure you have the perfect base for your adventures in Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston.