Disabled travelers will find the same facilities that are present in other major American cities thanks to the federal laws governing accessibility, specifically the Americans with Disabilities Act, which continues to be revised with new standards for design added in 2010, and the Air Carrier Access Act. Local cab companies and mass transit agencies offer service to travelers with disabilities.
Almost all public establishments (including hotels, restaurants, museums, and so on, but not including certain National Historic Landmarks), and at least some modes of public transportation provide accessible entrances and other facilities for those with disabilities.
San Antonio has worked hard to make itself friendlier to wheelchair users. The River Walk Trolley Station, for example, was built with a large elevator to transport people down to the water. Contact the San Antonio Department of Public Works (tel. 210/207-7245, voice and TTY) for additional information, or log on to the website of San Antonio's Disability Access Office (www.sanantonio.gov/ada). At this website you can get maps that show River Walk access points and downtown parking places.
If you're not bringing your own car, several taxis have been equipped with lifts and ramps; Yellow Cab (tel. 210/222-2222) has the most. For more information about their accessible taxis go its website, www.yellowcabsa.com, and click on the wheelchair accessible icon. The downtown trolleys and 100% of the public buses are now accessible. For VIA Trans Disabled Accessibility Information, phone tel. 210/362-2240, or click on the "Accessible Service" section of www.viainfo.net.
If you have any doubt about the accessibility of certain destinations, check out the Weekender section of the San Antonio Express-News, which includes accessibility symbols for restaurants, theaters, galleries, and other venues.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
