Accessibility Resources for Tourism Businesses

Online Trainings/Certifications

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Training
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower supports people living with non-visible disabilities by raising awareness, training businesses, and sharing stories to help create a more inclusive, understanding society. The Sunflower is a subtle, voluntary, visual cue that your visitors might need a little extra assistance, and a signal that your team is ready to welcome them. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower training videos are essential for your company to become Sunflower-friendly. This training will help your workforce understand what the Sunflower symbol means, what non-visible disabilities are, and how to approach and support individuals wearing the Sunflower. To access the FREE training, get in touch with ithaca@hood-gorge.com.

Watch the video below to see how the HD Sunflower Program has been implemented to enhance the experience for visitors and staff at Mt. Hood Meadows:

Take the HD Sunflower Training

Experience Mt. Hood and the Gorge is pleased to offer Hidden Disability Sunflower training to any business in the region at no cost to you (usually a $500 certification). Complete the online training video with 70% recommended staff participation to receive your HD Sunflower support kit, including placards, staff lanyards, and pins, and receive a listing on the Sunflower-friendly Places website. Access the HD Sunflower training password by contacting Ithaca Janzen, ithaca@hood.gorge.com.

Guest Service Gold®
Travel Oregon and the Oregon Hospitality Foundation have partnered with the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) to bring the Oregon travel and tourism industry an accredited and internationally recognized customer service training program, Guest Service Gold®. Guest Service Gold®: Tourism, Oregon Edition is applicable to a broad cross-section of hospitality-related organizations. Golden Opportunities uses hotel scenarios from national locations to illustrate its principles and is most applicable for accommodation-based organizations.

Wheel The World (WTW)
A list of hotels and activities to enjoy your trip with accessible information verified by Wheel the World. Photos and measurements included!

Destination Verified - Accessibility seal of approval will help travelers with accessibility needs choose your destination to travel with confidence. Hotels, activities, transportation, and restaurants are all guaranteed for accessibility. Wheel The World team will collect, evaluate, improve, and promote your accessibility with an end-to-end solution. We also train local partners to provide a better experience for your travelers. Interested in receiving an assessment for your business fill out the form here.

Handicapped Woman Sitting in front of Multnomah Falls

Want to learn more?

Here you will find great tips on where to start you accessibility journey, how to train your staff, what free resources are available to you, and more.

Access Resources

Visitor Resources: Accessible Travel

The following resources are available to help you support travelers who may have specific accessibility needs. Find information resources to share with your guests below.

1. Experience Mt Hood and The Gorge Accessible Travel

Group of People Drinking Beer and Having Fun

Travel tips that offer accessible options throughout the area, told from the perspective of travelers with specific requirements including neurodivergence and mobility needs.

2. Mt. Hood Territory Accessible Travel

Guides who offer accessible options or visit lower-mobility-friendly trails throughout the area

3. Accessible Gorge

Woman walking with her daughters, one of them in a wheelchair

The website is an information resource for visitors and residents with disabilities for businesses and trails in the Columbia River Gorge.

4. Wheel the World Destination Verified

Two women sit in park, one woman in wheelchair

Lodging and attractions listing/booking platform that includes specific measurements and assessments of many points of accessibility.