Thank you for writing to Accessible Chicago. I am sorry that you had such a rotten experience with the Shedd Aquarium. We did not find the staff there very helpful either, and the elevator breaking down was pretty tough since it forced a long line on the one working elevator at the time. I reviewed this Museum along with the entire Museum Campus. <http://www.accessiblechicago.org/museum_campus> I also called their main number to see if there is any new features for accessibility at the Museum other than the accessible entrance at the side of the museum and the elevators around the underwater viewing area and main floor. There is not a specific number to call regarding accessibility issues. One idea I had for you is to take an accessible taxi for you and the kids so that you could be dropped off at the right entrance. This would eliminate finding accessible parking and then having to travel some distance to the accessible entrance with the kids. Investigate the Paratransit Taxi Service <http://www.accessiblechicago.org/taxi_services> using the link I provided and see if they can at least eliminate finding parking for your family. A drop off at the door would probably help.  I would advise going to any Chicago Museum before 12:00 noon preferably on a Sunday when the Chicago Bears do not play. It is the least crowded then.  Good luck to you, and write to me on how it worked out. Thank You, Catherine Marsden Accessible Chicago

Christina, Check out the last three entries at the bottom of our Resources Page should be of help to you in finding out where to send your chair lift. Your local Lions Club and Easter Seals chapter as well as Joni and Friend might help too. Best of luck giving your expensive equipment a new home. Regards, Catherine Marsden Accessible Chicago Easter Seals-Metro Chicago: Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago provides comprehensive services for individuals with disabilities or special needs and their families to improve quality of life and maximize independence. Sponsored by the U.S. government, this site provides people with disabilities, their families, employers, service providers and other community members with critical disability-related information. You can call them at 312 939-5115. Equip for Equality: This organization provides free legal and self-advocacy services for people with disabilities including self-determination, community integration and special education. Illinois ADA Project provides ADA information and training. Located in Chicago, you can call them at 800-610-2779 or 800-537-2632.Joni and Friends: This faith-based organization promotes the rights of individuals with disabilities through the teachings of the Gospel. They have a service that picks up donated wheelchairs.

I called Navy Pier Parking at 312 595 5072, and the person on the phone said you can let your party out of the motor home at Navy Pier, but you would definitely not be able to park it at the Pier itself. That means you would have to find a nearby Walmart or something and then meet your party later. All you have to do now is call Tommy Guns Garage at  *312-225-0273 2114 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, US and talk to the restaurant, to see what they might have available for valet parking. Sorry for the unsatisfactory situation, but that is what I found out for you. Good Luck, Catherine Marsden admin@accessiblechicago.org

An organization in the U.K. called the Ceiling Hoist Users Club is looking at compiling a list of hotels throughout the world that offer ceiling hoist tracks. These tracks allow one person with impairments to be transferred in and out of bed. So far, the Club has three hotels in Las Vegas, and they would like to add more information about Chicago. Please contact us at admin@accessiblechicago.org if you have any information we can pass along to them.

NASCAR runs a the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL primarily on two weekends. The first is the July 14 and 15, and the second is the September 8 and 9. As a Joliet native, my family has always had good luck with the Hampton Inn there, which do offer wheelchair accessible rooms. They have available rooms at the Hampton Inn I55 location for the September weekend, and only one room available for the July date. So if you can put your trip off until September, you will have more luck getting a room for those with physical disabilities. Use our Resources page for options in wheelchair accessible lift vans for the ride from the airport to your hotel. Precious Cargo Taxi service also can provide rides for those with physical disabilities while you are in Joliet for race weekend.

Many firms specialize in selling hoyer lifts, but few will rent them. A hoyer lift is device that works like a huge body sling that transfers adults in and out of chairs and beds. Hopefully, our readers will suggest a company to help Brian.   

I recommend using Addus Healthcare Services which offers personal care assistance while traveling in Chicago. They will pick you up at any hotel or residence as long as it is in the Chicago city limits, and they will stay with you while you are here. The cost is 16.00 per hour with a two hour minimum. You can contact them in Chicago at 312-663-4647. Check out our Resources Page for more information on Addus. For information about traveling outside the Chicago limits, you can call 847 303-5300.

I recommend taking in a holiday light show. There are two that I know of in the north and northwest suburbs. The first is at Arlington Park Race Track located at Wilke and Euclid Rds. in Arlington Heights, IL.  I especially like this one because the proceeds go to Clearbrook Center for Adults and Children with Disabilities.  The other light show is at the Cuneo Museum in Vernon Hills. Located at Rt. 45 and Rt. 60. Both shows are supposed to be outstanding. We will be headed to the Arlington Park Race Track because it is closer to our house.
A Winter Wonderland - Holiday Light DisplaysNovember 24 - January 6 (closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, & New Year's Day) The road through the Cuneo Estate is illuminated by lighted figures of animals, elves and traditional characters from children's stories. The drive through show opens daily at 6:00pm and closes at 10:00pm.Admission Friday, Saturday and Sunday is $10 per car. Monday through Thursday, admission in $5 per car. For information call 847 367-3725.

The following information was provided by the Mayor's Office for People with DisabilitiesThe Chicago Department on Aging provides all services to residents ages 60 and older, with and without disabilities. (FYI, MOPD serves residentswith disabilities ages 0-59 years old.) Their website is www.cityofchicago.org/aging. They have five satellite senior centerst throughout the city.

This is their main contact information:

Address: 30 N. LaSalle, Suite 2320
Chicago, IL 60602
E-mail: Aging@cityofchicago.org
Telephone: (312) 744-5770
Facsimile: (312) 742-0699
TTY: (312) 744-6777
Other counties in Illinois are served by Senior Services. Check out our Senior's Corner page for a complete listing of Senior Services Centers. For example, there is a Senior Services of Will County etc.

Special Kids Day

All families and their friends who have a person with a disability are invited to this holiday event. Take a picture with Santa, and grab a bag of goodies. This is a totally free, all volunteer event. Lots of handicapped parking and very accessible.

Held at:
Elmhurst Camera
535 Spring Road
Elmhurst, IL
630 834-4000