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Steve you said it D.C is a must see for everyone.
You can just feel the history when you're there and a huge sense of pride.
I did call for an accessible cab while I was there and they said it was a 4 hour wait so I just went on a loooooooonnnggg power chair ride but it was a blast going down D.C streets, I think it was Independence St but not positive.
A must see,
Mark
-------Original Message-------
Date: 05/13/06 14:19:06
Subject: [QUAD-L] RE: Washington, DC Parking
Just returned from Washington, DC and can share some information regarding accessible parking and transportation, particularly in the vicinity of the Smithsonian and the monuments.
Parking, including handicapped parking, is available on the streets between the Mall and the Smithsonian buildings. These spaces are limited, they are only available between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and you are not allowed to park more than 3 hours, though the latter requirement did not appear to be enforced strictly. The handicap parking in this area allowed valid handicap parking permits from other states.
Handicap parking is also available on the streets of DC, but you must have a DC handicap parking permit which must be obtained at a local DC police station as indicated by another poster on this issue. If you have a DC handicap parking permit, you can park at the designated meters for up to 4 hours free of charge. Otherwise, you are relegated to parking at meters that only allow 2 hours of parking. Bring plenty of quarters if you plan to use these metered parking spaces without a permit. Also, these spaces are only available until from 9:30 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. unless you have a DC handicap parking permit which gives you until 6:30 p.m.
The DC Metro is very accessible, but there are only 3 stops (subway) in the vicinity of the Smithsonian buildings, and none that I would consider near the monuments. Be prepared for some fairly long walks and/or bus rides (not sure about bus accessibility) if you plan to visit the monuments from the subway stations.
If you do not bring or choose not to use your own transportation, an option I did not use but strongly considered is the Tourmobile Sightseeing service. For $20 per person, they will arrange for an accessible vehicle to pick you up at numerous designated locations around the Smithsonian buildings, all the major monuments, and Arlington Cemetery. You can get on and off all day. Their hours run from around 9 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. I spoke to them prior to my trip and no advance notice is required, though they prefer at least 1 day notice to help ensure they can accommodate your transportation. You can get more information at the following web site:
If you have never visited Washington, DC, I highly recommend visiting all seven of the major monuments, and try seeing them at night as well as they are beautifully lit and take on a decidedly different feel. I also recommend visiting the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum and the Air and Space Museum at a minimum. Each contains must see items.
Washington, DC is one of the most incredible cities in the world, let alone the United States. I encourage everyone to visit at least once.
Steve - C4, 18 years
I haven't been to DC, but I'm going after you on the 27th of May.
Being that the Metro, goes in and out of DC into Maryland and VA. Did you consider parking at one of the spots in Maryland or the outskirts and then taking the metro.
Here is the metro web site. You may want to ask them if parking is available and wheel chair ramp at the outlining stations.
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