Life at iLevel Canada
Ripley’s Aquarium Trip with my Stretto
by Jared Wayland
Last week, my family embarked on an adventure to Ripley's Aquarium in Toronto - a journey I had been eagerly anticipating. As a power wheelchair user, accessibility is always at the forefront of my mind when planning outings. Yet, from the moment we set out in our wheelchair-accessible van, I was pleasantly surprised by the seamless accessibility of both the journey and the destination. Our van, equipped with an automatic ramp and spacious interior, made travelling to the Aquarium a breeze. I maneuvered into the van with ease, securing my Stretto in place as we hit the road (with our son talking the whole way there about all the animals he was going to see). It was a smooth ride into downtown Toronto with very little traffic which was a great start to the day.
Once we had parked the van, we were off to Ripley’s! Navigating through the bustling streets of Toronto can sometimes pose challenges for wheelchair users, but the area surrounding Ripley's Aquarium was surprisingly accommodating and well thought out. Sidewalk ramps, wide pathways, and well-maintained curb cuts made our journey to the Aquarium effortless. It was great to see how the city's commitment to accessibility extended beyond just the Aquarium itself.
Entering Ripley's Aquarium, I was immediately struck by the vibrant atmosphere and the anticipation of what lay ahead. The staff greeted us warmly and provided us with all the necessary information to ensure our visit was as smooth as possible. One of the nice things about many attractions in Ontario is that they offer free admission for a support person or caregiver - which is great because it’s a 2-for-1 quite often since my wife is my primary caregiver! I was also pleased to find that the entire Aquarium was designed with accessibility in mind. Wide pathways and spacious viewing areas made it easy for me to navigate independently in my Stretto, without feeling constrained or obstructed.
But perhaps the most rewarding aspect of our visit was being able to share this experience with my two-year-old son. As we journeyed through the various exhibits, from the mesmerizing jellyfish to the giant and intimidating sharks, I watched in awe as his eyes widened with wonder and excitement. He even got to sit with me on my Stretto as we journeyed through the long underwater tunnel with fish swimming all around us! Being able to witness his joy firsthand was an experience unlike any other, made all the more special by the accessibility of the aquarium and how easy it made it for me to interact with him.
Another highlight of our visit was the Discovery Centre, where interactive exhibits allowed visitors to touch and learn about various marine creatures - our favourite being the Stingrays. Despite my physical limitations, I was able to fully participate in these activities thanks to the thoughtful design of the exhibits. My son eagerly joined me as we touched the starfish and stingrays, and watched in amazement as colorful fish darted around us.
Throughout our visit, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the strides that have been made in making attractions like Ripley's Aquarium accessible to all. It's a testament to the importance of inclusivity and ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy the wonders that our world has to offer.
Once we had parked the van, we were off to Ripley’s! Navigating through the bustling streets of Toronto can sometimes pose challenges for wheelchair users, but the area surrounding Ripley's Aquarium was surprisingly accommodating and well thought out. Sidewalk ramps, wide pathways, and well-maintained curb cuts made our journey to the Aquarium effortless. It was great to see how the city's commitment to accessibility extended beyond just the Aquarium itself.
Entering Ripley's Aquarium, I was immediately struck by the vibrant atmosphere and the anticipation of what lay ahead. The staff greeted us warmly and provided us with all the necessary information to ensure our visit was as smooth as possible. One of the nice things about many attractions in Ontario is that they offer free admission for a support person or caregiver - which is great because it’s a 2-for-1 quite often since my wife is my primary caregiver! I was also pleased to find that the entire Aquarium was designed with accessibility in mind. Wide pathways and spacious viewing areas made it easy for me to navigate independently in my Stretto, without feeling constrained or obstructed.
But perhaps the most rewarding aspect of our visit was being able to share this experience with my two-year-old son. As we journeyed through the various exhibits, from the mesmerizing jellyfish to the giant and intimidating sharks, I watched in awe as his eyes widened with wonder and excitement. He even got to sit with me on my Stretto as we journeyed through the long underwater tunnel with fish swimming all around us! Being able to witness his joy firsthand was an experience unlike any other, made all the more special by the accessibility of the aquarium and how easy it made it for me to interact with him.
Another highlight of our visit was the Discovery Centre, where interactive exhibits allowed visitors to touch and learn about various marine creatures - our favourite being the Stingrays. Despite my physical limitations, I was able to fully participate in these activities thanks to the thoughtful design of the exhibits. My son eagerly joined me as we touched the starfish and stingrays, and watched in amazement as colorful fish darted around us.
Throughout our visit, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the strides that have been made in making attractions like Ripley's Aquarium accessible to all. It's a testament to the importance of inclusivity and ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy the wonders that our world has to offer.