The Tillamook Coast is for everyone.
The Tillamook Coast Visitors Association is committed to making our beaches, parks, businesses, and attractions more accessible and welcoming for travelers of all abilities. From hearing loops that make conversations clearer, to beach wheelchairs that open up the shoreline, to accessibility audits and hands-on training for local leaders and businesses, TCVA is actively investing in a more inclusive visitor experience.
Through partnerships with organizations like Empowering Access and Wheel the World, we’re helping improve physical access, customer service, and awareness across the region—so whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a longer stay, you can explore the Tillamook Coast with greater ease, confidence, and connection.
Hearing Loops
Tillamook Coast Visitors Association (TCVA) has funded the installation of hearing loops at the visitors center desk at the Tillamook Creamery, which also added an additional three hearing loops for their retail, ice cream, and café areas.
Hearing loops are an assistive technology that allows people with hearing aids and cochlear implants to better hear and understand one-on-one conversations and instructions. The technology has been used around Oregon at hotel front desks, performing arts centers, airports, and more.
Campground Audits
TCVA funded an accessibility audit of our three largest campgrounds: Barview Jetty, Trask River, and Kilchis River. Done by Ashley Schahfer of Empowering Access, these audits provided Tillamook County Parks with invaluable information as they planned for park updates focusing on accessibility.
Training with Empowering Access
Continuing the partnership with Empowering Access, TCVA hosted two Accessibility and the Outdoors presentations in Tillamook County. These trainings provided county and city leaders, business owners, recreation planners and individuals with the information necessary to improve local accessibility.
David’s Chairs/Beach Wheelchairs
TCVA has funded big-tire beach wheelchairs available for use in several popular towns and parks on the Tillamook Coast: Manzanita, Rockaway Beach, Pacific City, Nehalem Bay State Park, Cape Lookout State Park, and Barview Jetty County Campground.
There are also five electric all-terrain chairs – the David’s Chair – available. One each in Manzanita, Rockaway and Netarts, and two in Pacific City.
There is no fee to use, but we strongly recommend you contact the following to reserve a beach wheelchair.
Wheel the World Academy
Tillamook Coast Visitors Association (TCVA) is proud to partner with Wheel the World, a global leader in accessible travel. Together, we’re working to make the Tillamook Coast a more inclusive destination for travelers with disabilities. This collaboration opens up new opportunities for local businesses to better serve and welcome all visitors, while also enhancing the overall experience for everyone.
Through the Wheel the World Academy, TCVA and Wheel the World offer tailored educational resources for accessible travel site partners on the Tillamook Coast. The Academy provides a range of online courses and training modules designed to help these businesses improve accessibility and create more inclusive environments. This includes:
- Accessible Service Training: Learn best practices for accommodating travelers with disabilities, including communication tips, physical space adjustments, and customer service strategies.
- Destination Accessibility Audits: Understand how to assess and improve your property or service offerings for accessibility.
- Inclusive Marketing Strategies: Learn how to effectively reach the growing market of accessible travelers through inclusive messaging and online presence.
By participating in the Wheel the World Academy, site partners gain the knowledge and tools to provide an exceptional experience for all visitors, creating a more welcoming and diverse tourism community.
Why It Matters
Accessible tourism is not just a trend—it’s a growing market. Travelers with disabilities, along with their friends and family, represent a significant and often untapped customer base. By offering inclusive services and promoting accessibility, businesses on the Tillamook Coast can tap into this market and enhance their reputations as leaders in hospitality and inclusion.
TCVA’s partnership with Wheel the World is part of our ongoing commitment to building a more sustainable, accessible, and welcoming tourism economy for everyone. We encourage businesses to engage with the Wheel the World Academy and become part of this important movement.
