When we talk about inclusive spaces, that can mean a lot of different things. At its core, inclusion is about making sure everyone can be a part of something, regardless of their backgrounds, abilities or identities.
Every family deserves to have a place they can go and feel like they belong. Today, more and more organizations are making intentional efforts to keep their facilities and programming accessible. Here are five local places that are stepping up to make the world more welcoming for people with disabilities.
- Opportunity Park in Allen Pond Park
3330 Northview Drive, Bowie, MD 20716
Allen Pond Park is a large, family-friendly park with picnic spots, trails and a 10-acre stocked pond. The park is also home to Opportunity Park, a playground with safe artificial surfaces, wheelchair access, sensory experiences and a short wheelchair-accessible nature trail. - AMC Magic Johnson Capital Center 12
800 Shoppers Way
Largo, Maryland 20774
AMC partners with the Autism Society to offer sensory-friendly movie showings. For these shows, the theater turns the lights up and the sound down so moviegoers can get up, dance, walk and make some noise. This sensory-friendly film program for families takes place on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. - Broadneck Park
613 College Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21409
Broadneck Park opened its improved playground in 2023, now featuring a new, more accessible surface. The park also has paved trails for strollers or wheelchairs. In addition to these new features, the park also includes a dog park, picnic tables and a baseball field. - Children’s Theatre of Annapolis
1661 Bay Head Rd,
Annapolis, MD 21409
This theater company presents musicals, concerts, children’s plays and workshops and has hosted American Sign Language (ASL)- and sensory-friendly performances. Its most recent sensory- and ASL-friendly performance was Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Visit the theater’s show page for a schedule of upcoming accessible performances. - Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating
7040 Bembe Beach Road
Annapolis, MD 21403
CRAB is an organization that aids people with disabilities in accessing the therapeutic benefits of sailing. Its Family Sail events are open to families and friends of people with disabilities. Family Sails are offered free of charge and take place on one Sunday and one Thursday every month. These adaptive sailboats are designed to accommodate a guest with any type of disability.
