Philadelphia, PA - Today the city provided additional information for persons and families attending the Wawa Welcome America Festival (WWA), which will be held June 29 – July 4. With over 50 activities for the whole family, the city encourages individuals with disabilities to come out and enjoy all the festival has to offer.
“As we celebrate these days of independence, it is inspiring to see how the representatives of WWA and the City were able to work together to plan all of these events for the citizens and visitors of our great city regardless of your abilities,” said Charles Horton, Executive Director for the Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities. “Ensuring everyone has access to these events shows how far we have come as a society to recognize our differences and the diversity of our communities. I hope everyone will be able to get out and enjoy all the events, museums and restaurants during this week of independence.”
The Wawa Welcome America Festival is ADA-compliant, including accessible seating, entrances and restrooms. Ticketed areas are fully ADA accessible with flat surfaces and curb cut outs.
Portable toilets, including ADA-compliant units, will be available for activities throughout the Ben Franklin Parkway, from 21st Street to Art Museum Drive.
WWA has partnered with a local healthcare organization to recruit volunteers for the festival with experience in assisting persons with disabilities. Volunteers will be identified by WWA branded shirts. Also, Information booths on the Parkway and EMS first aid stations are located on the north and south sides of 23rd Street and the Parkway.
For attendees interested in visiting museums and events including the Independence Day Parade, the sites and attractions are open and accessible to all. Most buildings in the historic park district are accessible including Benjamin Franklin Museum, Congress Hall, Declaration House, Great Essentials Exhibit, Independence Visitor Center Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center, Old City Hall and Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank. Accessible restrooms are available in the Independence Visitor Center, the Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank and in the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Wheelchairs are available for borrowing at the Independence Visitor Center for use while in the park. All park ranger-led outdoor tours are on paved walks and use curb cuts. Most cover only 3- to-4 blocks and are suitable for people of all abilities.
All ticketholders for the Welcome America Party on the Parkway and July 4th Concert will be directed to 22nd Street and Park Towne Place and 22nd Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Once in the Eakins Oval footprint, ADA accessible areas will be denoted by signage. Accessible portable toilets are available within each bank of portable toilets throughout the Eakins Oval footprint. The city encourages all attendees to obey the instructions of Philadelphia Police Officers and public safety officials.
All WWA sites are wheelchair accessible, but persons with physical disabilities should be aware that the vastness and outdoor nature of the venue may present mobility issues. Personal care, golf cart rides, push service of any kind and wheelchairs for rent will not be available for the Party on the Parkway and concert.
