Recreational Resources
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
312-443-3600
www.artic.edu
The Art Institute provides a gallery audio guide with a comprehensive overview of each area. The guide allows you to enter a gallery number into a small MP3 player to enjoy commentary on the collection. The guide is available at admission counters or kiosks near both lobbies and is free to visitors with visual and hearing impairments.
Chicago Botanic Gardens
1000 Lake Cook Rd.
Glencoe, IL 60022
847-835-5440
www.chicagobotanic.org
The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Buehler Enabling Garden is a hands-on teaching garden that is accessible for everyone. The sensory garden offers the fragrance, sounds, colors, textures and movement of a variety of plants. Guided tours for 15 or more are available for a fee. Guided tram tours are also given mid-May through mid-October.
Lyric Opera of Chicago
20 N. Wacker Dr., Suite 840
Chicago, IL 60606
312-332-2244
The Lyric Opera provides infrared assistive listening devices for persons desiring amplification and high powered opera glasses for people with vision loss at no cost. Both devices are available at any open checkroom. You must provide a valid driver's license, state ID or major credit card for deposit only.
Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Route 53
Lisle, IL 60532
630-968-0074
www.mortonarb.org
The Morton Arboretum offers narrated tram and guided walking tours for small groups of the 1700 acre arboretum with over 4,000 types of trees and shrubs, including a fragrance garden. Educational programs are available for all ages and abilities.
Broadway in Chicago
312-977-1701, ext. 1259
www.broadwayinchicago.com
Broadway in Chicago offers described performances at the Ford Center for Performing Arts Oriental Theater, Bank of America Theater and the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Requests for accessible seating and described performances must be made at least one month in advance.
Shakespeare Theatre – Navy Pier
Illinois St. & Lake Michigan
Chicago, IL
Main Box Office: 312-595-5600
www.chicagoshakes.com – click on "plan your visit" and then on "accessibility"
The Shakespeare Theatre offers described narration at one performance for each play. See website or call box office for dates and times.
Victory Gardens
2433 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
Box Office: 773- 871-3000
www.victorygardens.org
Victory Gardens provides described narration at selected performances, as well as a guided tour of the set for selected performances.
Descriptive Video Services WTTW-TV
5400 N. St. Louis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
773-509-5611
This service provides information about audio descriptions of selected public television programs.
Weekenders Club
Contact: Frank Cosatino, President
Weekenders is a social group for people with vision loss, their family and friends.
RIC Galvin Health and Fitness Center
710 N. Lake Shore Drive - Third Floor
Chicago, IL 60611
312-238-5002
This health and fitness facility was specifically created for people with physical disabilities. From routine exercise programs to competitive opportunities, RIC's Center for Health and Fitness is fully equipped to prepare members for the benefits of long-term wellness. Personal exercise programs are specially designed for each participant during their first visit.
Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation
Burnham Park Sailing Center, 1362 S. Lynn White Dr., Chicago, IL 60605
Seasonal phone number: 312-747-7684
www.juddgoldmansailing.org
The Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program offers low-cost sailing lessons designed specifically for people with physical disabilities. Daily operations are run through Chicago Park District staff and volunteers. All participants are allowed an able-bodied guest to accompany them during their lessons free-of-charge.
American Blind Skiing Foundation
www.absf.org
Blind and visually impaired skiers are extensively trained to use ski equipment and learn to ski with a sighted guide. As skill levels increase, the blind or visually impaired skier can take to the hill with a sighted guide using audio cues to navigate down the hill.
Ski for Light
www.sfl.org
Ski for Light is a cross country skiing program for blind and visually impaired individuals. Skiers are paired with a sighted guide who instruct on proper technique as well as describing the surrounding environment. Ski locations are throughout the country.
National Beep Baseball Association
Contact: John Herzog
630-910-4038
www.nbba.org
Beep Baseball provides an opportunity to participate in a team sport. The Chicago Comets play and practice in the Oak Lawn area and travel throughout the country for tournament play. All players are blindfolded to level the playing field for all participants.
Midwest Blind Bowlers Association
Contact: Fred Nickl
847-253-3104
E-mail: nicklfrederick@sbcglobal.net
Bowlers with varying degrees of vision, as well as sighted bowlers, can take part in six leagues in the Chicago area. A guide rail is used to aid bowlers.
Wilderness Inquiry
800-728-0719
www.wildernessinquiry.org
Wilderness Inquiry provides outdoor adventures to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Canoeing, rafting, kayak, hiking, horseback riding and dog sled trips are offered throughout North America and the world.
