O’Hare is accessible as all US airports are, with unique exceptions. Much of this post is taken from O’Hare’s Accessibility Guide
First Fully Accessible Airport Restroom in the U.S.
On January 5, 2019 a fully accessible bathroom was opened in Terminal 2. The restroom is dubbed “The Changing Places Restroom” The 110-square-foot bathroom is equipped with an adjustable changing table for adults; a passenger lift system; two accessible, roll-in and transfer showers: plus, an accessible toilet and sink.
The restroom also features a motorized passenger lift with detachable sling and ample space for movement, allowing passengers who can’t stand or walk to comfortably use the restroom.
The airport plans to install future Changing Places Restrooms over time.
Parking
O’Hare offers 325 accessible parking spaces in its parking facilities. All spaces are located adjacent to elevator centers, sidewalks, bus stops and the Airport Transit System (ATS) platform in Economy Lot E. All accessible parking spaces are wide enough to allow for lift or ramp access, but not all provide sufficient height for traditional accessible vans. Below is a breakdown of the number of spaces and height restrictions for each lot.
Garage: Level 1 (17), Level 2 (18), Level 3 (18), Level 4 (19), Level 5 (17) Level 6 (19) // Height Restriction 6’6″
Lot B: 9 spaces // Height Restriction 9′
Lot C: 11 spaces // Height Restriction 8’5″
Lot D (International Lot): 18 spaces // Height Restriction – None
Lot E: 118 spaces // Main Entrance – Height Restriction 17′ 2′, Side Entrance – Temporarily Closed
Lot F: 40 spaces // Height Restriction 8’ 2”
Lot G: 39 spaces // Height Restriction – None
Lot H: 22 spaces // Height Restriction – None
Accessible parking can be difficult to find in the parking garages. The spots are usually taken. We find that we need to pull into a “regular” space partway so Mark can lower my wheelchair ramp. Then pull the MV-1 into the spot.
Transportation
CTA
The CTA Blue Line train provides service between downtown Chicago and O’Hare. The station is equipped with an elevator to take passengers with mobility impairments to and from the platform. Please speak to CTA personnel if you need gap filler boards to bridge the space between the platform and the rail car. ;
Not all CTA Stations are accessible. To view a list of accessible stations click here.
To view real time CTA elevator alerts, click here.
All CTA trains and buses are accessible.
For more information, please visit www.transitchicago.com or call the CTA at 888-YOURCTA (968-7282) or TTY (888) CTATTY1 (888-282-8891).
Curbs
When traveling to and from the airport, you can request an accessible taxicab by calling the City’s accessible taxicab dispatcher, Curbs Chicago Wheelchair Taxi at (888) 928-2227
Passengers traveling to the Chicago suburbs, please note: Trips from the airports to all suburbs, except those listed below, are STRAIGHT METER PLUS ONE-HALF the STRAIGHT METERED FARE from the airport to the suburban destination. The following are STRAIGHT METER:
Alsip, Bedford Park, Blue Island, Burbank, Burnham, Calumet City, Calumet Park, Cicero, Des Plaines, Dolton, Elk Grove Village, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Evergreen Park, Forest View, Harwood Heights, Hines VA Hospital, Hometown, Lincolnwood, Merrionette Park, Niles, Norridge, Oak Lawn, Oak Park, Park Ridge, Riverdale, River Grove, Rosemont, Skokie, Stickney, and Summit.
The rest of the suburbs are STRAIGHT METER PLUS ONE-HALF
Private Nonemergency Medical Transport
Disabled on the Go Transit provides private service to and from the airports in the Chicago metropolitan area. Call us to arrange for transportation.
Other companies are available in Chcagoland. Search wheelchair transportation, senior or disabled transportation on Yelp, Google or Bing.
TSA Lines
Oh, the joy! TSA has an admirable mission, but
The O’Hare Accessibility Guide provides more information than this blog post. We were highlighting useful information.