New accessibility resources are now available at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, thanks to a regional partnership aimed at making one of Alabama’s top tourist destinations more inclusive.
The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association announced Monday that it has donated 23 wheelchairs and two pairs of Meta Smart Glasses to the Space & Rocket Center. The equipment was funded through two $5,000 grants from the Alabama’s Mountains, Rivers and Valleys Resource Conservation & Development Council.
Officials said the additions will improve accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges and disabilities at the museum, which draws more than 650,000 visitors annually.
“We appreciate the donation of these wheelchairs, which we are already putting to good use in the museum and Space Camp,” said Brenda Perez, CEO and CFO of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. “Our team is excited to receive the Meta Smart Glasses, and we are exploring the myriad ways we’ll be able to use them to enhance our visitor experience.”
The initiative builds on broader efforts to expand accessible tourism across North Alabama. In 2025, the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association launched a region-wide accessibility initiative that includes new travel tools and resources for visitors with disabilities, limited mobility and sensory sensitivities.
“Ensuring that all guests can experience the wonder of space exploration is incredibly important to us,” said Tami Reist, president and CEO of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association. “These wheelchairs and Meta Smart Glasses will allow more visitors to comfortably explore the exhibits and enjoy everything the Space & Rocket Center has to offer.”
Leaders with the Resource Conservation and Development Council said the project aligns with their mission to connect people with regional resources and experiences.
“We’re really excited to be part of this initiative,” said Renona Seibert, executive director of the council. “At AMRV RC&D, our whole thing is connecting people to the resources and experiences that make North Alabama special, and that includes making sure everyone can actually get out there and enjoy it. Supporting accessible wheelchairs and Meta glasses at the Space & Rocket Center just made sense. If we can help one more family, one more kid, experience something they otherwise couldn’t — that’s exactly why we do what we do.”
Accessibility advocates say combining awareness with practical tools is key to creating meaningful change.
“Accessibility doesn’t start with equipment. It starts with awareness,” said Leslie Walker, a creative tourism consultant involved in regional accessibility efforts. “But when you pair that awareness with the right tools, like these new wheelchairs and Meta smart glasses, you move from good intentions into real, tangible access. That’s when a visitor stops worrying about how they’ll navigate a space and can actually experience it.”
Officials said the upgrades are part of an ongoing push to ensure North Alabama remains a welcoming destination for all visitors.
