From Parking Permits to Planet Vegas—What Accessibility Really Looks Like

🧭 Disability Pride, Awareness & Emergency Preparedness

This week, I had a conversation that left me both inspired and reflective. A woman in her mid-70s shared that she and her husband (now in his 80s) had finally decided to get their handicap license plates. For years, they had used the rearview mirror placard, but she recently took the step to make it official.

That conversation brought to mind a social media post I came across recently about elopement. Not the kind where a couple runs off to Las Vegas to get married at the Little White Chapel—but the kind that many families in the autism community know all too well: when someone suddenly bolts, runs, or wanders off without warning.

I had no idea that elopement is a valid reason to apply for a handicap license plate. It was a total lightbulb moment for me.

To keep things lighthearted, we sometimes joke, “Time to lace up your running shoes!” when talking about chasing after an eloping child, teen, or adult. But let’s be honest—there’s nothing funny about it. Elopement is unpredictable, frightening, and can be life-threatening.

In those critical moments, having a handicap parking space near the entrance or exit could mean the difference between catching up quickly or risking a dangerous situation. If your family has ever experienced this—and you don’t yet have a handicap plate—it may be time to talk to your doctor. It could be a small change that makes a big difference in your emergency plan.

🧩 Why July Is Disability Pride Month

On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. This landmark legislation prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and guarantees equal opportunities in employment, education, transportation, public accommodations, and access to government services.

This month is about celebrating the strength, resilience, and contributions of the disability community—and also about raising awareness. https://adata.org/learn-about-ada

🚗 The Impact of Misuse

While I’m grateful for the services that exist, it’s also disheartening to see how often they’re misused. We’ve all witnessed someone park in a handicap spot without the person with disabilities even present. Or people claiming disability status to obtain housing or food assistance they may not actually need—leaving others who truly qualify waiting in line or struggling to access help.

Awareness is key.
We can’t fix what we don’t talk about. By spreading information and encouraging responsible use of services, we help protect access for those who rely on them every single day.

Let’s continue to educate, uplift, and empower each other. Whether it’s applying for a license plate, making a plan for safety, or learning about our rights—we move forward together.

✈️ Is Las Vegas Sensory-Friendly?

Speaking of the Little White Chapel—yes, it still exists! In fact, here’s their website in case you're curious or planning a nostalgic visit: alittlewhitechapel.com.

But let’s talk about Las Vegas and whether it’s a family- or sensory-friendly destination.

With flashing lights, loud gambling machines, and heavy cigarette smoke on casino floors, it may seem like there’s no safe space for those with sensory sensitivities. And honestly? Las Vegas has changed. It’s not the family-friendly destination it once tried to be.

My husband and I went there for a work trip. Let’s just say—if you haven’t been there in a while, prepare yourself. Remember the song “Pretty Woman, walking down the street”? Walking the Strip these days feels more like a STRIP show. My advice? Do not walk the street with your kids. I recommend driving from place to place and skipping the sidewalks entirely—some things just can't be unseen.

But it’s not all bad! I did discover some sensory-friendly and family-appropriate gems tucked away in the chaos:

🌸 My Top Picks for a Sensory-Conscious Vegas Visit:

🪷 Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Free and absolutely stunning. It can get busy, so bring headphones or go early in the day. Don’t miss the famous fountains just outside—also free and mesmerizing.

🎭 The Smith Center for the Performing Arts
They offer inclusive, sensory-friendly performances through their education program! Perfect for theater lovers with sensory needs.
🔗 thesmithcenter.com/sensory

🧪 Discovery Children's Museum
A fun and interactive museum with lots of hands-on learning. Check their website for sensory tips and FAQs.
🔗 discoverykidslv.org

🦈 Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
A calming indoor escape featuring sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. A great cool-down option from the overstimulating Strip.
🔗 mandalaybay.com/shark-reef-aquarium

🎶 Blue Man Group (Sensory-Friendly Performances Available!)
If you're lucky, they may have a sensory-friendly show during your trip. These are a blast and designed to be autism-friendly.
🔗 blueman.com/sensory-friendly

So, is Las Vegas sensory-friendly? Parts of it can be, with the right planning, awareness, and pacing. It's all about knowing where to go and where not to go.

💡 Pro tip: Use noise-canceling headphones, plan shorter outings, and check for inclusive events in advance!

🌕 Funny Travel Moment: Did We Land on the Moon?

We hadn’t been to Las Vegas in years. It was already dark when we checked into our hotel, and as we opened the curtains in our room—there it was. A giant glowing orb staring back at us.

“The moon?” “Did we land in space??”

It actually took us a minute to realize what we were looking at…
It was the Sphere—Las Vegas’ new high-tech venue with a giant shuffling screen on the outside. At that moment, it was lit up like a glowing full moon. 🌕

It’s mesmerizing to watch (even a little trippy). Just don’t stare at it too long—you might forget where you are! 🤭

🎈 Happy Un-Birthday

Maybe you're a parent, relative, or friend of someone with autism.
If so—you’ll understand.

Oh, how I miss the days when birthdays were filled with excitement. When parties were anticipated with joy, when friends could come over, music played loud, windows flung open, and bright lights sparkled in full “party mode.”
And then, like a switch… everything changed.

Now, when the time comes to celebrate the birth of someone so special, the rules are different. No birthday posts. No surprise parties. No gifts. No loud noise. No bright lights. No attention.

And yet, the love is even deeper now—quieter, stronger, more sacred.

So in a still moment, I whisper a quiet thank you to God for this remarkable person. A person who has brought more joy into my life than they will ever realize.
A person who has stretched me, changed me, and helped me grow in ways I never expected.
A person who walks through life differently—but with such strength, courage, and resilience.
A person who has made every day an unexpected adventure.

This week, I’m holding space in my heart for this one person—
The inspiration behind so much of what I write here week after week.
The reason I keep sharing, in case someone else out there needs to know:
We get it.
You’re not alone.
We’re in this together.

Happy Un-Birthday to you and the little song I like to sing for you.
🎶I love you, always forever,
Near and far, closer together
Everywhere, I will be with you
Everything, I will do for you🎶

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