The Traveling Wheelchair

815 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-385-9400
http://www.apple.com/retail/boylstonstreet/

Last week, my Mom, Tony, Ric and I went to the Apple Store in Boston because I wanted to check out the new iPad which will be available in April. I was somewhat disappointed the Apple Store didn’t have an iPad on display; yet I was totally impressed with the full wheelchair accessibility of this Apple Store.

We parked our van in a handicap parking space on Newbury Street which is right around the corner. Upon arriving I was amazed by the beauty of this Apple Store’s ultra modern 3 story building made of all glass. This Apple Store is the largest Apple Store in the United States with three floors of retail space. Entering was easy for the glass doors were wide open. Once inside we were kindly greeted by an employee who offered to help us with all of our needs.

All of the Apple computer models are set up on desks which are of a good wheelchair accessible height. I was easily able to try an Apple Computer and was very impressed with the accessibility features it offers as well as the Apple’s advanced technology.

Located in the center of this Apple Store is a clear spiral staircase which leads to all floors. All three floors are wheelchair accessible and easy to access via a spacious elevator that has plenty of room for my wheelchair and friends.

I took the elevator to the second floor and checked out some of the cool speakers, printers, iPods and accessories. A very nice female employee showed my friend, Ric how to use the accessibility features on his iPod as well. The iPad I want to order is similar to the iPod yet it has a larger screen and is easier for me to view due to my low vision.

Tony, my friend walked up to the third floor to check out the Genius Bar. Customers can make an appointment at the Genius Bar to lean all about their new Apple products. I was also impressed seeing a ‘Just for kids’ area that has a desk with computers that are very accessible for small children.

All the employees we met were very kind, courteous and extremely helpful.

A customer service desk located in the rear of the store is of a perfect wheelchair accessible height. An ATM/Credit Card/Transaction machine located on this counter is accessible and easy to reach. There is really no need for cashier counters at this Apple Store because all the employees are like walking cash registers. They are all capable of completing purchase transactions with a special device they carry!

The restrooms are spacious, wheelchair accessible and fully ADA compliant. The accessible sink if of a perfect accessible height; the faucet, soap and towel dispenser is easily within my reach; and the water bubbler has a lowered one for a customer in a wheelchair to reach.

I give this ultra modern Apple Store FIVE STARS for it is ultra wheelchair accessibility. All the employees at this Apple Store deserve FIVE STARS for being kind, courteous and extremely helpful!