GENERAL INFORMATION
The designation accessible indicates access for wheelchair users in compliance with Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS). Information in this section describes only the accessibility of facilities at San Antonio Missions; it is not a complete description of activities and services.
Parking
Designated spaces are marked with the international access symbol. These are reserved for physically disabled visitors whose vehicles display an access placard or license plate.
Signal and Guide Dogs
Dogs must be leashed at all times. Signal and guide dogs are allowed in all public buildings and areas within the park.
Public Transportation
VIA, the San Antonio Transit Authority, provides accessible transportation throughout the city. Regularly scheduled bus service can bring you to within one block of Mission San José. Accessible sidewalks link the bus stops to the park visitor center. Bus service is also provided along Roosevelt Avenue within 2 blocks of Mission Concepción; however, sidewalks in this area may be difficult to negotiate. While regularly scheduled bus service is not provided to Mission San Juan or Mission Espada, VIATrans service may be able to transport you to these sites. Call VIA at 227-2020.
Restrooms
Restrooms at the park’s visitor center and Mission Concepción are accessible and contain Unisex units. The restrooms inside the Mission San José compound and at Mission San Juan and Mission Espada are within historic structures and can present some difficulties for access.
SERVICES
Spanish Colonial Bookstore
Accessible with assistance. Ask the bookstore employee to open an alternate entrance. Assistance may be required for reaching books on higher shelves, and for check-writing. Bookstores at Mission Concepción and the park visitor center are accessible, but some assistance may be needed to reach books on higher shelves and for check-writing.
Deaf Services
Captioned Programs
Gente de Razón, the park’s 23-minute video, is captioned and shown at the park’s visitor center daily. Captions are available in English and Spanish.
The San Antonio River Valley map program in the visitor center museum provides an introductory history to the missions and the area. A printed script with cue aids is available from the front desk.
Telephones with Volume Control
Pay telephones within the park have volume boosting controls. A TTY phone is available for visitor use at the visitor center front desk. Visitor Center TTY (210) 922-7152.
Services for the Sight Impaired
Visitor Centers and Museums
Park rangers at park visitor centers or museums can provide personalized services, information, and interpretation about the park.
Tactile Exhibits
The visitor center has a tactile relief map of the San Antonio River Valley as well as tactile exhibits of each missions church facade and compound. Each mission site has a relief map of its historic buildings and grounds.
Exhibits with Audio
Although no information specifically for visitors with sight impairments is currently available in an audio format, the following may be useful:
Visitor Center Gente de Razón – park video
The San Antonio River Valley – audio/visual exhibit on the history of the San Antonio River Valley
Mission San José - The model in the granary includes an audio program that describes a typical day at the missions.
PARK ACTIVITIES
A variety of activities are available, including organized ranger walks, talks, and demonstrations. Check at any park visitor center for detailed information.
Large Print, Braille, Audio and Computer-Accessible Materials
There is little currently available in these formats.
Visitor Center
Access
The park’s visitor center entrances are all accessible. The visitor restrooms, the theater, and museum area are all accessible. Accessible seating is located at the front and rear of the theater.
Ranger Activities
Check with a ranger on the accessibility of ranger-led activities. Some activities may require assistance. Inaccessibility may be due to rough terrain, steep grades, or stairs in historic structures.
Self-guiding and Nature trails
Mission Concepción
Paved pathways and wooden boardwalks lead to all major features of Mission Concepción except for the Father President’s Office. There is no access to the Father President’s Office due to two flights of narrow stairs.
Mission San José
A paved walkway leads from the visitor center to the entrance of the mission and encircles the courtyard and leads to all major features. Access to the church is down a wooden ramp in the convento area and through the Sacristy doors at the rear of the church.
Mission San Juan
Paved walkways lead from the parking lot into and throughout the mission compound.
Yanaguana Trail at Mission San Juan
This paved nature trail winds through the wooded area to the west of Mission San Juan and down along a section of the original San Antonio River channel. Boardwalks provide excellent observation points along the way. While the trail is paved, some grades may present a challenge for visitors in wheelchairs.
Mission Espada
Accessible walkways were recently installed.
Espada Aqueduct
A paved trail leads to a viewpoint next to the aqueduct structure.
Espada Dam
The dam is visible from the parking lot. No paved trails lead to the structure itself.
