Visiting New Orleans with a disability by Aaron Tanner

In March of 2018, I visited New Orleans, Louisiana, with one of my cousins from nearby southern Mississippi. Even though the city is known for sensory overload, I wanted to see if I could handle the challenge as a person with Aspergers.

The first thing my cousin and I did was tour the World War II Museum. It is a must-visit for an in-depth view of the Second World War from an American perspective. My cousin has visited the museum several times and explained in detail the different exhibits on display.

The National D-Day and World War II Museum in New Orleans

I had no idea how small the U.S. Military was at the beginning of the war or how much of the Allied Forces were held back until the D-Day invasion at Normandy. My favorite parts of the museum were the maps displaying how the military campaigns progressed throughout the conflict. It was also exciting hearing recordings of soldiers sharing their stories of what they experienced while in battle.

Next, my cousin and I walked down Decatur Street and saw parts of the French Quarter and Jackson Square. While listening to jazz music, I saw street performers acting and artists painting the surrounding scenery. For lunch, we got a muffuletta, which is a giant sandwich created by Italian immigrants living in New Orleans in the early 20th century, from Central Grocery and had a picnic.

After getting a picture in Jackson Square, we went down to by the Mississippi River and saw the Riverboat Natchez play music on a steam pipe organ. Even though it was warm that afternoon, the wind off the water provided a gentle breeze for those needing a break from the crowded French Quarter.

Cafe Du Monde is one of the most popular spots in the French Quarter

Our final stop included stopping by Café Du Monde for beignets, which are pouch-shaped pieces of fried dough topped with powdered sugar. The dish goes well with chicory style coffee. It was an excellent choice for dessert.

Overall, I handled New Orleans well. The only time I felt like I was getting sensory overload was in the long line at Café Du Monde as the person behind me talked too loud into their smartphone.

If you are on the Autism Spectrum and plan to visit New Orleans, it is essential to prepare before going. The big thing to remember is not to visit the city alone. Some sketchy people can take advantage of tourists.

While walking, hecklers will try to get your attention and money. Because they may have been drinking, these particular people can be intimidating and very rude. It is best to ignore these people, and if they ask you a question, do not talk or look at them but instead, keep walking.

Jackson Square on Decatur Street in New Orleans

Despite being the most prominent draw of the French Quarter, I did not walk down Bourbon Street. The street is very narrow, with people bumping against each other who may have had too much to drink from the French Quarter’s many bars. For those with sensory issues, it is best to avoid Bourbon Street.

Many tourists visit New Orleans every year, and the sidewalks can get very crowded. It is essential to identify areas where one can get away from the crowds to decompress. Jackson Square is an open-air park that has plenty of open space and benches where one can people watch and de-stress. Restaurants are often bustling to the point there is usually a wait and can get very loud. If you can, get your order to go and have a picnic away from the crowds. For example, Café Du Monde has a walk-up window on the side of the building for to-go orders.

For those in a wheelchair, many sidewalks in the French Quarter are narrow and made of cobblestone.

Although it is possible to visit New Orleans in a wheelchair, keep in mind that maneuvering in the French Quarter requires planning if one has mobility issues. Also, some of the older hotels are not necessarily ADA compliant and might require staying on the first floor of the building.

Although the food in New Orleans is delicious, many who are disabled have dietary issues and are not the healthiest. Fortunately, many of the restaurants in the French Quarter have websites and Facebook pages where one can see a menu. These pages also have contact information to see if the dining establishment can modify menu items to accommodate special diets and to see if the business is ADA compliant.

The steamboat Natchez entertains guests along the Mississippi River in New Orleans

The final verdict is that I would go back to New Orleans if given the opportunity. However, I would go during the week when there are likely to be fewer tourists. I also might spend less time in the French Quarter, as I feel that one visit was enough for me. Instead, I hope to visit the Aquarium of the Americas and the Audubon Zoo on my next trip they are both certified sensory inclusive by Kulture City, a non-profit that helps people on the Autism spectrum.

If one can get past the party atmosphere, New Orleans is a charming city with its historic buildings and cemeteries that tells a story of its past. The jazz music played throughout the French Quarter gets one in a good mood with uplifting and upbeat notes. I am glad I did not let my fear and anxiety stop me from making a trip to New Orleans.

Central Grocery’s claim to fame in New Orleans is their giant Muffuletta sandwich filled with several different types of meats, Swiss cheese and olive dressing

Have you ever visited New Orleans? If so, comment in the section below.