Shawna (who lives with Cerebral Palsy) and LaLa (who manages Crohn’s and eats gluten-free) are heading to Nashville in late June to highlight the city’s most accessible and inclusive spots. They’re looking for hotels, restaurants, bakeries, spas, shops, attractions, and transportation that go above and beyond for those with disabilities and dietary needs. Submit your business or recommendations to be considered for the Shawna & LaLa Approved spotlight!

I highly recommend The Joseph Nashville for Shawna and LaLa. It's not just ADA compliant it's thoughtfully designed with wide hallways step free access and staff who are genuinely trained in hospitality for guests with mobility needs. For gluten free dining and Crohn's friendly options E+Rose Wellness Cafe has amazing bowls and smoothies with clear ingredient labels and lots of clean food choices. Erin McKenna's Bakery is a bit of a hidden gem for gluten free treats and everything is also dairy and soy free which could be a plus. For experiences the Country Music Hall of Fame is fully wheelchair accessible and even offers visual and hearing assistive options. As for getting around WeGo Access offers affordable on demand transportation and drivers are trained for a range of mobility needs. Nashville has come a long way and these spots really go beyond the basics to make everyone feel welcomed.

To connect with Shawna and LaLa while promoting accessibility and dietary inclusiveness, businesses in Nashville should emphasize establishments that prioritize these values. Highlighting venues like The Hermitage Hotel, which offers ADA-compliant rooms and personalized services, and Drury Plaza Hotel, featuring accessible facilities, can showcase commitment to inclusivity and attract an underserved market segment.

I recommend checking out The Greenleaf Hotel downtown—they've invested in wider doorways, ramps, and elevators with voice controls that make moving around much easier for guests with mobility challenges. Their staff is also trained to accommodate dietary restrictions, offering a dedicated gluten-free menu in their restaurant. For dining, I suggest The Harvest Table, which focuses on allergy-friendly meals and clearly labels ingredients, making it simple for anyone managing dietary needs like Crohn's to order confidently. The city's Music City Spa offers accessible treatment rooms and staff trained in adaptive massage techniques, creating a relaxing experience for guests with various physical needs. For transportation, the local scooter rental service has recently upgraded its fleet to include accessible models with extra stability features. These spots show genuine commitment to inclusion and could be great candidates for the Shawna & LaLa Approved spotlight.