Accessibility and the Great Outdoors
Accessible Trail Photo
In a recent article posted by Forbes and re-posted by the Southeast ADA entitled Accessibility and the Great Outdoors: In Congressional Hearings, Disability Advocates Call Attention to ’Barriers’ in National Parks, Mike Passo, the executive director for American Trails, a trails advocacy organization stated that “not much has changed to improve people with disabilities’ experiences outdoors over time.” Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA), the Chair of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight, agrees there is more work to be done.
According to their mission statement, American Trails "advances the development of diverse, high-quality trails and greenways for the benefit of people and communities.”
In late April 2021, Passo spoke at a hearing of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, about the obstacles people with disabilities face when it comes to accessibility on public lands. Specifically, Passo said “lack of information is the single greatest barrier to accessibility on public lands," and “there is a need for more comprehensive information available about accessibility online.”
Passo said the following information should be readily available:
In the case of trails, what was the overall grade (run slope)?
What’s the maximum grade (run slope) on that trail?
What’s the maximum cross slope on that trail?
What is the minimum width the trail gets to at any point?
What is the surface type?
How firm is the surface?
What size of obstacles can be expected on the trail?
Other information that would be very helpful regarding trails includes the following:
Are there accessible toilet rooms at the trail?
How long is the trail?
Is the trail monitored actively or remotely?
What are the days and hours that the trail is open?
Is there accessible parking close to the trail head?
Passo also recommended adding accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas and trails in the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA.) Currently, there are guidelines in the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), which only applies to federal lands — leaving states, cities, counties, and private areas to fend for themselves.
"It’s been like 20 years, and we know that the ABA guidelines work just fine. So I think they should be moved into the ADA, to alleviate and make it consistent across the board, what is expected of new trail development in new areas, and new campgrounds, things like that," Passo said.
The Forest Service offers good information regarding accessibility of national forests and grasslands at US Forest Service Accessibility. The Forest Service also provides tips to help you get the most out of your park experience at Know Before You Go.
SUMMARY: Advocate Mike Passo has stated that more information and better accessibility is needed on federal, state and local park trails. Passo also advocates for using the ABA laws for state and local parks. Representative Porter agrees that more work needs to be done.
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