Wheelchair Accessbile Hiking Trails (add'l blog #9)

As has been demonstrated, people who have disabilities are very capable of doing the same activities that the rest of the population can, with small adaptions to better accomodate them. For me personally, one of my favorite things to do in spring, summer and fall is to go hiking! I have come across a site that is dedicated to recognizing wheelchair accessible hiking trails throughout the U.S and in some other countries as well. Some of the qualities that are important in order for a trail to be w/c accessible may include having a hard surface (pavement, cement, planks, packed dirt or gravel), being free from ruts and rocks; being wide enough for a wheelchair or scooter to pass through easily, gradual elevation changes and of course the most important part: having beautiful scenery! It is important to research the trail you are going to before getting there to make sure there won't be any unwelcomed surprises that may inhibit someone who uses a w/c from proceeding. It is also important to be realistic about your ability. You don't have to start with the MOST challenging hike, but instead try starting on the easier end of the spectrum and work your way up the latter. If possible, avoid going on hikes by yourself incase you encounter a w/c malfunction that would require assistance in fixing.  It's pretty awesome to see how far we have come in w/c accessibility. It seems ridiculous that there was a time where accessibility wasn't inforced and people were simply SOL. Fast forward to the present and not only has the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protected people with disabilities from discrimination (transportation, employment, accomodations, telecommunications) but there has been an explosion of recreational opportunities available to them! For more information on w/c accessible hiking trails, or if YOU have any information of your own that you would like to make available to others (share the wealth!), you can visit this website :) Until next time, Katie