As a travel writer since 1977, Candy Harrington has been writing about accessible travel exclusively since 1996. She’s the founding editor of Emerging Horizons, and the author of the popular Barrier-Free Travel national park series. With thousands of bylines to her credit, Candy hits the road often, in search of new accessible travel finds. Candy and her travel photographer husband Charles Pannell reside in NE Washington, where they tend to their chicken flock and enjoy a rural lifestyle.
Although there’s no shortage of accessible lodging options in and around Custer State Park (gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park/), there’s something to be said for foregoing the creature comforts and spending the night in a a more natural setting. That doesn’t mean you have to rough it though. Quite the contrary, as these wheelchair-accessible camping cabins at Custer State Park offer a number of modern amenities. And you just can’t beat the location — just a few miles north of the West Entrance to Wildlife Loop Drive in the Blue Bell Campground.
Comfortable Camping Cabins
To be honest, the Blue Bell Campground is easy to miss, as it’s hard to see the sign for it when you are heading south on Highway 87. The turn is located just past Blue Bell Lodge on the left– look for the stables. After you turn in, you’ll see the sign pointing to the campground. Just follow the sign to the camping cabins.
Cabins 14 and 15, which are located across from the showerhouse, are the wheelchair-accessible camping cabins. They each have a paved parking area in front, with level access over to the ramped front deck. The one-room cabins boasts a level threshold, a wide door and wood flooring for easy rolling. They are furnished with two 23-inch high bunk beds with room for a wheelchair between them. One lower bunk is a double, while the rest are twins. Linens are not provided so make sure and pack along some sheets or a sleeping bag. Other furnishings include a table and a bench, a storage shelf and a coat hook.
Inside Cabin 15 at the Blue Bell Campground in Custer State Park
As an added bonus each cabin also has two electric outlets. overhead lighting, heating and air conditioning. Plus, there’s an accessible picnic table on the spacious deck, and a raised grill next to each cabin. And the cabins are located in a verdant pine forest, in a quiet campground.
There’s an accessible family shower in the showerhouse. It’s equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fixed shower bench. Other access features include a full five-foot turning radius, toilet grab bars on the back and right walls (as seated) and a roll-under sink.
Bathhouse at the Blue Bell Campground in Custer State Park
Known as the symbol of the American West, the giant saguaro cactus can only be found in the Sonoran Desert in the Southwestern US and Mexico. These large columnar cacti are covered in spines and develop branches (arms) as they age. There’s nothing like seeing a forest of saguaros framed by a colorful desert sunset. And the best place to do that is at Saguaro National Park (nps.gov/sagu), near Tucson, Arizona. Divided in two sections — with the city of Tucson in between — this scenic desert area offers several accessible trails for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Saguaro East
Ecology Trail in Saguaro East
Located in the Rincon Mountain District, Saguaro East is about 10 miles off Interstate 10. Just take exit 27 and follow the signs to the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center in Saguaro National Park. Accessible parking is located near the visitor center, which offers level access and houses a collection of interpretive exhibits. There’s also plenty of room for a wheelchair in the theater, which shows an introductory film throughout the day. And outside there’s level access around the small native garden, and over to a covered shelter with benches.
The eight-mile Cactus Forest Drive scenic loop begins just east of the visitor center. This one-way drive travels through the heart of a saguaro forest, and boasts fabulous windshield views of the gigantic cacti. There are a number of pullouts along the way, all of which have accessible parking. And if you visit in May, you’ll be treated to an eyeful of showy white booms on the giant cacti.
The first accessible trail is located midway along the drive. There’s accessible parking at the Mica View Picnic Area, with level access over to accessible tables and an accessible vault toilet. Although the entire length of the Mica View trail is not not accessible, the first .7 mile is fairly level and is covered in stabilized granite. The Desert Ecology Trail, which is located just up the road, is also worth a stop. This quarter-mile trail features a paved pathway with benches to sit and rest along the way.
When you reach the end of the scenic loop drive, turn left at the stop sign and head through the Javalina Picnic Area. After you leave the picnic area, look to the right as the road curves, for a view of a tall saguaro with a magnificent crown.
Javalina Picnic area in Saguaro National Park East
Saguaro West
Desert Discovery Trail in Saguaro National Park West
Saguaro West is located in the Tucson Mountain District, which is on the west side of the city, just up the road from the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. From interstate 10, head west on Gates Pass Road, then make a right on Kinney Road. The Red Hills Visitor Center will be on the right, just past the park entrance.
There’s accessible parking in front with level access to the building. Inside there are a number of interpretive exhibits as well as accessible restrooms. Outside there’s a short accessible paved trail that focuses on the ecology of the Sonoran Desert.
The highlight of this section of the park is the Desert Discovery Trail, which is located just a mile past the visitor center, on the left side of the road. This half-mile paved trail features interpretive plaques along the way that describe the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. There are benches to rest along the trail, and it’s a favorite spot to catch a spectacular sunset view amidst the cactus forest.
This section of the park also boasts a scenic drive. The 5-mile Bajada Loop Drive winds through the saguaro forest, with plenty of pullouts along the way. Although the road is not paved, it’s still doable in a low clearance vehicle. And if you’d like to pack along a snack, there are two picnic areas along the loop.
Last but not least, don’t forget to ask about the free ranger programs at either visitor center. Offered in the peak winter season, many of the programs are held at accessible areas or trails in or near the visitor centers. These interpretive programs, which focus on the Sonoran Desert and the Saguaro Cactus, greatly enhance any visit to Saguaro National Park.
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Cruises are an excellent choice for an accessible vacation, as most of the newer cruise ships have good wheelchair access. Additionally, you can visit many ports on a cruise, but you only have to unpack once. And cruises are also a great multigenerational vacation choice. With that in mind, here are a few helpful tips to help you plan a wheelchair-accessible cruise.
Planning Your Wheelchair-Accessible Cruise
Contact the cruise line’s Special Needs Department for detailed access information or special access requests.
Remember to request pier assistance when you book your cruise. Disabled passengers are given priority boarding upon advance request.
Most ships have wheelchairs that can be borrowed for embarkation. If however , you need one full-time or ashore, you need to bring your own or arrange for a rental to be delivered to your cabin. Contact the cruise line for a list of their approved vendors.
Outside vendors can also provide Hoyer lifts and other medical equipment; but make user you order these from an approved vendor.
Some cruise lines can also provide special equipment, such as commode chairs or shower chairs, upon advance request.
Don’t assume all accessible cabins are the same. If you need a specific feature, such as a roll-in shower, ask if it’s available.
The best advice comes from people who have recently cruised, so check out the “Disabled Cruiser” section of the Cruise Critic website (cruisecritic.com). It’s an excellent place to gather information about accessible shore excursions that you can book on your own.
Plan ahead! Accessible cabins are in short supply so try to book at least 6-9 months in advance to get your first choice of sailing dates. Accessible balcony cabins on Alaska cruises go like hotcakes, so book those as soon as they become available.
Things to Remember
Slow walkers who use scooters and don’t have the need for an accessible cabin need to make sure that standard cabin doorways are wide enough to accommodate their equipment. Most cruise lines don’t allow scooters to be parked in hallways.
If you use a power wheelchair or scooter, make sure the electrical supply on the ship is compatible with your battery charger. It’s also a good idea to pack an extension cord and a power strip, as electric outlets are limited. If you do this, make sure to clear it with the special needs department, as these are usually prohibited on board.
If you use a scooter or a wheelchair, request a table near the door in the dining room. There’s very little space between the tables, and the closer to the entrance you are, the easier it will be navigate.
Become familiar with the tendering procedures of your preferred cruise line. Some cruise lines hand-carry wheelchair-users aboard tenders, some use mechanical devices and some do not permit power wheelchair-users to tender at all.
It’s also important to recognize that any port has the potential to become a tender port, due to port traffic and conditions.
Ask a lot of questions about ship sponsored shore excursions. In some cases you have to be able to climb up the steps of a tour bus in order to participate. Do your research and plan your own accessible shore excursions if possible.
It’s also important to plan your shore excursion as far in advance as possible. In some ports they are very limited, and they are usually not available for last minute bookings.
Once Aboard
If you’d like to use the pool, make sure the lift is in working order on the first day. If it’s not, then report it, so the crew will have plenty of time to recharge or repair it.
If you take along a manual wheelchair, mark it clearly with your name or personalize it in some way, so it won’t be mistaken for one of the ship’s wheelchairs.
Take a tour of the ship on the first day and locate the accessible restrooms on each deck. Make note of the locations for future use.
Last but not least, if you use a power wheelchair or scooter, consider bringing along a manual wheelchair for use in port. This is especially helpful in Caribbean ports, where it’s difficult to find lift-equipped transportation.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
If a trip to Columbus, Ohio is in your future, then make sure and check out this Columbus Access Guide at experiencecolumbus.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility/. Divided by disability, the section on mobility covers accessible attractions, hotels and transportation.
The listings in the attractions section all have level paths of travel and low door thresholds, and offer accessible seating, restrooms and parking. Some of the venues also offer courtesy or rentable wheelchairs or scooters. Each listing includes a link to the venue website, which includes more detailed access information. The hotel section includes a link to the each property website, which offers more access information. And the transportation section includes information on airport access, as well as sources for medical equipment rentals. Add in a section of additional resources, and you’ve got a treasure trove of access-related information.
Although you should contact each venue directly for updated access information, this Columbus Access Guide is a great starting point for any trip.
Barrier-Free Travel National Park Lodges for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
If a Caribbean vacation is in your future, then check out these wheelchair-accessible Costa Rica casitas. Located on the southern Nicola Peninsula in Playa Hermosa, these homes were built to be accessible by wheelchair-user Mark Overson. The Costa Rica homes can be rented together for a family gathering, or separately for a more intimate getaway.
Casa Elios
Casa Elios is the larger of the two homes. This two-bedroom, one-bathroom house can sleep up to five, and features good pathway access throughout the unit. The fully equipped kitchen includes new appliances and all the dishes and utensils you need to whip up a gourmet spread.
The master bedroom has an adjustable king-sized bed, while the second bedroom has three single beds. The bathroom has a Continental-style shower with grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. It’s also equipped with a roll-under sink and an accessible toilet. Even better – all of the furniture in the house was custom built to be wheelchair-accessible.
Casa Tranquil
The adjacent home — Casa Tranquil — is equally accessible. It features good pathway access throughout the unit, and it can sleep up to three people. There is a queen-sized futon on the main level, and an additional sleeping loft that can accommodate one or two people. It’s also equipped with a kitchen and a small dining table.
The bathroom has the same access features as the one in Casa Elios, including a Continental-style shower with grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. It also has a roll-under sink and an accessible toilet with grab bars.
As an added bonus, Casa Tranquil is surrounded by trees for privacy, so it’s the perfect choice for a couples getaway. And both homes have secure parking, air conditioning and high-speed internet.
The Public Spaces
Both wheelchair-accessible Costa Rica casitas share a tranquil public space, which includes a large deck with private pool in a tropical garden setting. There’s barrier-free access around the pool, which is equipped with a pulley style lift. Says Mark’s wife Susan, “We had to buy all the equipment in the states and then take it to Costa Rica and install it.”
The houses are close to the beach, but it’s best to bring a wheelchair with fat tires for easier rolling. There’s also a surf camp nearby that can provide adaptive surf lessons and equipment. And if you’d like to try yoga, the Oversons can recommend an instructor who will work with you.
As an added bonus, Mark and Susan are happy to help guests plan an accessible getaway to Costa Rica, as they have been visiting the country for many years, and they’ve developed some good local contacts that can lend an accessible hand. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of traveling to Costa Rica, or hitting the surf – or both – Mark and Susan can help make it happen.
For more information about these wheelchair-accessible Costa Rica casitas visit airbnb.com/rooms/24129359.
And if you have any questions about the units, then give Susan Overson a call at (952) 270-3027 or drop her an e-mail at oversonlanding@yahoo.com. She can also send you a drone video of the house and the surrounding area. So start planning your wheelchair-accessible Costa Rica getaway today.
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Flying with a child who lacks trunk support may appear impossible at first glance. Although the process is manageable with infants, as children grow it can become more difficult. That said, with a bit of research, preparation and education, flying can become a reality for toddlers, teens and even young adults who lack trunk support. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know to have a safe and comfortable flight.
Infants
Infants are pretty easy, as far as air travel is concerned. Basically you just need to bring along a Federal Aviation Association (FAA) approved Child Restraint System (CRS) – more commonly known as a car seat. It can be a forward or rear facing model, but it must have two FAA approved labels on it. One label must include the text, “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards”. The other label must include (in red) the text “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.” Alternatively, it’s acceptable to have the two labels merged into one if all the appropriate text is included.
It’s important to remember that under FAA regulations, no carrier may prohibit a child (any passenger under 18) from using an approved CRS as long as they have purchased a seat, fall within the manufacturer’s height and weight limits for the CRS, and are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Toddlers
As a child that lacks trunk support grows, parents have to explore other options. The FAA limits what type of seating devices may be brought aboard the aircraft, but many parents use neck pillows, towels and blankets to help support their children. Seating the child next to the window sometimes helps too, as they can lean on it for support. That said, you have to be careful with what you bring aboard, because unless it’s FAA-approved, any homemade device that straps to the seat or is too big and bulky will usually get the boot.
The CARES Harness (amsafe.com/kidsflysafe-com/) may be an option for some children. This FAA-approved harness straps to the seat and can be used on children over one year old who weight between 22 and 44 pounds and can sit in their own seat.
Another option is buy a first-class seat and physically help help the child maintain his balance during takeoff and landing. After that he can recline, and because of the extra room in first-class, the seat goes back further.
A number of companies also offer FAA-approved CRS for toddlers. They all have height and weight limits, so it’s best to check the company’s website carefully for these restrictions. It’s also important to remember that in order to take any CRS on an airplane, it must be labeled that it is FAA approved for use on an aircraft. If a CRS does not have this label, it will not be accepted, even if the manufacturer says it’s approved. Labeling is extremely important.
Older Children — European Carriers
Once a child gets older and gains more weight, flying with a child who lacks trunk support can be more difficult. That said, if you plan to travel throughout Europe, you may be able to use the Meru Travel Chair (merushop.org/product/travelchair-enabling-disabled-children-to-fly/).
This seating device is designed for children from 3 to 11 years old, who weight up to 35 kg (77 pounds). It was developed with the support of the UK Civil Aviation Authority and families with disabled children. The chair fits into an airplane seat and has an adjustable headrest, footrest and a body harness that allows for various levels of support. It should be noted that the Meru Travel Chair is designed for an upright airline seat, and once installed the seat cannot recline.
The Meru Travel Chair is approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), but it is not approved by the FAA. And if you do plan to use the Meru Travel Chair, it’s essential to give the airline at least 48 hours notice or more, to make sure that the aircraft can accommodate the seating device.
Older Children — US Carriers
In the US, if you want to use a Meru Travel Chair or any other non-approved CRS, or if your child exceeds the height and weight limits for an approved CRS, you need to file for an FAA exemption.
You will need to file a petition for exemption from section 121.311(b) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-121/subpart-K/section-121.311). This is the section that specifies that “each child aboard an aircraft operated under part 121 must occupy an approved seat with a separate safety belt secured about him or her, and must not exceed the specified weight limit for the restraint system.”
Many exemptions have already been granted for children who lack trunk support. With that in mind, sometimes it helps to look at these granted exemptions to know how to correctly word a request for accommodations. Two well written examples are #7831 (Joseph Castasus) and #9834 (Avery Ottenbreit). Although they are older, many people have successfully patterned their petitions after them.
If your exemption is granted, it’s good for five years and it’s valid on all US airlines. Most exemptions also carry over into adulthood if a child turns 18 before it expires. After a child reaches adulthood, they need to file for an exemption on their own behalf.
The FAA recommends filing an exemption at least 120 days prior to your travel dates; however you’re not required to hold any reservations in order to file for an exemption. There’s no cost to file for an exemption, so it’s worth a shot if you plan on flying with a child who lacks trunk support. For more information about how to file an exemption, visit www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/petition/.
Before You Fly
There are also a few things you need to know about accessible air travel before you head to the airport. First and foremost, know your rights (emerginghorizons.com/the-disabled-air-travelers-bill-of-rights/) under the Air Carrier Access Act. These rules apply to US airlines and to foreign airlines on flights to and from the US. Learn the law, so you know what to expect.
It’s also advisable to check with the airline in advance if you are traveling with a toddler or an older child who uses a CRS, as some small aircraft may not be able to accommodate a larger CRS. Additionally, some seating restrictions — such as no exit row seating — may apply to passengers who travel with a CRS. And it’s always a good idea to give the airline plenty advance notice if you are traveling with an exemption, so there are no surprises or delays at the airport.
Regulations about flying with a CRS vary around the world. Some are more restrictive, while others are more liberal. Copious research is needed for international travel. Never assume that policies will be the same overseas, as they are in the US.
Finally, if you experience an issues about your CRS on a US airline or on flights to and from the US, contact the Complaints Resolution Official (emerginghorizons.com/flying-with-a-wheelchair-remember-the-cro/). This airline employee is specifically trained to resolved access-related issues, and all covered airlines must have a CRO available by phone or in person. The CRO can be your best ally when you run into an access problem.
Barrier-Free Travel National Park Lodges for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Headquartered in Dunedin, Ability Adventures offers a wide variety of accessible New Zealand tours for active wheelchair-users and slow walkers. From fishing and kayaking to paragliding and even bungee jumping, these tours highlight accessible activities throughout the country. Ability Adventures offers customized private tours, which include transportation in an accessible vehicle, a tour guide and accessible accommodations. If you’d prefer to strike out on your own, they can also arrange a self-drive tour with an accessible vehicle, activities and hotels. Equipment rentals and personal care services are also available. For more information, on these accessible New Zealand tours, visit abilityadventures.co.nz, or e-mail info@abilityadventures.co.nz.
Barrier-Free Travel 101 Accessible Vacations Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Getting to and from your vacation destination is one thing, but getting around town without a car — especially if you use a wheelchair — can throw a wrench into even the best laid plans. That is, unless your vacation destination is Portland, Oregon, where accessible and affordable public transportation is abundant and easy to use. So here’s the skinny on how to get around town when you visit Portland in a wheelchair.
Ride the Streetcar
Getting around downtown Portland in a wheelchair is pretty easy, as there are wide sidewalks, plentiful curb-cuts and a fairly level terrain. Add in the Portland Streetcar (portlandstreetcar.org), which runs through the downtown area and connects to nearby business districts, and you have a very accessible way to see the city highlights.
The North – South Line runs from Nob Hill in the north, through the downtown area to the south waterfront; while the A and B loops circle the Lloyd District, Rose Quarter, Pearl District and downtown area. The A Loop runs in a clockwise direction, and the B Loop runs in a counterclockwise direction, so it’s easy to backtrack along the route.
Access is excellent on the Portland Streetcar, as every streetcar has has a ramp-equipped entrance. Boarding is a snap — just press the blue button to deploy the ramp, roll into one of the wheelchair-accessible seating areas and lock your brakes. When the streetcar arrives at your stop, push the blue button to deploy the ramp; and if you run into problems or have an emergency, just use the intercom near the accessible seating area.
Streetcar tickets can be purchased from machines at the platforms or at the Tri-Met ticket office in Pioneer Square. The fare for a 2.5-hour streetcar pass is $2, and the Hop pass (for the city bus) is also good on the streetcar.
Hop on a Bus
Getting around other areas of Portland in a wheelchair is easy too, thanks to the Tri-Met bus line (trimet.org/bus). Tri-Met buses run throughout the downtown area and connect with the Portland Streetcar, as well as offer access to outlying Portland neighborhoods. They are ramp or lift-equipped and many can also kneel, which makes boarding much easier for slow walkers. All buses have priority seating for disabled passengers and wheelchair tie-downs; and the drivers are happy to assist passengers — especially visitors.
If you need the ramp or lift deployed and you disability isn’t obvious, just ask the driver. Drivers are also available to help passengers on and off the the lift, and to secure assistive devices in the tie-downs.
Although Tri-Met buses accept cash, the best deal for visitors is the Hop card, which can be picked up and filled at the Tri-Met ticket office in Pioneer Courthouse Square. A 2.5-hour pass on the Hop card costs $2.80 and a day pass is $5.60 a day. Seniors and disabled passengers get a 50 percent discount, and if you decide to extend your stay in Portland, you can always add more money to your Hop card.
Airport Transfers
Getting to and from the Portland International Airport is easy too, thanks to MAX Rail (trimet.org/max), the city’s light rail system. It also connects downtown Portland with Beaverton, Clackamas, Gresham, Hillsboro, North/Northeast Portland and Milwaukie. And like the rest of Portland’s public transportation, all the MAX Rail lines are wheelchair-accessible.
All MAX Rail trains have accessible boarding areas, which are located in the center of the low-floor cars. The conductor will deploy the ramp for wheelchair-users, but slow walkers can also deploy the ramp by pressing the blue button. The accessible cars all have large accessible seating areas, and a ramp request button next to the doors.
The Hop card is also good on MAX Rail, and it can be purchased or refilled from machines at the station. The MAX Rail Airport Station is located near baggage claim on the lower level
Taxi Tours of Portland in a Wheelchair
Finally, if you’d prefer to just grab a cab, then contact Radio Cab (radiocab.net) for wheelchair-accessible service. Radio Cab offers 24-hour taxi service in lift-equipped vans, throughout the Portland Area. And the fares are the same as standard taxi fares.
Radio Cab also offers accessible day tours of the city with stops at Washington Park, the Rose Gardens, the Japanese Gardens and the Columbia River Gorge. Or if you’d like to get out and do a little wine tasting, Radio Cab can put together a wine tour to the Yamhill Valley and Hood River. And everything is customizable, as you can do as little or as much as you want on a personalized Radio Cab tour.
For more information or to book a Radio Cab call (503) 205-3317. It’s a very accessible way to enjoy all that Portland has to offer.
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Have you ever arrived at a hotel, reservation in hand, only to discover that the hotel gave away your accessible room? Or worse yet, been told by a reservation agent that they cannot reserve a specific accessible room for you? It’s not only frustrating, but it’s also illegal in the US under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). But unfortunately it does happen. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about the law, so you can be a more effective-self advocate.
Block That Room!
As of March 15, 2012, US hotels are required to block accessible guest rooms upon reservation. Blocking means that the property reserves a particular room for a particular guest on a particular date. It’s important to note that a block is not the same thing as a guarantee. A block takes a particular room out of inventory, while a guarantee only refers to the room rate. These regulations are contained in 28 CFR 36.302 (e) (1) in Title III of the ADA (ada.gov/law-and-regs/regulations/title-iii-regulations/#-36302-modifications-in-policies-practices-or-procedures).
Most properties have modern reservation systems that can identify the accessible rooms, and note their features — such as a roll-in shower — so it’s relatively easy to book a specific accessible room online. U.S. properties must also make sure that guests can reserve accessible rooms in the same manner that they can reserve non-accessible rooms. In other words, if you can reserve a non-accessible room on a particular website at midnight, you should also be able to reserve an accessible room in the same manner.
Unfortunately not all properties have their accessible room inventory online or have the ability to block accessible rooms. If you try to reserve a specific accessible room, and the reservation agent says they can’t guarantee that you will get that specific room, then ask to speak to the manager. Then explain your problem and remind the manager that the ADA requires properties to block accessible rooms upon reservation. This will usually get the desired results.
If, on the other hand, the manager doesn’t back down, it’s time to try another property. Frankly if management doesn’t care about access, then it’s highly unlikely that you will even get any type of an accessible room when you arrive. Find another hotel, and then follow through with an ADA Complaint on the first property.
File an ADA Complaint
So when should you file an ADA complaint? Well most definitely file one if a property ever tells you that they can’t block a specific accessible room for you. It’s easy to file an ADA complaint — the form is online at civilrights.justice.gov/report. Make sure and take notes when the event is fresh in your mind, and jot down the names of the people that you dealt with.
It’s also appropriate to file an ADA complaint if you can reserve a standard room on the property website, but are unable to reserve an accessible room there. It’s important to note that you won’t get any compensation as a result of these complaints; however the Depart of Justice may fine the property or require them to update their website or reservation system. In the long run, it will help make things more accessible.
Finally, if you arrive at a property only to find that the hotel gave away your accessible room, you should absolutely file an ADA complaint. The property is also required to find you a comparable room at another property at the same rate. The hotel must pay the difference if the rate at the other property is higher. That doesn’t let them off as far as the Department of Justice is concerned though — take notes and file that ADA complaint when you get home.
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
With the increased popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), more and more charging stations are popping up across the US. The problem is, because it’s a rather new development, these charging stations aren’t specifically addressed in the Americans with Disabilities Act Access Guidelines (ADAAG). In fact they aren’t even covered under any general design standards. But that’s all set to change as the US Access Board recently released their proposed Electric Vehicle Charging Station Regulations; and they are seeking public comments, from end-users, designers and builders on these preliminary regulations. So it’s time to let your voice be heard.
Proposed Electric Vehicle Charging Station Regulations
Even if you don’t use a EV, you still might want to have a look at the proposed regulations, and have your say, because once the regulations are finalized it will be too late. The public comment period is open until November 4, 2024.
And you can be darn sure that the folks that build and design these EV charging stations will certainly have their say; in fact a few of the major players have already voiced their concerns to the US Access Board. One of their concerns is about the “accessible route” to the charging stations. Their claim is that since they lease the space from parking lots and shopping centers, they don’t feel they should have to provide an accessible path of travel to them.
Another issue is size. Space is at a premium, as it’s usually leased and they of course would prefer to have a smaller space The proposed guidelines call for a minimum width of 132 inches and a minimum length of 240 inches with an access aisle. These are larger than standard parking spaces, to allow for access to the charging equipment. Of course the designers want them to be smaller. There would also be no distinction between van accessible spaces and car accessible spaces. Additionally the proposed number of accessible charging spaces will depend on the total number of charging stations.
“Use Last” Model for Accessible Spaces
The US Access Board is also seeking comments about an alternative designation of the accessible charging spaces, in their proposed Electric Vehicle Charging Station Regulations. Specifically they are asking if the “use last model” for accessible charging stations is acceptable. In this model they would require more accessible charging stations, but they would allow everyone to use the accessible spaces if all the other spaces are occupied. The accessible spaces would be labeled with the blue wheelchair pictogram, but it would also include the words “use last”. Under this model, the number of accessible charging spaces would also be increased.
So it would be like accessible bathrooms. They have all the required modifications, and usually have a blue wheelchair on the door, but they can be used by anyone if someone isn’t using it.
That model could lead to a lot of problems. First, there would have to be some sort of education to the public to help them understand the whole “use last” concept; and even then some folks would probably just use the accessible spaces because they were convenient. And to be honest, there’s no real way to enforce it.
Personally, I think it’s a bad idea, as it’s a slippery slope. Look at accessible parking for example. Even with fines, and threatened tows, there’s still an enormous problem with accessible parking abuse. Can you imagine how much worse that would be if you labeled the accessible parking spaces as “use last”?
In any case, I urge you to send your comments in to the access board, to let your voice be heard.
How to Comment
It’s pretty easy to make a public comment on the proposed Electric Vehicle Charging Station Regulations
First off, I encourage you to read a copy of the proposed Electric Vehicle Charging Station Regulations here.
You can make a public comment online at https://www.regulations.gov/document/ATBCB-2024-0001-0001. Click on “comment” to make your comment or “all comments on docket” to read comments that have already been submitted. Sometimes reading other comments can give you an idea of what to say.
Alternatively, you can submit a comment by e-mail at docket@access-board.gov. If you go this route, be sure and include include the docket number –ATBCB-2024-0001– in the subject line of the message.
And finally, you can also submit a comment by postal mail: Office of General Counsel, U.S. Access Board, 1331 F Street NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004-1111. And again, be sure and include Include the docket number — ATBCB-2024-0001– in your correspondence.
But don’t tarry, as the public comment period closes on November 4, 2024. After that they will review the comments and make decisions on the final regulations.
Although there’s no shortage of accessible lodging options in and around Custer State Park (gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park/), there’s something to be said for foregoing the creature comforts and spending the night in a a more natural setting. That doesn’t mean you have to rough it though. Quite the contrary, as these wheelchair-accessible camping cabins at Custer State Park offer a number of modern amenities. And you just can’t beat the location — just a few miles north of the West Entrance to Wildlife Loop Drive in the Blue Bell Campground.
Have you ever arrived at a hotel, reservation in hand, only to discover that the hotel gave away your accessible room? Or worse yet, been told by a reservation agent that they cannot reserve a specific accessible room for you? It’s not only frustrating, but it’s also illegal in the US under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). But unfortunately it does happen. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about the law, so you can be a more effective-self advocate.