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.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism recently launched the Adaptive Sportsmen of Kansas (ASK) program in order to ensure that hunters and anglers with disabilities have better access to outdoor areas. Made possible with support from Bushnell Optics and the National Wild Turkey Federation, this program provides track chairs on a first-come basis at pre-approved events and conservation-based activities throughout the state. These Action Trackchairs are outfitted with tank tracks instead of wheels and are controlled by a joystick. They are also equipped with a four-point harness, a gun mount, a fishing rod holder, a LED headlight and a utility box for extra storage. For more information about events and activities that will have track chairs available, contact ASK Program Coordinator Jessica Rice at (913) 278-2362 or Jess.rice@ks.gov. And for more information about this Kansas track chair program, visit ksoutdoors.com/Outdoor-Activities/Track-Chairs-ASK-Program.
If you’re planning a trip to Greece, then check out the comprehensive list of wheelchair-accessible Greece tours and shore excursions and accessible services available from Athens-based Care Under the Sun (www.careundersun.com). Day tour offerings include everything from an Athens food tour and Santorini wine tour, to a Rhodes old town excursion and even a visit to Cape Sounion. These wheelchair-accessible Greece tours include transportation in lift-equipped vans and knowledgeable tour guides; and many can also be done as shore excursions with transportation to and from cruise ships. And if you’d like something a little more active, then try one of their accessible diving and snorkeling day tours.
Care Under the Sun can also arrange for accessible hotels, airport transfers and accessible van rentals. Additionally, they conduct several accessible Greece group tours throughout the year. They can also make arrangements for dialysis treatments and medical equipment rentals. And if you need assistance, they can provide a personal care assistant or nurse. For more information about their accessible Greece tours, contact Care under the Sun at +30 6944319506 or info@careundersun.com.
Flying with a wheelchair for the first time can seem pretty intimidating. That said, it doesn’t have to be. As they say, knowledge is power, and in this case that knowledge comes from the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Not only does this legislation spell out the rules of accessible air travel in the US, but it also covers air travel for foreign airlines on direct flights to and from the US. Additionally it mandates an on-site problem solver for accessible air travel problems. This problem solver is called the Complaints Resolution Official, or the CRO for short. So before your next flight, it pays to learn about the ACAA and the CRO. Not only will this help you know what to expect when you fly, but it will also give you a valuable resource should things go wrong.
Learn the Law — The ACAA
Many people incorrectly believe that air travel in the US is covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It is not. It is covered under the ACAA, which actually predates the ADA. And it specifically lays out the rules for accessible air travel on US airlines, as well for foreign airlines on flights to and from the US.
And the good news is that this piece of legislation is written in a user-friendly format. In other words it’s not a jumble of legal terms and phrases, but instead it’s presented as a series of questions and answers about accessible air travel. It covers everything from airport assistance and boarding, to seating, wheelchair stowage and even wheelchair damage. And the best thing that you can do to prepare yourself for your flight is to read the ACAA in it’s entirety at www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-D/part-382
Reading this legislation is especially important if it’s your first time flying with a wheelchair. Why? Because it will give you a good idea of what to expect when you get to the airport, board the airplane and even arrive at your destination. And once you know what to expect, you will also know when something is going wrong. That’s when the CRO comes into play.
Ask for the CRO — Your Problem Solver
The ACAA also mandates that covered airlines must have a CRO on duty during their operating hours. They can have the CRO available in person or by phone, but they do have to be available when someone requests one. These employees know the ACAA and they have the power to solve problems on the spot. They have the power to overrule every other airline employee — including third party contractors — except the captain of the aircraft.
Once you know the rules for accessible air travel, you will also know when something isn’t going according to the rules. And that’s when you need to speak up for yourself. For example, if an airline employee says that wheelchair-users are not allowed to have aisle seats, and instead insists that you have to sit by the window, then you need to ask for the CRO. In this case, it would first be a good idea to first tell the airline employee that under the ACAA, the only place a wheelchair-user can’t sit is the emergency exit row. And if you still get push back, ask to speak to the CRO.
Now if the airline employee doesn’t know who or what the CRO is, ask to speak to a supervisor. The supervisor definitely knows who the CRO is, and in fact they may even be a CRO. Sometimes inexperienced employees don’t know about the CRO, so don’t be afraid to work your way up the chain of command.
It’s also a good idea to bookmark the ACAA, so you will have easy access to it when you travel. Then if you run into something questionable, you can easily pull it up and show it to the airline employee. Sometimes that works, but in the end the CRO is your best source for immediate resolution.
File an Official Complaint
Although the CRO is the person that can help solve your access related problems on the spot, there are a few more things you should do if you encounter difficulties when you are flying with a wheelchair. Of course first and foremost, you need to address the issue at hand, and try to get it solved by the CRO. But there are also a few more things that you should do when you return home.
First off, file an official complaint with the airline, especially if there was some damage done to your wheelchair or other assistive device. Address the issue and ask for appropriate compensation. When an access-related complaint is filed directly with the airline, they are required to track the resolution and report back to the Department of Transportation (DOT). It should be noted this is the only way to receive monetary damages from an airline, short of going to court.
Finally, it’s also a good idea to file an official ACAA complaint with the DOT after you return. This will not help solve your problem, nor will it get you any monetary compensation, but it could result in airline fines by the DOT. The DOT looks at patterns and if it gets numerous complaints on the same airline about the same thing, it may issue fines to the airlines involved. And remedial training is usually also required when an airline is fined. Although an ACAA complaint won’t benefit you personally it may help effect change and make air travel more accessible for everyone. And it’s easy to do on this online form — secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint.
So the next time you encounter problems when flying with a disability, make sure you take all of these measures to remedy the problem.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Located near Whitehall, Montana, Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park (fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lewis-and-clark-caverns/) is named for the famous explorers, even though the closest the duo ever got to their namesake caves was the Jefferson River, some 1,400 feet below. Although the caverns are a definite highlight of the park, visitors can also enjoy the scenic drive up the mountain, and spend the night in a comfortable camping cabin at the park campground. And although caves can be problematic for people with mobility issues, some wheelchair-users and slow walkers may be able to manage a portion of the tour of this 350 million year-old cavern.
Enjoy the Drive
The best place to begin your visit to Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is at the main visitor center, which is located near the park entrance. There’s accessible parking in the large lot and level access to the building. Inside there’s ample room to maneuver a wheelchair or scooter through the galleries. Pick up a park map and learn a little bit about the geology, flora and fauna in the park.
From the main visitor center it’s about a three-mile drive to the top of the mountain, where the Cave Visitor Center is located. It’s also the starting point for the cavern tours. Take your time to stop along the way to enjoy the view from the numerous pullouts. And even if you don’t have time to stop, there are some great windshield views, going in both directions.
If you’d like to enjoy lunch al fresco, there are also a few options along the drive. The first picnic area is located close to the bottom. It features accessible parking, an accessible vault toilet, and a do-able pathway to some of the closer picnic tables. Up the road, the next picnic area has a level unstriped parking area, and level access over to several picnic tables. The remainder of the tables are located down some steps and over a bridge. And finally, there’s Vista Point. Although there are steps down to the viewing platform, there’s level access over to two shaded tables near the level parking area.
Explore the Caverns
Up at the top of the mountain, there’s accessible parking in front of the visitor center, with ramp access up to it. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the historic stone building is well preserved, and includes the original fireplace. The walls are lined with vintage photos, and there’s also a movie that’s shown throughout the day about the development of the caverns. There’s a cafe and gift shop across the parking lot, with accessible parking nearby.
Cave tour tickets are available at the kiosk next to the visitor center. Tours are only available from May 1 to September 30. Of the tour offerings, the Paradise Tour is the most accessible choice. The 1.5-hour tour requires about a mile of walking or rolling. Unlike the Classic Tour, which includes 600 stairs and a number of tight spaces, this tour is level, with the exception of about 15 steps at the end. The cavern entrance is about a quarter-mile away from the visitor center on a dirt trail covered in crushed granite.
Once inside, a 538-foot tunnel leads over to the Grand Finale Room, which contains an impressive collection of stalactites, stalagmites and columnar formations. Despite the name it’s not the end of the tour, but it’s the farthest that wheelchair-users can go. From there, several staircases with 3-4 steps each lead over to the Paradise Room, which is the official end of the tour. There are railings on the stairs, but the ground is wet. If you can’t do the stairs, you’ll just have to enjoy the Grand Finale Room while the rest of the group visits the Paradise Room. Still the formations are beautiful in the Grand Finale Room, and you can roll around and get a closer look after the crowd moves on.
Spend the Night
If you’d like to spend the night in Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, there are several accessible campground options. At the top of the list are the three accessible camping cabins. There’s parking on a level cement pad next to the Morrison Cabin, with an accessible pathway to the front door. It’s furnished with a 27-inch high double bed, and a bunk bed with a 19-inch high lower bunk. There’s also a table and four chairs, some clothing hooks, a mirror and a night stand. Outside there’s an accessible picnic table on a cement pad, a standard grill and a water spigot. This cabin also has electricity.
There’s level access to the nearby shower house, which includes an accessible toilet stall with grab bars, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, a lowered control and an accessible pay slot. There’s also a small corner seat in the shower and a slatted bench in the dressing area.
The Smith Cabin and the Woodward Cabin are also accessible, but the Smith Cabin lacks a cement parking space, and both cabins are missing picnic table pads. They are also closer to the other campsites, and lack the privacy of the Morrison Cabin.
Accessible campsite E3 includes a cement parking pad, an accessible table, a raised fire ring and a level tent space. There’s a level sidewalk to the shower house, and it’s the only campsite with electricity. Proof of disability — such as a parking placard — is required to occupy this site.
Finally, the Peregrine Tent is ramped and includes four cots and a small table. There’s also a raised fire ring and a standard table on the grass in front of the unit. It’s not close to the restrooms, and not rated as accessible like the cabins, but it may be doable for some folks.
An avid South Carolina hunter, Jacob Beisecker had long dreamed about hunting big game out west. A bucket list item for many hunters, this dream trip seemed out of reach for Beisecker, a T11/L2 incomplete paraplegic. Says Jacob, “I knew that logistically and financially it (the hunt) would be a challenge.” Then after a few Google searches he stumbled upon Wyoming Disabled Hunters (WDH), which offers free accessible hunting expeditions. “When I found that my injury qualified me to participate with WDH it was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up,” recalls Beisecker. Although he wasn’t selected in the first draw of applicants, one hunter subsequently dropped out and Jacob was notified in late July that he was selected to fill the open slot. And so his big game hunting adventure began.
Wyoming Disabled Hunters
Based in Cody, WDH (wyomingdisabledhunters.org) has been providing affordable hunts for disabled hunters since 2009. Their first disabled hunting adventure consisted of just four deer hunters, but today they usually accommodate 20 hunters a year at their elk, mule deer and antelope hunts. And according to Terry Skinner, WDH President, they have 91% success rate overall, and a 100% success rate in the past two years.
The first WDH hunt takes place in mid-September and it’s open to antelope hunters; while the second hunt includes deer hunters and some elk hunters in the last week of October. Says Skinner, “WDH utilizes consistent areas through generous permission from private landowners allowing WDH to hunt their lands. We go to great lengths ahead of time to understand each hunter’s disabilities and everything they may need to be successful.”
WDH provides complimentary accommodations, meals and guides for the hunters. The hunters must foot the bill for transportation to Cody, arrange for their own personal care and pay for incidentals. WDH also covers meat processing costs for elk and deer.
Additional financial assistance based on need may also be available for transportation to Cody. A financial assistance application can be found on the WDH website during the open application window. Says Skinner, ” Assistance includes reimbursement for a portion of motel costs (while traveling), and a rate/mile, or plane flight costs.” This is all in line with WDH’s mission statement, to provide an affordable hunt for disabled hunters.
The Accommodations
Snow covered landscape outside Cody
Jacob and his fellow hunters were housed at the Bull Moose Retreat, a VRBO property that borders BLM land. The eight bedroom house includes ramp access and a bathroom with a roll-in shower. It sits on 35 acres surrounded by the Carter Mountains, with plenty of hunting locations nearby. And according to Jacob they all had their own rooms, with plenty of space to spread out.
Jacob’s group included six wheelchair users (two quads and two paras) as well as two hunters with low vision. Their disabled hunting adventure included airport transfers as well as transportation to the hunting sites. The guides also provided the hunters with assistance, whenever needed.
All meals were included in the package. They were prepared by WDH volunteers and served family style in the large dining room at Bull Moose Retreat. Says Jacob, “Everything is top notch with WDH and they have contacts with great landowners who have properties with incredible hunting opportunities. They can handle just about anyone with a mobility challenge so definitely sign up and give it a try if it’s something you’re interested in!”
The Hunt
Jacob and his harvest
Jacob’s cousin from Indiana also joined him on the hunt, for camaraderie and to help out whenever needed. The first day was a range day, just to make sure everyone was comfortable with their firearms. Adds Jacob, “That evening my guide took us out to do some scouting from the truck to try and figure out where we should start the next morning.”
The three-day hunt began early the next day when they hit the road with their guide. And after a bit of scouting, the hunt began in earnest. Recalls Jacob, “We had ‘shoot from vehicle permits’ and you only had to get 30 feet — I believe — off the main roadway; so we were able to utilize some of the roads through the ranches to get in close enough to shoot from the truck. After a few close calls, I finally sealed the deal and took my mule deer buck on the first evening.”
After he harvested his buck, the guide transported him on a deer sled over to the kill site, so he could take photos with his prize. Says Jacob, “It took several people to make it happen but I’m so glad they put hunts like these on, and have such awesome volunteers and guides willing to do anything you need.”
The majority of the hunters in Jacob’s group filled their tags on the first day, and everyone tagged out at the end of the hunt. “We easily saw hundreds to thousands of deer a day and that’s just something I’ve never seen in my life before,” says Jacob. Jacob and his cousin also got to visit the Buffalo Bill Museum and Yellowstone National Park. And they helped some of their fellow hunters out in the scouting department.
The Application Process
If you’d like to take part in a disabled hunting adventure of your own, the first thing you need to do is apply. Applications are available on the WDH website beginning on December 1. The application period runs through January 25.
Applicants must also obtain a Wyoming Disabled Hunter Permit in order to to participate in WDH hunts. To be eligible, you must have one of the following conditions, which must be certified by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, or a personal physician.
At least a 70% service connected disability
Permanently unable to walk without a mobility device
Lung disease
Cardiac condition
Physical disability that prevents applicant from holding or shooting a firearm
Visual acuity that does not exceed 20/200
More information about the permit can be found at https://wgfd.wyo.gov/media/129/download?inline. There is no charge for the permit, and a Shoot From a Vehicle Permit is also included with the Wyoming Disabled Hunter Permit.
Applications to participate in WDH hunts are available on the WDH website. And if you have any questions or concerns you can contact Terry Skinner at tkskinner25@outlook.com or (307) 250-3771.
Once the application is complete, the selection process is pretty simple. Says Skinner, “We always receive more applications than available spots. We first confirm all the applicants online application information is complete and then we simply perform a random draw for the primary hunter list. We also draw alternate hunters just in case anyone from the primary list has to decline their hunts later on.”
These hunts are really a once in a lifetime experience, so make plans to apply now. Says Jacob, “It’s definitely a must-do and they are all some of the nicest, most accommodating people! Definitely apply and give it a shot if it’s something you’re interested in.”
