Candy B. Harrington

About Candy B. Harrington

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.

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edge-of-the-cedars-pueblo

Edge of the Cedars State Park — A Must See in Southeastern Utah

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Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum

Named for its unique location, Edge of the Cedars State Park (stateparks.utah.gov/parks/edge-of-the-cedars is a hidden gem in a state filled with natural beauty. In fact it’s easy to miss if you are zipping down Highway 191 from Canyonlands and heading over to Monument Valley. This Blanding attraction is a must-see, as not only does it boast an impressive collection of Ancestral Puebloan pottery; but it also includes a partially excavated Puebloan village. And the diversity of the artifacts is only surpassed by the accessibility of the site for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

Edge of the Cedars — The Museum

Pottery from the Four Corners in the Edge of the Cedars Museum

There’s accessible parking near the front entrance of the museum, with a level sidewalk that winds past a sculpture garden to the front door. Take some time to linger on in the garden and enjoy the pieces that were inspired by rock art. Inside there’s level access to the front desk, gift shop, accessible restrooms and gallery space, and elevator access up the second floor. For a good primer on the site, be sure and watch the 15-minute movie in the adjacent adjacent auditorium, which features barrier-free access and plenty of room for wheelchairs and scooters.

The downstairs gallery includes rotating exhibits, but the upstairs gallery houses the real gems. The Puebloan Pathways exhibit features interpretive panels that outline the different styles of housing, masonry and crops, and includes a time lime of the rise and fall of the civilization. And there’s a good sampling of pottery, baskets, dart tips and other items that were excavated in Southeastern Utah. The Visible Storage exhibit, which is behind glass, showcases some of the prized artifacts including a large collection of Ancestral Puebloan pottery and an impressive macaw feather sash that dates back to 1150 AD.

There’s also an entire room devoted to artifacts that were unearthed at the Edge of the Cedars Pueblo. Actually there were several villages that were superimposed on one another that occupied the site from 800 AD to 1225 AD. Part of the pueblo has been excavated, but the rest will remain intact out of respect for the descendants of the Ancestral Puebloans. And if you’d like to get a good overview of the site, there’s also ramp access up to a viewpoint with a large window.

Edge of the Cedars — The Pueblo

Pueblo at the Edge of the Cedars State Park

There’s level access to the ruins out back, with a sidewalk out to the great house and kiva. The sidewalk circles the excavated structures, and although you can’t go inside the great house, you can certainly get a good view from the sidewalk. Visitors are allowed to access the kiva, but that requires stepping up on the structure and climbing down a ladder. Still the ruins are impressive, and there are a number of interpretive panels explaining the significance of the structures. All in all, it’s about a quarter-mile level walk around the pueblo, but if that distance is a problem, you can do a shorter out-and-back hike.

Don’t miss the Sun Marker sculpture by Joe Pathak, which is located down a 300-foot dirt path near the kiva. This is a modern interpretation of prehistoric archeoastronomy sites that were found in the southwest, and it’s designed to interact with the sun. Throughout the year sunlight shines through the cutouts on the sculpture and casts shadows and images on other parts of the sculpture. No two days are ever the same, so you can see it many times and it will seem like an entirely different piece.

Edge of the Cedars State Park also makes a good lunch stop. There’s sidewalk access over to a covered picnic area with accessible picnic tables near the front parking lot. It’s a great way to top off a visit to this one-of-a kind Southeastern Utah archaeological find.

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rocky-mountain

All Terrain Wheelchair in Rocky Mountain National Park

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Rocky Mountain National Park

Thanks to a generous donation from the Sam Schneider Legacy Foundation, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy now has a GRIT Freedom Wheelchair to loan visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park. Initially the Foundation offered this all-terrain wheelchair to former Conservancy employee Quinn Brett, who sustained a spinal cord injury while climbing in Yosemite. Brett told the foundation that she would rather let as many people as possible have access to the all terrain wheelchair, and suggested that it be donated to the Conservancy. So now more people can use this all terrain wheelchair in Rocky Mountain National Park.

GRIT Freedom Chair

The donated GRIT Freedom Chair has two standard wheels on the sides of the seat, and a smaller wheel in front of the chair. It can be operated independently with the lever handles on each side of the seat. Alternatively, a companion can use the push handles on the back to propel the chair. Not only will the GRIT Freedom Chair navigate the accessible trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, but it’s also built to tackle rugged backcountry trails.

The all terrain wheelchair in Rocky Mountain National Park is housed at the Estes Park Mountain Shop at 2050 Big Thompson Avenue in Estes Park. There is no charge to use the wheelchair, which can be reserved by calling (970) 586-6548. For safety purposes it’s recommended that all terrain wheelchair-users hike with a companion, and that folks bring along plenty of water, sunscreen, insect repellent and snacks. And don’t forget extra medication, in case there is a delay returning to Estes Park. Additionally, users must be able to transfer to the all terrain wheelchair independently, or with assistance from a companion.

And thanks to the generosity of Estes Park resident Brian Keapplinger, more all terrain wheelchairs will be available in the future. Says Zach Zehr of Estes Park Mountain Shop, “He’s reached out to us to extend the inventory of mobility chairs, for when people come to us and say, ‘Hey, we’d love to use this but it’s already on reservation.’”
For more information about the all terrain wheelchair in Rocky Mountain National Park, visit www.estesparkmountainshop.com/summer-rentals

 

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Ride the Free Glacier National Park Shuttle

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Free glacier National Park Shuttle

Even with vehicle reservations required in Glacier National Park (emerginghorizons.com/national-park-entrance-reservations-required-in-2024/) the summer traffic along Going-to-the-Sun Road can get pretty congested. In fact, the parking lot at Logan Pass usually fills up by 10 AM. There is an alternate solution though. Ride the free wheelchair-accessible Glacier National Park shuttle. The Glacier National Park shuttles run from July 1 to Labor Day; and on a limited basis for the first few weeks in September. And even though there may be a slight wait for the next bus, you won’t waste your time passing by scenic viewpoints or searching for parking places. It’s the smart way to visit Glacier National Park.

The Basics

Do you need a vehicle entrance reservation in order to ride the shuttle? It depends on where you begin. Shuttles depart from the Apgar Visitor Center on the west, and the St. Mary Visitor Center on the east. The Apgar Visitor Center is inside the west entrance reservation checkpoint (the West Entrance), while the St. Mary Visitor Center is outside of the entrance reservation checkpoint (Rising Sun). So although you will need a vehicle entrance reservation to access the Glacier National Park Shuttle from the west, you won’t need one if you begin your journey on the east, at the St. Mary Visitor Center.

Visitors have two shuttle choices. They can take the regular shuttle which stops at points along the way, and offers transfer service to the entire length of Going-to-the-Sun Road; or opt for the express service which offers nonstop service from the east and west sides to and from Logan Pass.

Take the Glacier National Park Shuttle

The regular Glacier National Park Shuttle runs seven days a week, from 8 AM to 7 PM.

The west side route runs from Apgar Visitor Center to Logan Pass and includes the following stops.

Lake McDonald Lodge
  • Sprague Creek Campground
  • Lake McDonald Lodge
  • Avalanche Creek (transfer point)
  • The Loop

The east side route runs from the Saint Mary Visitor Center to Logan Pass with the following stops.

Picnic area at Sun Point
  • Rising Sun
  • Rising Sun Boat Dock
  • Sun Point (transfer point)
  • Sunrift Gorge
  • Saint Mary Falls
  • Jackson Glacier Overlook
  • Siyeh Bend

It is possible to traverse the entire length of Going-to-the-Sun Road on the regular shuttle; however you will have to transfer three times. The transfer points and approximate length of the journey are listed below.

St Mary Visitor Center
  • Apgar Visitor Center – Avalanche Creek (30 minutes)
  • Avalanche Creek – Logan Pass (50 minutes)
  • Logan Pass – Sun Point (30 minutes)
  • Sun Point – St. Mary Visitor Center (20 minutes)

There can be a 10 to 40 minute wait between buses, depending on the crowds. Again, the crowds increase later in the day.

Alternatively, a morning express shuttle runs from both sides of the park to Logan Pass, with no stops along the way. The express shuttle departs from Apgar Visitor Center from 7 AM to 8:30 AM; and from Saint Mary Visitor Center from 8 AM to 8:45 AM. The express shuttle only operates from July 1 to Labor Day.

It’s important to remember that the last shuttle departs from Logan Pass at 7 PM. That said if you are in line at 7 PM and the bus is full, rest assured you will be accommodated on another bus. Best bet is to try and get back to your starting point earlier in the day, to avoid that last minute rush.

Wheelchair-Accessible Activities Along the Way

Of course the best way to enjoy the day on Going-to-the-Sun Road is to pack a picnic lunch and stop at some of the wheelchair-accessible trails and viewpoints along the route. A few of the most accessible Glacier National Park shuttle stops are listed below, along with a some wheelchair-accessible activities to make the most of your visit.

Lake McDonald Lodge

Lake McDonald dock

Enjoy a cruise on Lake McDonald through the Glacier Park Boat Company (www.glacierparkboats.com). The boat features ramp access, but some power wheelchair-users may have a problem accessing the bow space if they can’t make a tight 90-degree turn.

Avalanche Creek

Trail of the Cedars

Hike the accessible Trail of the Cedars, which begins near the campground and winds .8 miles through the woods.

The Loop

This viewpoint offers a scenic view of Heavens Peak, from the paved overlook in the upper parking area or near the accessible parking spot in the lower area.

Logan Pass

Logan Pass

Don’t miss the quarter-mile paved interpretive path behind the visitor center!

Jackson Glacier Overlook

View from the Jackson Glacier Overlook

One of the best spots along Going-to-the-Sun Road for an accessible glacier view.

Sun Point

A nice lunch stop. There are several accessible picnic tables sheltered by a small grove of trees.

Rising Sun Boat Dock

Rising Sun boat dock

The Glacier Park Boat Company also offers a St. Mary Lake cruise that may work for some slow walkers. There is a step down to board the boat, but employees are on hand to assist with boarding. Manual wheelchair-users can stay in their chairs for the length of the 1.5-hour cruise.

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A Wheelchair-Accessible Yosemite Rail Excursion

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A Wheelchair-Accessible Yosemite Rail Excursion

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Valley View in Yosemite National Park

Although there’s no train station in Yosemite National Park, with a little advance planning it is possible to plan a wheelchair-accessible Yosemite rail excursion. Here’s what you need to know to ride the rails to Yosemite National Park.

Hop Aboard Amtrak

Amtrak San Joaquins

The best way to take a wheelchair-accessible Yosemite rail excursion is to hop aboard Amtrak’s San Joaquins. This route runs through the Central Valley from Oakland to Bakersfield, and offers Thruway bus connections from Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Francisco. The train also stops in Emeryville, Richmond, Martinez, Antioch, Lodi, Stockton, Modesto, Denair, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Hanford, Corcoran and Wasco. And it’s easy to transfer to Yosemite via YARTS at the Merced Amtrak Station.

All Amtrak trains feature ramp or lift boarding, wheelchair-accessible seating and large accessible restrooms. Wheelchair-users can remain in their own wheelchair or transfer to a coach seat for the journey. The San Joaquins can accommodate manual and power wheelchairs up to a maximum width of 29.5 inches, and an occupied weight of up to 600 pounds. Amtrak Thruway buses are accessible with 48 hours advance notice. Special accessibility requests can be submitted at www.amtrak.com/contact-us/email.html (click on accessibility request) at least 72 hours prior to travel, or by calling (800) 872-7245. On-the-spot accessibility requests can usually be accommodated if they do not present a safety issue.

The San Joaquins route features coach seating, free WI-FI, and food for sale on board. Amtrak offers a 10% discount to passengers with a disability and one companion. For more information about Amtrak’s San Joaquins route, visit www.amtrak.com/san-joaquins-train.

Take YARTS to Yosemite

YARTS bus in Yosemite Valley

Passengers who want to take a wheelchair-accessible Yosemite rail excursion should buy a round- trip Amtrak ticket to Merced. It’s about a three-hour trip from Oakland, and a two-hour trip from Bakersfield; plus an additional, 3.5-hour Thruway bus connection from Bakersfield to Los Angeles. Although Amtrak has partnered with YARTS to provide a bus connection from the Merced Amtrak Station to Yosemite, wheelchair-users should book this segment of the journey directly with YARTS to insure accessibility.

All YARTS buses feature lifts and accessible seating; however since accessible seating is limited, access cannot be guaranteed unless you purchase an advance ticket at yarts.com. It’s also important to note on your Amtrak reservation that wheelchair-accessible seating is required. Alternately, call (877) 989-2787 at least 48 hours in advance to secure an accessible seat. Additionally, reduced fares are available to people with a disability and seniors over 62 years old.

The Highway 140 YARTS route runs from the Merced Amtrak Station to Yosemite Valley with stops in Catheys Valley, Mariposa, Midpines and El Portal. Stops in Yosemite Valley include the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, Yosemite Valley Lodge and Curry Village. This route runs year-round, and it takes 2.5 hours to get from the Merced Amtrak station to Yosemite Valley.

The Highway 140 YARTS route is an excellent choice for folks with lodging reservations at Yosemite Valley Lodge or Curry Village; however this route also stops at accessible properties outside of the park. Two excellent accessible lodging choices on the route are the Yosemite Bug and AutoCamp Yosemite.

The Yosemite Bug (www.yosemitebug.com/) is located in Midpines and features a large wheelchair-accessible guest room with a roll-in shower. Located nearby, AutoCamp Yosemite (autocamp.com/location/yosemite/) offers wheelchair-accessible accommodations in custom designed luxury travel trailers. And both properties have daily YARTS connections to the national park.

Getting Around Yosemite

Yosemite Shuttle

Passengers who take a wheelchair-accessible Yosemite rail excursion have several options to get around the park. First and foremost is the free Yosemite shuttle system.

There are currently two shuttle routes in the valley — the Valleywide Shuttle and the East Valley Shuttle. The former stops at Yosemite Valley lodges, campgrounds, restaurants and trailheads, while the latter calls on Yosemite Village, Curry Village, the Pines Campgrounds and the eastern Yosemite Valley trailheads. All shuttle buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and tie-downs, and can accommodate wheelchairs up to 24 inches wide and 46 inches long. The lifts have a weight limit of 750 pounds.

Aramark (www.travelyosemite.com) — a Yosemite lodging concessionaire — also operates several tours. The popular Valley Floor Tour is conducted in an open-air tram and offers good views of the surrounding landscape. Although not all trams are accessible, wheelchair-users can request a lift-equipped one with 48 hours notice. And if you’d like to explore more of the park, opt for four-hour Glacier Point Tour or the day-long Yosemite Grand Tour. Accessible buses for these tours are also available with 48 hours advance notice.

Finally, if you’d like to get a little exercise, then rent a handcycle at the bike stands at Yosemite Valley Lodge or Curry Village and explore the 12 miles of bicycle paths in Yosemite Valley. Most of the bicycle paths are wheelchair-accessible except for a short patch near Housekeeping Camp.

So leave the car at home, and get out and ride the rails to Yosemite National Park. It’s a fun and wheelchair-accessible way to travel.

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Found Animals Foundation from Los Angeles, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Flying With a Service Animal? Here’s What You Need to Know

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Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), US airlines are required to accept service animals on all their flights. Additionally, foreign air carriers are required to accept service animals on all flights to and from the US. Psychiatric service animals are treated the same as service animals under the ACAA. Additionally, after the ACAA update in 2021, airlines are no longer required to accommodate emotional support animals. They are now treated as pets and are subject to pet rules and additional charges. So here’s what you need to know about flying with a service animal.

What is a Service Animal?

Under the law, a service animal is defined as a dog that is trained to do a specific task or tasks for a person with a disability.  Miniature horses are no longer accepted under the ACAA. And under no circumstances are US airlines required to accept unusual species, such as snakes, other reptiles, ferrets, rodents and spiders. Foreign carriers, that fly to and from the US are also required to accept dogs as service animals.

Service animals must be at least four months old; and air carriers are not required to accept service animals in training. There are no breed or weight restrictions; and although most passengers only travel with one service animal, two are allowed if they perform different tasks for the passenger. Additionally, airlines cannot restrict the number of service animals on any flight.

What Documentation is Required?

Airlines can require passengers flying with a service animal to submit DOT designed forms that attest to the service animal’s health, behavior and training. Additionally they can require attestation that the service animal will not need to relieve itself, or can relieve itself in a sanitary manner, on flights over eight hours. This documentation must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure.

Although most airlines process these DOT forms seamlessly on their own websites, a few use  third-party vendors to accomplish this task. And although the same 48-hour advance notice is required, sometimes it’s difficult for third-party vendors to process the forms within this time frame. Check the airline website and allow yourself plenty of extra time if they use a third-party vendor.

Airline personnel are also allowed to seek credible verbal assurance from passengers that they have a disability and require a service animal. If the passenger’s disability is not apparent, airline personnel may question the passenger to determine their need for a service animal, even if the animal has a harness, tag or vest. And finally, if the airline refuses to accept an animal as a service animal, they must explain the reason, and provide written documentation of that decision within 10 days.

Additional Documentation Beginning August 1, 2024

Beginning August 1, 2024 any dog entering the US (including service animals) must also meet the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requirements. All dogs must:

  • Be at least six months old
  • Be healthy and disease-free
  • Have an ISO-compatible microchip
  • Have a U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form (completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian) or USDA -endorsed export certificate
  • Have a completed CDC Import Form receipt

Dogs entering the US must receive the rabies vaccine at least 28 days before entry.  It’s recommended that handlers carry duplicate copies of all forms, in case border agents need to retain a copy. Additionally, if a dog is deemed to have a contagious disease by border agents, then additional testing, examination and isolation may be required at the owner’s expense.

These requirements are for animals that are visiting or returning from rabies-free countries. There are additional requirements for animals coming from high-risk rabies countries. For more information about the CDC requirements, visit https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/enter-the-us.html.

In the Air

Passengers who fly with service animals are allowed to preboard the aircraft; and the service animal must remain tethered and under the passenger’s control for the entire flight.

Passengers who fly with a service animal are guaranteed bulkhead seating under the ACAA; however they are permitted to sit anywhere on the aircraft, except the emergency exit rows. The service animal must not obstruct the aisle or other areas that must remain clear under FAA safety rules. Additionally, the service animal must fit in the handler’s lap or in their foot space, and it must not encroach on another passengers space. If this is a problem, the airline must allow the handler and the service animal to move to another seat where the animal can be accommodated; however they are not required to upgrade the passenger.

Last but not least, service animals must behave appropriately aboard the aircraft, which is usually not an issue for properly trained service animals. And when the airplane lands, airlines are required to provide service animal relief areas for passengers with a service animal. For more information about the updated ACAA that went into effect in 2021, visit https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-D/part-382

Other Considerations

Last but not least, it’s important to understand that most foreign countries also have  specific health requirements for all animals — including service animals — that enter the country. This is in addition to any DOT requirements for service animals. For example, even though the DOT forms require information about the animal’s rabies vaccination status, an additional health certificate may be required at the port of entry. Every country is different, and these requirements  change often.  For more information on specific country requirements, visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/take-pet-to-foreign-country. Do your research and plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

 

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Wheelchair-Accessible Denali National Park

Wheelchair-Accessible Denali National Park

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Denali National Park

Located about 240 miles north of Anchorage and 120 miles south of Fairbanks, Denali National Park (www.nps.gov/dena/index.htm) is one of the crown jewels of the 49th State. One of Alaska’s eight national parks, Denali occupies just over six million acres of wild land bisected by a seasonal road. And if all that sounds a bit rugged for your taste, rest assured it is possible to plan a wheelchair-accessible Denali visit. Granted, scaling the 20,310 namesake mountain may not be on your to-do list; however the park also offers a nice selection of wheelchair-accessible trails, attractions and tours suitable for non-mountaineering visitors.

Getting There

A top concern about a wheelchair-accessible Denali National Park visit is actually getting to the park. Although there’s no airport there, Denali is easily accessible by rail and car. The peak visit time is from late May through early September, but that’s primarily because of the train schedules and the unpredictable weather. Still if you have a vehicle, and a bit of a sense of adventure, late spring and fall can also be beautiful times to enjoy Mother Nature’s majesty in Denali.

Alaska Railroad

Daily train service is available from Anchorage and Fairbanks on Alaska Railroad’s (www.alaskarailroad.com) Denali Star during the summer months. The northbound train departs from Anchorage, and takes three hours to get to Denali. It stops in Wasilla and Talkeetna along the way. The southbound Fairbanks to Denali nonstop route takes four hours to get to Denali. And the good news is, all the stations include lift boarding, and the GoldStar Dome Cars feature elevator access, accessible seating and accessible lavatories downstairs. Additionally, most of the major cruise lines also offer cruise tour packages that include a Denali stop, on their own accessible railcars.

If you’d prefer to drive, accessible rental vans are available in Anchorage from Alaska Mobility (www.alaskamobility.com). After you pick up your van, just hop on The George Parks Highway (Highway 3). Also designated as a National Scenic Byway, this well traveled route runs between Fairbanks and Anchorage, and offers access to the park. The drive on this well maintained paved road is doable in a day from Anchorage; but plan for extra time as there’s no shortage of viewpoints and roadside stops along the way. And for information on places to stop en route, visit themilepost.com, an excellent Alaska road trip resource.

Wheelchair-Accessible Denali Shuttles

Accessible shuttle bus

Another wheelchair-accessible Denali feature is the free accessible shuttle bus system. After the winter snow is cleared in late spring, the road into Denali National Park is open to private vehicles to the Savage River area. Transportation further into the park is only available from concessionaires, and it’s largely dependent on road conditions.

That said, the free shuttle bus system operates in the Riley River area near the park entrance, and in the Savage River area 15 miles down the road. And all of the shuttle buses and shuttle bus stops wheelchair-accessible. The Savage River Loop and the Riley Creek Loop shuttles run all day and stop at a number of trails and attractions along the way. The Sled Dog Demonstration Shuttle, which runs from the Denali Visitor Center to the sled dog kennels, departs 40 minutes prior to the demonstrations, and returns shortly after they are completed.

The shuttle bus schedule is available at www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/courtesy-shuttle-buses.htm, and it’s also posted at all the shuttle stops. Printed schedules are not available in the park, and cell phone service is limited, so it’s best to save a screen shot of the schedule for planning purposes.

Riley Creek Hikes

McKinley Station Trail

If you’d like to try a hike in the Riley Creek area, then hop on the shuttle, get off at the Riley Creek Campground and explore the McKinley Station Trail. This 1.6-mile hard-packed dirt trail runs from the campground to the visitor center. Although it’s not completely level, it offers an undulating — and accessible — route through the forest. There are also a few accessible boardwalk sections along the way. Be forewarned though — there’s a short cut to the visitor center about half-way along the route, but it goes straight uphill. Stick to the original trail for a gradual accessible path to the visitor center.

If you’d prefer a shorter walk, check out the Spruce Forest Loop, which is located right behind the visitor center. This .15-mile trail meanders through the forest, and offers visitors a good introduction to the vegetation and wildlife found in the park. It’s also very convenient, as you can just take the shuttle to the visitor center and hop on the trail from there.

Sled Dog Demonstration

Sled dog demonstration

The Sled Dog Demonstration is another wheelchair-accessible Denali must-do. Although accessible shuttle service is available from the visitor center, you can also drive over to the kennels. There’s plenty of accessible parking available at the kennels; however it’s a longer jaunt from the parking lot than it is from the bus stop, so slow walkers might want to opt for the shuttle. It should also be noted that the Roadside Trail that runs from the visitor center to the kennels has a steep grade and numerous obstructions, and it’s definitely not an accessible option to get to the kennels.

The sled dog demonstration is fun to watch, as the team is hitched to a wheeled sled that speeds around a dirt track. Accessible seating for wheelchair-users and slow walkers is available in the front, so everyone is guaranteed a good view. A ranger is on hand to answer questions about the sled dogs — which are still used in the winter in the park — and folks can walk though the sled shed and around the kennels after the demonstration. Best of all, there’s no charge for this educational demonstration.

Savage River Hikes

Mountain Vista Trail

Last but not least, save some time to explore the Savage River area of the park, which offers a few accessible trails, and some great scenery. The shuttle stops at the Mountain Vista and Savage trailheads; and if Mount Denali is “out” (not obscured by cloud cover), you’ll get a great view from several vantage points along the way.

The Mountain Vista Trail is the most accessible trail in the area. This .6-mile hard-packed dirt trail begins near the shuttle stop, behind the accessible vault toilets and picnic shelter. It winds through the tundra, and offers several impressive views of the Alaska Range along the way. And you never know what wildlife you’ll run across, so keep your ryes peeled. Pack along a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of the accessible tables at the picnic shelter, while you wait for the shuttle to Savage River.

Savage Cabin Trail

The shorter Savage Cabin Loop begins just to the left of the Savage River Campground shuttle bus stop, near the accessible vault toilet. The .3-mile loop is fairly level — with a few undulations — and is covered in compacted gravel. Midway along the route, you’ll find a historic cabin that was constructed by the Alaska Road Commission in 1924. It was originally used as a ranger cabin, but today it’s an interpretive site. Although the cabin isn’t accessible, you can still get a good glance at the inside from the doorway. And the docent programs are usually presented outside, in an accessible space. Even if there aren’t any docents at the cabin it still make a nice stop on this short jaunt.

Wheelchair-Accessible Denali Lodging Resource

Lobby at the Denali Princess near Denali National Park

Of course, the final piece of the access puzzle in Denali National Park is lodging. There are no hotels or lodges in the park, but the campground has accessible spaces, and there are a number of accessible lodging choices nearby. Visit emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-denali-lodging-options for more information.

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Flying with a Wheelchair — Air Travel Tips and More

Flying with a Wheelchair — Air Travel Tips and More

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Travel by its very nature requires a good amount of preparation, especially when it includes air travel. Factor a disability into that equation and the complexity increases. With that in mind, here are some helpful tips for flying with a wheelchair.

Before You Go

  • The first thing you should do if you are flying with a wheelchair is to learn the law so you know what to expect. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) — not the Americans with Disabilities Act — is that law that covers access on all US carriers, and foreign carriers on flights to and from the US. You can find the ACAA at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-D/part-382.
  • Flying with a wheelchair in some parts of the world can come with some additional problems. If your trip involves domestic flights in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, learn about the local access laws. Many domestic carriers in these regions have denied boarding to unaccompanied wheelchair-users. Choose your airline carefully.
  • Request a seat with a flip-up armrest when you make your reservation, as it makes transfers easier.
  • If you need a non-ticketed escort to accompany you to the gate, advise the airline of this when you make your reservation. Your escort will be asked for photo identification and given a security checkpoint pass.
  • Even if you don’t routinely use a wheelchair at home, consider requesting an airport wheelchair when you book your reservation if you are a slow walker. Some airports are quite large, and the whole boarding process can involve a lot of walking and standing.
  • Under the ACAA, airlines are required to carry wheelchairs, other mobility aids and assistive devices free of charge. This can include everything from oxygen concentrators and ventilators, to shower chairs and even catheter supplies. That said, remember to pack medical supplies in a clearly labeled box, and do not mix them with your personal items.
  • If you are traveling with oxygen or a ventilator, contact the airline to find out about their specific rules and procedures. Some airlines require doctor’s forms, so plan ahead for this.

Important Websites and Phone Numbers

  • The Department of Transportation (DOT) has several helpful brochures on accessible air travel at https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/traveling-disability
  • If you have any questions regarding security screening procedures, call the TSA Cares hotline at (855) 787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to your flight. They will be able to supply you with airport specific information regarding your inquiry.
  • Download the TSA Notification Card (www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/disability_notification_card_508.pdf), then fill it out with the specifics of your disability. Hand it to the TSA agent when you get to security. This is especially helpful if you have places on your body that are sensitive or painful to touch.
  • Finally, it you are flying with a wheelchair and you have any questions about the ACAA, call the DOT Hotline at (800) 778-4838.

At the Airport

  • When flying with a wheelchair, you can stay in your own wheelchair until you get to the gate, if you have non-spillable (gel) batteries. At that time you will be transferred to an aisle chair and boarded, and your wheelchair will be gate checked. If your mobility device does not have non-spillable batteries, you must transfer to an airport wheelchair at check-in, and surrender your wheelchair or scooter at that time.
  • If your mobility device has lithium ion batteries, contact the specific airline for their rules and regulations. US airlines are allowed to carry mobility devices with lithium ion batteries, however they are not required to do so. Every airline that accepts these devices has their own procedures,
  • If you use an airport wheelchair, don’t give it up once you get to the gate, because if there is a gate change you won’t have any way to get to the new gate. And sometimes it can be a very long walk.
  • Always allow extra time to get through security. Carry your wheelchair repair tools in your checked bag. If you encounter any problems at the security checkpoint ask for the Passenger Support Specialist, as these employees have additional training in access issues.
  • Remember, you are not required to perform any tasks at the security checkpoint that you are physically unable to do. If an TSA employee asks you to stand, walk, or even take off your shoes, just let them know that you are unable to do that.
  • When flying with a wheelchair, let the gate agent know that you need to preboard the aircraft. This will give you extra time to transfer and stow your gear in a more private setting. And don’t wander off from the boarding area, as you could miss preboarding.

Protect Your Wheelchair

  • Attach clear assembly and disassembly instructions (in Spanish and English) to your wheelchair or scooter. Photos and illustrations also help.
  • Remove any loose or protruding parts from your wheelchair or scooter. Protect your joystick with some type of a hard covered object, such as a plastic cup secured with packing tape.
  • Let a little bit of air out of your wheelchair tires. Carry on all gel cushions. Baggage compartments are not pressurized.
  • Snap a digital photo of your wheelchair before you board. It’s a good way to document the condition of your assistive device in case of damage.
  • Make sure you have adequate insurance. US airlines are only liable for the purchase price (not the replacement cost) of assistive devices on domestic flights. And on international flights the airline liability limit for damaged assistive devices is covered under the Warsaw Convention ($25.29/kilo) or the Montreal Convention ($1731 limit).
  • Put an air tag on your wheelchair. It won’t prevent it from getting misrouted, but at least you will know where it’s at if it doesn’t show up at your gate.

On the Airplane

  • On aircraft with more than 100 seats, there’s priority storage space aboard for one manual wheelchair. This space is available on a first-come basis, so it pays to get to the boarding area early, to get the first crack at the space.
  • Make sure an on-board wheelchair is aboard the aircraft before takeoff. If you cannot walk, this is how you will be transported to the lavatory. On-board wheelchairs are required on all aircraft with accessible lavatories, but sometimes they are accidentally offloaded, so it always pays to check.
  • Consider your toilet options when flying with a wheelchair, and plan ahead. Accessible airline lavatories are available on wide-body (two-aisle) jets. They have to be large enough to accommodate the on-board wheelchair, but in some cases there is not enough room for an attendant. Check out the aircraft diagrams at seatguru.com/ to find planes that have larger accessible restrooms.

If Things Go Wrong

  • If you encounter any problems when flying with a wheelchair, contact the Complaints Resolution Official (CRO). The CRO is an airline employee that’s specifically trained about the ACAA. All US airlines are required to have a CRO on duty during airport operating hours. Foreign carriers are also required to have a CRO available at airports that serve flights that begin or end in the US.
  • If your equipment is damaged or you experience a access related service failure, report it to the airline and request compensation. If your assistive device is not usable, be sure to request an appropriate loaner.
  • And if you experience an access-related service failure, you can also file a ACAA complaint at secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint. This complaint will not result in compensation but it can help to make air travel more accessible in the long run.
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New Accessible Airline Lavatory Rule — When Will it Happen?

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New Accessible Airline Lavatory Rule — When Will it Happen?

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Nearly a year ago, on July 26, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a new accessible airline lavatory rule. Unfortunately it will still be many years before single aisle aircraft with more than 125 seat have accessible lavatories, but at least it’s a start. The rulemaking process has been going on for quite some time and the DOT took into consideration comments from consumers, airlines and disability organizations.

So here are the highlights of the final accessible airline lavatory rule, along with a timeline for when you can expect to see some changes.

Lavatory Interiors

Under the new rule, US single aisle aircraft with more than 125 seats must include the following features in their lavatories. These features will be required on new aircraft delivered three years after the effective date (2023) of the rule.

  • Grab bars
  • Accessible faucets
  • Accessible call button
  • Accessible door lock
  • Room for onboard wheelchair
  • Ample toe Clearance
  • Privacy screen if door is not able to be closed

So basically you can expect to see start seeing these features in 2026.

But there is a catch. The usual life of a commercial commuter aircraft is 25 years, so only 4 percent of the fleet is replaced annually. This figure is from the DOT. If they start replacing aircraft with ones that include accessible lavatories in 2026 (as required), the entire fleet will not be outfitted with them until 2051. And during that interim time, passengers will not know if they have an accessible lavatory until they board the aircraft.

Onboard Wheelchairs

The new accessible airline lavatory rule also includes a provision that the onboard wheelchair must be maneuverable into the lavatory, so that the wheelchair-user will be able to completely close the door. This also applies to single aisle aircraft with over 125 seats.

Again, aircraft are not required to be retrofitted, and the same timeline applies, so this would begin in 2026 and be fully implemented in 2051.

Accessible Lavatory Space

Perhaps the biggest change with the new accessible airline lavatory rule is the requirement for accessible lavatories to have ample space for a person with a disability and an attendant. More specifically the lavatory must have enough room for two males in the 95th percentile of height and weight (6 ft. 2 in., 246 pounds). That’s a pretty large space and it would make airline lavatories truly wheelchair-accessible. And as with the other regulations this applies to single aisle aircraft with more than 125 seats.

But there is a different implementation time frame for this requirement. Specifically, it’s for aircraft ordered 10 years or delivered 12 years from the effective date. That means this would start in 2036 and 2038, and would be fully implemented in 2061 and 2063. And in the interim you won’t know in advance if your aircraft has a lavatory with this extra space.

To be fair, the preliminary rule required implementation in aircraft ordered 18 years from the effective date or placed into service 20 years from the effective date. On that timeline the fleets would be fully outfitted with accessible lavatories in 2069 and 2071.

I addressed the timeline issue in my public comments to the DOT, as did other folks, so at least they listened a bit. But rulemaking is always a process of give and take.

So bottom line, we will start to see some minor accessibility changes in 2026, with full implementation of this rule in 2071. It’s definitely a step forward, but it’s really for future generations. But then again, so was the ADA. Justin Dart was a visionary but he certainly didn’t live to see the strides in accessibility we have made since the first days of his activism.

Hawkeye7, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Wheelchair Repair Shops in Amsterdam

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There are numerous things that go into planning an accessible vacation; from finding the right hotel room, to securing airport transportation, and even finding out what local attractions are accessible. And then there are the emergency situations. What do you if something unforeseen happens while you’re on the road? Well my best solution is to play a healthy game of  “what if ” before your travel.

For example, ask yourself a question like, “What if my wheelchair breaks when I’m on vacation?”. Then find a solution to the problem. In this case, the solution would be to compile a list of wheelchair repair shops in your destination city. Problem solved. Write them down and take them with you. Chances are you won’t need to use the list, but if you do, you are prepared.

And if you happen to be going to Amsterdam, then you’re in luck, because Able Amsterdam has compiled a nice little list of wheelchair repair shops in Amsterdam. And although it contains shops that specialize in repairing medical equipment, it also has a bike shop that has experience repairing wheelchairs and rollators. So check out this list of wheelchair repair shops in Amsterdam for your future travels.
www.ableamsterdam.com/blog/wheelchair-repair-service-amsterdam?fbclid=IwAR3H81Hgc_EfU4sVq9YpiWOnFqO-QKiCGtNKii8TCfSiiW7W50rtEzomVDA

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Staunton State Park Track Chairs for Wheelchair-Users

Staunton State Park Track Chairs for Wheelchair-Users

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Make no mistake about it, Staunton State Park (cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Staunton) includes some challenging physical access barriers for folks with mobility issues. That doesn’t mean you should cross it off your “to visit” list though. Quite the contrary, as track chairs are now available at this Colorado park. These all terrain wheelchairs make inclusive access a possibility for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Says Track Chair Program Manager Natalie Bostow, “The goal of our program is to help everyone experience the outdoors, and to enable wheelchair-users and slow walkers to enjoy hikes with friends and family. And the Staunton State Park track chairs are our means to accomplish that.”

An Innovative Program

The Staunton State Park track chairs are the result of a collaborative partnership. The Friends of Staunton State Park (friendsofstauntonstatepark.org) raised the funds to buy the track chairs, while the state park manages the program. To date, a robust group of volunteers have conducted more than 1,000 track chair hikes

The track chairs have tank tracks instead of wheelchair tires, which makes it possible to explore terrain that’s off-limits to standard wheelchairs. They can be operated with a joystick — either a golf ball, a tennis ball or a t-bar — which can be mounted on either side of the track chair. You do need some hand dexterity to operate these chairs; however if you can operate a power wheelchair, you can probably operate a track chair.

Suspension and non-suspension track chairs are available, but the suspension models offer much smoother rides. A car seat is also available, so small children over the age of two can utilize the track chairs. The track chairs can accommodate up to 350 pounds, and there are variety of transfer boards and a sling lift on hand to facilitate safe transfers. The track chairs will work for almost everyone; however because of safety issues they are not appropriate for someone who is 100% ventilator-reliant.

And the track chair rules are pretty simple. All track chair users must be accompanied by a companion as well as a volunteer. After a short orientation the volunteer will walk behind the track chair, so they can jump in to help out if the user can’t manage things. Generally speaking though, the volunteers are there for support and they try to let users be as independent as possible.

Take a Hike

The Staunton State Park track chairs are free, but reservations are required. They can be made online on  the Staunton State Park reservation form. They are available from June to October on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations open for the season on May 1, so plan ahead as they fill up quickly. And if you have any questions, just call (303) 816-0912.

When you get to the park, follow the signs to the Meadow Parking Lot. There’s accessible parking in front of the track chair garage, and an accessible picnic table next to it. There’s also an accessible vault toilet in the parking lot.

The track chairs have a battery range of about eight miles, but volunteers usually keep the hikes to four or five miles, just to be on the safe side. All of the track chair trails depart from the Meadow Parking Lot.

The most popular track chair trail is the Davis Ponds Trail, which is a 2.7-mile beginner trail with some stream crossings. There’s an accessible fishing pier and a picnic table at the mid-point, and adapted fishing poles are available at the track chair garage.

The more advanced 2.3-mile Mason Creek Trail includes some rock obstacles, but it also includes a peaceful meadow and stone house ruins. The longest and most difficult track chair trail is the 3.5-mile Staunton Ranch Trail, which travels through aspen filled meadows and offers a great view of Pikes Peak.

The track chairs also come with a backpack that has rain gear, additional water, tools and a blanket, but track chair-users are asked to bring water, medication, additional clothing layers, a seat cushion, a hat, sunblock and glasses. And don’t forget to pack along a lunch as there are a number of pleasant picnic spots to stop for a break throughout the park.

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