loaner

trac-chair

All Terrain Wheelchairs in Tennessee State Parks

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If your travels take you to the Volunteer State, then check out the loaner all terrain wheelchairs in Tennessee state parks. The list is growing, but currently over 30 state parks offer these loaner wheelchairs. They are available to both adults and children, and they can be operated independently or with caregiver assistance. And each park has a list of specific trails you can try out in their loaner all terrain wheelchairs. The wheelchairs are available at these Tennessee state parks.

West Tennessee

  • Chickasaw State Park
  • Fort Pillow State Historic Park
  • Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
  • Natchez Trace State Park
  • Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park
  • Paris Landing State Park
  • Pickwick Landing State Park
  • Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park
  • Reelfoot Lake State Park
  • T.O. Fuller State Park

Middle Tennessee

  • Bledsoe Creek State Park
  • Cedars of Lebanon State Park
  • Cumberland Mountain State Park
  • Cummins Falls State Park
  • David Crockett State Park
  • Fall Creek Falls State Park
  • Henry Horton State Park
  • Long Hunter State Park
  • Radnor Lake State Park
  • Alvin C. York State Historic Park
  • Tims Ford State Park

East Tennessee

  • Booker T. Washington State Park
  • Cove Lake State Park
  • Cumberland Trail State Park
  • Harrison Bay State Park
  • Indian Mountain State Park
  • Panther Creek State Park
  • Red Clay State Historic Park
  • Roan Mountain State Park
  • Rocky Fork State Park
  • Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park
  • Warriors’ Path State Park

Reservations for the all terrain track chairs are available at stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/all_terrain_wheelchair_request. Alternatively, you can call the parks directly with your reservation request. This method is preferred when the anticipated visit is less than three days away. And although reservations are preferred, the all terrain wheelchairs are available on a walk-up basis, if they are not already reserved.

For more information on all terrain wheelchairs in Tennessee state parks, visit tnstateparks.com/accessibility/all-terrain-wheelchairs.

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track-chair

Keystone Ancient Forest Offers Track Chairs

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Located in Northeastern Oklahoma, the Keystone Ancient Forest (www.sandspringsok.gov/175/Keystone-Ancient-Forest) is home to 500-year old cedars, 330-year old majestic oaks and over 80 species of butterflies. As an added bonus the preserve is filled with eagles, migratory birds, deer and other wildlife. The 1,380-acre parcel has received recognition from The Nature Conservancy and it’s the first Oklahoma property to become a member of the Old Growth Forest Network. And although the forest has a few natural barriers for wheelchair-users and slow walkers, track chairs are now available for loan.

Track chairs have tank tires instead of standard wheels and they can navigate over obstacles that most wheelchairs can’t manage. The track chairs can be taken on the Childers Trail, the Fire Road and the Frank Trail. If you cannot transfer to the track chair on your own, you must bring somebody to help you. And while you’re in the preserve, all pets must be on a six-foot leash.

The track chairs are available by advance reservation at sandspringsok.org/FormCenter/Case-Community-Center-10/Track-Chair-Request-Form-98. After the form is completed and the waiver is signed, someone from the Keystone Ancient Forest will get back to you to confirm your reservation and to answer any questions. For more information, call (918) 246-7795.

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Wildwood Preserve Track Chair Loaner Program

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Toledo’s Wildwood Preserve Metropark (metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/wildwood-preserve-metropark/) now has two models of track chairs and some adaptive bicycles for loan. Bisected by the Ottawa River, this 493-acre park is well known for its varied terrain and well developed trail system. And thanks to the Wildwood Preserve Track Chair Loaner Program, everyone can now explore all the nooks and crannies of this popular park.

Track Chairs and Trikes

The Wildwood Preserve Track Chair Loaner Program includes one Action Trackchair with a 22-inch wide seat. It’s outfitted with a four-point harness, a seatbelt extension, armrest pockets, an oxygen tank holder and an attendant control. There is no weight restriction on this chair.

The park also has a GRIT Freedom Chair, a recumbent trike and an upright trike to loan.

All of the track chairs and trikes must be reserved at least three business days in advance. They are available for loan in three-hour increments, and all track chair-users must bring along a companion to accompany them on their hikes. The companion must be able to assist with transfers, as park employees are not allowed to help.

The loaner track chairs and trikes can be picked up at the maintenance area in the park, which is close to a number of trails. The closest ADA parking is located at Metz Stables. Accessible restrooms are also located at Metz Stables and near the playground.

The following form can be used to request the loaner track chairs or adaptive bicycles.
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemvCMUaMisLGDjUWDxojdMYyxkO_tSm4mPOtpmBiP7T1vxzQ/viewform

For more information about this program, or for details about your reservation contact Ashley Smith at (419) 265-2920.

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Michigan Track Chairs Now Available

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Michigan Track Chairs Now Available

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Ronald A. Olson Island Bridge at Tahquamenon Falls State Park

There’s good news for wheelchair-users and slow walkers in Michigan — loaner track chairs are now available at many state park and recreation areas. Track chairs allow people with reduced mobility the freedom to explore places that are otherwise inaccessible to them. These off road wheelchairs have tank tracks instead of wheels, and can easily navigate over sand, rough surfaces and even snow. They also come with a big price tag; but thanks to a massive fundraising effort, loaner track chairs are now available at many Michigan outdoor spaces

The following organizations were instrumental in making these Michigan track chairs a reality.

Where to find Michigan Track Chairs

The loaner track chairs are available at the following Michigan state parks and recreation areas. Each venue has different rules, regulations and hours, so check in advance to avoid disappointment. And keep in mind that some locations also require reservations to borrow the track chairs.

  • Bald Mountain Recreation Area
  • Bay City State Park
  • Brighton Recreation Area
  • Grand Haven State Park
  • Harrisville State Park
  • Hartwick Pines State Park
  • Lake Hudson Recreation Area
  • Leelanau State Park
  • Petosky State Park
  • Wilson State Park
  • Holland State Park
  • Ionia Recreation Area
  • Island Lake Recreation Area
  • Ludington State Park
  • Maybury State Park
  • Muskegon Recreation Area
  • North Higgins Lake State Park
  • Tahquamenon Falls State Park
  • Warren Dunes State Park
  • Waterloo Recreation Area
  • Wilderness State Park

If you didn’t find your favorite Michigan state park or recreation area on the list, don’t worry as this popular program is constantly expanding. New venues for loaner Michigan track chairs are being added as funding becomes available. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr/about/accessibility/track-chairs to check for the latest additions.

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South Carolina Track Chair Program

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After a hunting accident left Jacob Beisecker with a spinal cord injury, he was determined to continue his active outdoor lifestyle. While he was in rehabilitation at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Jacob discovered a mobility device that could make that dream a reality — a track chair. This offroad power wheelchair is outfitted with tank tracks instead of wheels, which allows it to navigate uneven terrain. After Jacob tried it out, he knew it was just what he needed to enjoy the outdoors. Sadly though, this expensive piece of adaptive equipment was out of his price range.

After he returned home, Jacob continued to search for an affordable offroad option, and as luck would have it he stumbled across a used track chair within his budget. He snapped it up and proceeded to explore the South Carolina outdoor areas that he had always enjoyed. But then he thought that there were probably others like him, who would benefit from a track chair but couldn’t afford one. And so, Waymaker Offroad Wheelchairs (www.waymakeroffroadwheelchairs.com) was born. Today this South Carolina non-profit provides loaner track chairs to wheelchair-users and slow walkers, who want to enjoy Mother Nature.

Pick Up a Track Chair

Headquartered in Hartsville, Waymaker Offroad Wheelchairs has a fleet of track chairs available to loan. Reserving a South Carolina track chair is easy. Just go to https://docs.google.com/forms/  and fill out the form. The track chairs are usually loaned out for a day or two, but they are available for up to a week if needed.

A small utility trailer is also available for loan; however if your vehicle cannot pull a trailer, delivery can be arranged. The delivery option is only available within 100 miles of Hartsville, on Saturdays from April to September. There’s no deposit needed to borrow a track chair; however a valid drivers license is required. The track chairs are also GPS traceable.

A number of accessories are available for the track chairs, including a headrest and an umbrella holder. They also have a four-point harness for folks who lack trunk control. And if you like to hunt or fish, don’t forget to request the gun mount, shooting rest or fishing rod holder.

Hunters will be happy to hear that track chairs are also permitted in all South Carolina Wildlife Management Areas. In the end, the choice is totally yours — you might even want to check out Myrtle Beach, which is just a few hours from the Waymaker Offroad Wheelchairs headquarters.

Track Chairs at State & County Parks

If you’re not able to pick up a track chair, you can also borrow a South Carolina track chair at many state and county parks through Waymaker Offroad Wheelchairs. These can be reserved online at https://www.waymakeroffroadwheelchairs.com/state-parks . Your drivers license will be held as a deposit when you pick up the track chair, and returned when you are through.

Track chairs are currently available at:

  • Huntington Beach State Park
  • Edisto Beach State Park
  • Ghivans Ferry State Park
  • Hampton Plantation
  • Hunting Island State Park
  • Oconee State Park
  • Sadlers Creek State Park

Jacob hopes to be able to expand the track chair loaner program in the future, so check the Waymaker Offroad Wheelchair website for new locations. Says Jacob, “We’re totally donor funded and are looking for corporate and individual donors to help sponsor us. These chairs made a huge difference in my recovery journey to be able to get back outdoors doing the things I love.” For more information about Waymaker Offroad Wheelchairs, visit their website, call (843) 287-7986 or e-mail WaymakerOffroadWheelchairs@gmail.com.

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new united wheelchair sizing tool unveiled

New United Airlines Wheelchair Sizer Tool Unveiled

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A new United Airlines wheelchair sizer tool was recently unveiled. This digital tool enables wheelchair-users to select flights that can accommodate their specific assistive devices. Why is this important? Well, some larger wheelchairs will not fit through certain aircraft cargo doors without being titled to the side or back. And in some cases, tilting those wheelchairs could seriously damage them.

The Wheelchair Sizer Tool

So how does this new United Airlines wheelchair sizer tool work? Well basically you enter your flight criteria on the United Airlines website or app, then all the flights that meet your criteria are returned. Next you click on the “wheelchair” tab in the top right, and enter the dimensions and battery type of your wheelchair. Finally, click on “check size” and the tool will return all the flights that can accommodate your wheelchair.

And here’s the great part. If you aren’t able to take your preferred flight because your wheelchair won’t fit through the cargo door, and there are other more expensive flights that can accommodate your wheelchair, you can get a refund of the fare difference.

New United Airlines Wheelchair Sizer Tool Result of ACAA Complaint

So why did United Airlines develop this new wheelchair sizer tool? Well, it was all the result of an Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) Complaint, and a subsequent settlement agreement between the Department of Transportation (DOT) and United Airlines.

The original ACAA complaint that triggered the DOT investigation was filed by Engracia Figueroa. Unfortunately United Airlines damaged her customized wheelchair and left her sitting in an airport wheelchair for five hours. And perhaps if she knew that she had other flight options, she would have taken an alternate flight, where her wheelchair didn’t have to be twisted, turned and tilted to fit through the cargo door. And all that manhandling was what damaged her $30,000 assistive device.

Sadly Ms. Figueroa’s story had a tragic ending. United initially refused to replace her wheelchair, and although Ms. Figueroa fought this decision, it took a toll on her. She subsequently developed a pressure sore as the direct result of improper seating, and by the time United Airlines finally agreed to replace her wheelchair, it was too late. Ms. Figueroa died from a subsequent infection on October 31, 2021.

Trial Program at IAH

Another provision of the DOT settlement agreement requires United Airlines to implement a six-month pilot program at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). This trial program will explore additional equipment and service options that can be used to accommodate passengers who have had their customized wheelchairs damaged or delayed.

Specifically, this program focuses on the time frame between a customer’s arrival at the airport and the time that United returns their wheelchair or provides an appropriate loaner. The goal is to make extended waits — like Ms. Figueroa had — safer and more comfortable. To that end, United is equipping their IAH loaner wheelchairs with Permobil cushions, in order to improve comfort and stability. Additionally, the airline is also reimbursing customers for transportation expenses, should there be an extended wait for the return of their assistive service. That way they can opt to wait in a more comfortable setting, such as a hotel or their own home.

The DOT has agreed to close its investigation of the ACAA complaint filed by Ms. Figueroa, in  return for the implementation of these new wheelchair policies. An although it’s great to see these improvements, they wouldn’t be in place had it not for Ms. Figueroa’s ACAA complaint. So remember that the next time you encounter access problems while flying. Filing an ACAA complaint won’t personally help you, but it could help effect change. You can file a ACAA complaint at https://secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint.

And lest you think that it’s no big deal, remember that the ACAA has been in effect since 1986. We shouldn’t still be having these problems today. File that complaint if you encounter access-related issues .

Track Chairs Available at Minnesota State Parks

Track Chairs Available at Minnesota State Parks

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If you’ve thought of visiting a Minnesota State Park, but felt you couldn’t navigate the terrain, then check out these loaner track chairs available at Minnesota State Parks. Unlike standard wheelchairs, these power track chairs have tank tracks rather than wheels, and they are excellent for use on inaccessible trails.

There’s no charge to borrow a track chair, but track chair-users will be required to sign a liability waiver. No verification of disability — such as an accessible parking placard or doctor’s note — is required. Although all locations have a transfer board, park staff are not allowed to assist with transfers, so if you can’t transfer independently you’ll need to bring along assistance. And don’t forget to pack along a water bottle and some snacks, as they are not usually available along the more rugged trails.

Advance reservations are required, so call the park directly to make sure the track chair is available on your desired date. Track chairs are available at the following Minnesota State Parks.

Blue Mounds State Park
Luverne, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00121#homepage

Camden State Park
Lynd, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00127#homepage

Crow Wing State Park
Brainerd, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00139#homepage

Father Hennepin State Park
Isle, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00142#homepage

Fort Snelling State Park
St. Paul, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00154#homepage

Frontenac State Park
Frontenac, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00160#homepage

Itasca State Park
Park Rapids, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00181#homepage

Lake Bemidji State Park
Bemidji, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00205#homepage

Lake Carlos State Park
Carlos, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00211#homepage

McCarthy Beach State Park
Side Lake, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00226#homepage

Maplewood State Park
Pelican Rapids, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00229#homepage

Myre-Big Island State Park
Albert Lea, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00175#homepage

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Two Harbors, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00266#homepage

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Department of Wildlife Launches Kansas Track Chair Program

Department of Wildlife Launches Kansas Track Chair Program

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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.