wheelchair

easyjet

Wheelchair-User Denied Passage on easyJet

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Barry Dobner was looking forward to his birthday vacation in Greece with his wife and a friend. Sadly he never got further than the Manchester airport. Dobner, who is 79 years old, uses a wheelchair due to a stroke. And according to the Dobners, they informed easyJet of this when they made their booking.

And it all seemingly went well when they boarded their flight in Manchester, as Dobner received the required assistance to transfer to the aisle chair and then transfer to his aircraft seat. And then this wheelchair-user was denied passage on easyJet.   

So how did the issue arise that led to him being deplaned? Well apparently either the flight attendant or a passenger overheard someone in Dobner’s party talking about a portable urinal that was stowed in a carry-on bag. Subsequently a flight attendant approached the Dobner party to question them about it; and his wife subsequently informed the flight attendant that yes, they were indeed carrying a portable urinal.

The flight attendant left, and then returned a few minutes later and asked if Mr. Dobner could walk to the toilet. When he replied that he couldn’t — remember he was boarded in an aisle chair — he was told that he would have to deplane.

So What Happened?

Why was this wheelchair-user denied passage on easyJet?

Well according to easyJet it was because he couldn’t get to the lavatory. Now granted they did have an aisle chair on board the aircraft, but according to easyJet, the flight attendants cannot assist with transfers inflight,. They can however push the aisle chair to the lavatory.

It’s unclear if the flight attendant ever asked Dobner if he could transfer unassisted to the aisle chair. Instead she asked if he could “walk to the bathroom”. And quite frankly those are two total different questions. Although Dobner could not walk to the bathroom, he may have been able to transfer to the aisle chair by himself, or with assistance from someone in his party. But apparently that question wasn’t asked.

Generally speaking most flight attendants don’t ask if you can walk to the bathroom if you board in an aisle chair. But apparently the discovery of the portable urinal escalated the issue, and prompted that discussion.

easyJet subsequently issued an apology to the Dobner party for the denied boarding, and then issued a full refund.

But that doesn’t erase the fact that this incident happened. easyJet has had a number of denied boarding incidents for disabled passengers over the years, so it certainly wouldn’t be my first choice for an airline. That said, if you do fly them, it’s a good idea to keep quiet about the portable urinal you may or may not be carrying.

Play it safe — mums the word, when it comes to a portable urinal. Especially on easyJet! And for more tips about flying with a wheelchair, visit www.EmergingHorizons.

 

jazz-fest-squeeze-featured

Wheelchair Access at the New Orleans Jazz Fest

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The Pine Leaf Boys perform at the New Orleans Jazz Fest

The 2025 New Orleans Jazz Fest is scheduled to run from April 24 to May 4, 2025. Live music will be presented on April 24-27 and May 1-4 at the Fair Grounds Race Course, which is located about 10 minutes from the French Quarter. This massive venue features multiple stages that offer continuous music from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. And the good news is, wheelchair access at the New Orleans Jazz Fest has not been overlooked.

Music at the festival ranges from jazz, blues and zydeco to folk, rock and rap. There’s even a kid’s tent for the little ones. And as more musicians stream into New Orleans, you’ll find more street performers in the French Quarter. In short, everywhere you look there’s music.

There’s also a large variety of food vendors at Jazz Fest, who feature everything from crawfish and alligator to vegetarian plates and even the standard burgers and brews. And don’t miss the crafts area, where artisans from around the world demonstrate and sell their wares.

For more information about the complete entertainment lineup or to buy tickets for this years Jazz Fest, visit www.nojazzfest.com. And for information on specific access features at this annual event, check out the information below.

Getting There

At the top of the list for wheelchair access at the New Orleans Jazz Fest is getting there. Accessible parking is available near the main gate on Gentilly Boulevard. There is a $50 per day fee for parking on Thursdays and Fridays, and a $65 fee on Saturdays for these limited accessible spaces. They are only available to folks with a valid accessible placard or plates, and the person who owns the plates or placard must be in the vehicle. These accessible spaces are available on a first-come basis, and credit cards are the only accepted method of payment.

If you’d prefer to let someone else do the driving, then buy a ticket on the Jazz Fest Express (www.graylineneworleans.com/jazz-fest-express/), which is operated by Gray Line Tours. The buses run continuously from the Sheraton Hotel on Canal Street, the Wisner Boulevard parking lot at City Park (5700 Wisner Boulevard) and the Steamboat Natchez Wharf in the French Quarter. They drop passengers off at the main gate on Gentilly Boulevard, which is the accessible entrance. Not all of the buses are lift-equipped, so call (504) 569-1401 or (800) 233-2628 to make advance arrangements if you need accessible transportation.

Accessible public transportation to the Jazz Fest is also available on RTA buses (www.norta.com/ride-with-us/know-before-you-go/transit-accessibility)
and on the red streetcar line. Alternatively, you may be able to arrange for accessible transportation through RTA ADA Office (504-827-8345); however advance reservations are a must and the demand is usually quite high during Jazz Fest. This option is only available if you are unable to ride public transportation due to a disability. A valid paratransit card is also required.

Jazz Fest Access Center

Jazz Fest Access Center

The Jazz Fest Access Center is also an integral part of wheelchair access at the New Orleans Jazz Fest. It’s conveniently located in front of the grandstand. That’s where you can pick up an access map of the grounds, which includes the accessible routes, viewing areas and the locations of the accessible porta-potties (www.nojazzfest.com/downloads/2024-Access-Map.pdf). The combinations to the accessible porta-potties are also available there.

The festival grounds are comprised of a variety of surfaces, including grass fields, a dirt track and paved pathways in the infield. Reinforced surfaces are also installed across the dirt track to increase accessibility. The accessible routes are clearly marked, so be on the lookout for these signs. And don’t hesitate to ask the folks in the Access Center if you need any assistance.

The Paralyzed Veterans of America booth is located next to the Access Center. They can provide loaner wheelchairs to folks who can’t manage distances. There’s no charge for the wheelchairs, but donations are always appreciated.

Wheelchair-Accessible Seating

Wheelchair Seating at the New Orleans Jazz Fest

The final component of wheelchair access at the New Orleans Jazz Fest is accessible seating, which is available at all the Jazz Fest music venues. General seating for the main stages is located on the lawn area. Concert-goers either bring their own folding chairs, or spread blankets out on the ground.

Accessible seating and parking is also available in the VIP packages (https://www.nojazzfest.com/tickets/), which must be purchased in advance.

Accessible seating for the main stages is limited to wheelchair-users and one companion. To be admitted to the accessible seating section, you must have a wristband, which can be obtained at the Access Center.

Accessible seating for wheelchair-users and one companion is also available at all the tent stages and the grandstand stages. And if you need a break from the heat, keep in mind that the grandstand stages also have air conditioning.

It should also be noted that the accessible seating is designated for patrons who use a wheelchair or scooter, and not those with limited mobility, a temporary injury or who are pregnant. The accessible seating rules are enforced, so that people who need these accommodations will have access to them. If a person does not meet the eligibility requirements, they will be removed from the accessible seating area.

Bottom line — access rocks at Jazz Fest. And so does the Jazz Fest staff and volunteers. If you have any access related questions, just e-mail access@nojazzfest.com or call (504) 224-9767.

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22 Accessible Road Trips
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Wheelchair-Accessible Bahamas Tours & Transportation

Wheelchair-Accessible Bahamas Tours & Transportation

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New Providence Straw Market, Nassau, Bahamas

If you’re thinking about taking a cruise that stops in the Bahamas, then check out these wheelchair-accessible Bahamas tour and transportation providers. Make sure and plan ahead and make your reservations as soon as you book your cruise, because accessible choices are limited and they go fast. Some of the cruise lines use these providers too, so there is little to no availability for last minute bookings.

Bahamas Experience Tours

www.bahamasexperiencetours.com/transportation-services/
Based in Nassau, this local company can provide transfers and transportation in wheelchair-accessible vans. They also provide wheelchair-accessible Bahamas shore excursions for most of the major cruise lines. For more information, call (242) 397-5000 or e-mail info@bahamasexperiencetours.com.

Tavares Wheelchair Transportation

accessiblebahamas.com
Tavares Wheelchair Transportation can provide wheelchair-accessible transportation to any destination on Nassau/Paradise Island. They offer their services to both locals and visitors, and can provide airport transfers, transportation to attractions or local appointments, or personalized transportation services. They can also provide Hoyer life and hospital bed rentals. For more information about their wheelchair-accessible Bahamas options, fill out the contact form on their website.

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101 Accessible Vacations
Travel Ideas
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Accessible Romania Tours

Accessible Romania Tours

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Strada Turnului – Sighisoara, Romania

Bucharest-based Accessible Romania offers a number of a tour options for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. They have a ramped wheelchair-accessible van available for transfers and tours. This large vehicle can carry up to two wheelchairs and five seated passengers, with room for luggage.

The agency offers a number of day tours, including a wheelchair-friendly tour of Bucharest. It includes transportation in an accessible van with stops at The Palace of Parliament, The Old Center, The Village Museum and Herastrau Park. An English speaking guide and admission to all attractions is included in this all-day tour.

If you’d like a longer tour, then their Accessible Transylvania Tour is your best choice. It includes transfers from Bucharest and stops at Sinaia, Busteni, Brasoe, Sighisoara, Cluj Napoca, Alba lulia and Sibiu. This eight-day tour includes transportation in an accessible van and accommodations at four-star “cozy hotels.”

Although Accessible Romania focuses on inclusion and strives to provide accessible services, there still may be some limits for full time wheelchair-users due to the existing infrastructure in Romania. That said, many of their tours are good choices for seniors and slow walkers. It’s hoped that Accessible Romania will create a greater awareness of access needs in the tourism sector, which will hopefully open up accessible tourism and improve the facilities in Romania. For more information about their offerings, visit accessibleromania.com.

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Travel Ideas
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Can Hotels Charge More for Accessible Rooms?

Can Hotels Charge More for Accessible Rooms?

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I just booked an accessible hotel room in a Los Angeles hotel and it was $25 more than the non-accessible room that a friend booked. Can hotels charge more for accessible rooms? I thought that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibited discrimination like this. Is this legal, and if not, what can I do about it?

The Law

Although discrimination on the basis of disability is prohibited in the US, there isn’t enough information to determine if the hotel in question violated the ADA. Under the ADA, hotels are required to have a certain number of accessible rooms based on their size. That number ranges from one accessible room for a property with 25 rooms, to nine accessible rooms in a property with 500 rooms. And properties that have more than 500 rooms are required to have 2% of their rooms flagged as accessible rooms.

But no matter how many rooms a property has, the accessible rooms are supposed to be distributed evenly among the various room types. What does that mean exactly? Well if they have multiple accessible rooms, they have to be equally distributed between the economy rooms and the high-end rooms. It also means that they should offer a choice in bed types, or other amenities such as ocean views.

The problem comes in when the property only has one or two accessible rooms, but a large variety of room types. Then some choices have to be made on how to allocate the rooms so that guests who need these rooms will have a reasonable choice.

Can hotels charge more for accessible rooms? Yes and no. They can’t charge more for an accessible room in the same rate category; however if all the accessible rooms in the lower rate category are booked, and the only accessible room left is one in a higher rate category, then yes you will have to pay that higher rate for that accessible room. 

The Solution

The solution to your problem begins with contacting the hotel. Address your access concerns with the property manager. Ask about the property size, and the allocation of the accessible rooms in different rate categories. And be sure to write down those figures for future reference.

If the accessible rooms seem evenly split in all the rate categories, then you really don’t have any recourse. It could be that they had lower rate standard rooms available, but if all of the lower rate accessible rooms were already booked, then the only thing left for you was an accessible room in a higher rate category. So if that’s the case, you’re out of luck. That’s one reason it pays to book early, because the lower rate rooms usually fill up first. Of course it doesn’t hurt to ask for a credit, or a discount on a future stay for your troubles, but the hotel is not required to give you anything.

On the other hand ,if the property has a disproportionate number of accessible rooms in the higher rate category, you should definitely ask for the difference between the lower rate room and the higher rate room. And remember to remind the manager what the ADA requires.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to file an ADA complaint. Even if you are compensated, the property should still be up to ADA standards. After all, you don’t want this to happen again — to you or anyone else. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking compensation from a property and also filing an ADA complaint. The ADA complaint won’t get you any compensation, but it could help effect change.

Filing an ADA complaint is easy. You can do it online or by mail. Just follow the instructions at www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint/.

More Resources

Of course, this issue is just the tip of the iceberg as far as accessible travel problems are concerned. With that in mind here are a few resources to help you adequately address other access shortfalls.

Barrier-Free TravelGlacier, Yellowstoneand Grand Teton National Parksfor Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

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Glacier, Yellowstone
and Grand Teton National Parks
for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers

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airport

Wheelchair-User Nabbed for Smuggling at ORD

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Last month Elaine Perez-Pena was arrested at O’Hare International Airport for smuggling cocaine. I guess that’s not big news by itself, but to add a little twist to the story, Perez-Pena is supposedly a wheelchair-user — or at least she had a wheelchair in her possession at the time of her arrest. She later admitted that she really didn’t physically require a wheelchair, and the only purpose of her assistive device was to conceal illegal drugs.

Cocaine in the Cushions

So here’s how the smuggling bust went down. Perez-Pena was selected for a secondary inspection after she deplaned in Chicago, not because she was a wheelchair-user, but because she was previously convicted of drug smuggling in 2022. So they gave her luggage a through once-over, and put her wheelchair through the x-ray machine. Although nothing was found in her luggage, there were some abnormalities in the wheelchair cushions X-rays. Subsequently a drug-sniffing dog alerted to the wheelchair, so the authorities tore it apart and found an impressive 14 kilograms of cocaine.

This incident was quite a step up from her last endeavor in 2021, when she concealed a mere three kilograms of cocaine in her luggage on her return from the Dominican Republic. She pleaded guilty to that offense and ended up with “time served” which was about nine months in jail. Perhaps she’ll be in custody a little longer for this offense.

Increased Scrutiny for Wheelchair-Users?

Of course since Perez-Pena used a wheelchair to smuggle her goods, many folks are wondering if wheelchair-users will now receive closer scrutiny when passing through airport security checkpoints in the US? I don’t really think so. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure every TSA employee in the country is aware of this wheelchair-related bust, so they’ll be more aware of the possibility that assistive devices can be used to conceal drugs. That said, Perez-Pena isn’t the first person hide contraband in a wheelchair, so I think this incident will serve as a gentle reminder rather than a great revelation.

For example, in September 2024, a passenger’s power wheelchair was flagged for secondary screening at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, due to unusually large cushions. After an x-ray revealed a hidden metal compartment, the wheelchair was more closely examined and 12 kilos of cocaine were uncovered.

And then there was the traveler at JFK International Airport in New York, who tried to hide over $450,000 of cocaine in her wheelchair wheels. She was flagged for secondary screening when a TSA agent noticed that some of her wheelchair wheels were not turning. That was a big red flag!

So although wheelchair-users may receive a closer look from TSA agents, they probably won’t be flagged for a more intensive screening unless some anomalies are spotted. Or if the wheelchair-user happens to be a convicted smuggler.

What to Expect at Security Checkpoints

Security checkpoints are a necessary evil of modern airline travel, but on the plus side the TSA has specific guidelines about how to professionally and respectfully screen wheelchair-users.

And although TSA PreCheck can help streamline the process a bit, there are still some limitations of that program for wheelchair-users. The good news is that you don’t have to remove your shoes, belts, laptops or liquids when you go through the TSA PreCheck line. And that makes the whole screening process a lot easier for everyone.

That said if you cannot stand and walk through the metal detector — in any line — you will need to undergo a manual pat down. And if there is any sort of flag or alarm during the pat down, then your personal property, carry on and wheelchair may be subject to additional screening. So suffice it to say that if your cushion looks like an overstuffed chair, or the wheels on your wheelchair don’t turn, then it’s off to the x-ray machine for your equipment. And most likely a drug-sniffing dog will also be called in to check your personal property if you are suspected of smuggling.

But for the majority of wheelchair-users, the security checkpoint won’t present any problems. That said, it pays to be prepared, so check out these handy tips before you hit the security checkpoint on your next trip. (https://emerginghorizons.com/the-disabled-traveler-and-airport-security).

MaedaAkihiko, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en

Accessible Japan Resource

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If a trip to Japan is in your future, then surf on by the Accessible Japan website (www.accessible-japan.com); a consumer-created resource with details about wheelchair-accessible attractions, transportation and lodging throughout Japan. Additionally, the website includes information about wheelchair-accessible day tours, and companies that offer wheelchair-accessible options. Essential information about getting around, accessible transfers, disability discounts, equipment rentals, voltage and suggested guide books and resources are also included. And if you’d like to know about something that isn’t listed on the website, there’s a link to a forum where you can ask additional questions.
All in all,  it’s a very comprehensive resource for accessible travel in Japan.

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Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon
National Parks
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Christine Zenino, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Paris in a Wheelchair — A Detailed Guide

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The Moulin Rouge in Paris, France

A project of the Paris Convention and Visitor Bureau, this online resource offers information on visiting Paris in a wheelchair.

It includes a detailed section about getting around, including information on wheelchair-accessible bus, metro, tramway and RER routes in the City of Lights. Also included is a list of adapted taxi companies, information about hiring a wheelchair-accessible vehicle with a driver, adapted van rental resources, and even the low-down on wheelchair-accessible airport transfers. Additionally there are links to local providers that can provide personal travel assistance, as well as information on accessible car parks.

Also included is detailed information about accessible lodgings, restaurants, tours, attractions and even self-guided walks. And if you still have questions, visit their comprehensive FAQ page. This well researched guide is an excellent resource for visiting Paris in a wheelchair. parisjetaime.com/eng/article/accessibility-a646

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Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon
National Parks
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

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CourtGavel

ACAA Updates Stalled Due to Litigation

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Although some welcome access updates to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) were released in December 2024, there’s been a slight glitch in the implementation of these new regulations. It seems that the airlines have commenced legal action to prevent the ACAA updates from being enacted.

The Airlines Argument

These new ACAA updates (https://emerginghorizons.com/2025-air-carrier-access-act-updates/), which were released by the Department of Transportation (DOT) on December 17, 2024, include stricter guidelines for the repair of damaged wheelchairs and improvement of communication with passengers who check their mobility devices. They also include some general regulations for insuring the prompt return of checked wheelchairs, informing passengers of the dimensions of the aircraft hold and generally updating the policies regarding flying with a wheelchair. Collectively they were seen as a huge improvement for wheelchair-users and slow walkers who take to the skies.

But the airlines didn’t exactly share the enthusiasm for these ACAA updates that was generated by the disabled community. In fact, five American airlines — United, American, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest — have filed a petition in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals for a review of the new ACAA updates. Also included as a plaintiff is Airlines for America, an organization that includes the above carriers as well as Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Atlas Air.  In short, these airlines have asked the court to set aside the new rule because the provisions in it exceeded the DOT’s statutory authority.

Specifically they claim that the rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act. (APA) This act requires a reviewing court to set aside agency actions that are found to be “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion or otherwise not in accordance with the law”.

Venue Could Make a Difference

I find it interesting that this petition was filed in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which is headquartered in New Orleans. The Fifth Circuit includes Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. Two of the plaintiff airlines — American Airlines and Southwest Airlines — are headquartered in that district. American Airlines home offices are in Fort Worth, while Southwest Airlines calls Dallas home.

On the surface it would seem logical to file in the district where two of the plaintiffs are located. On the other hand, it left me scratching my head a bit because the attorneys are located in New York. And not only is New York located a fair distance from New Orleans, but JetBlue also has its home office in New York. So why didn’t the plaintiff’s attorneys file in New York? It seems like that would be easier for everyone.

Then I looked at the recent court decisions of the Fifth Circuit, and one really stood out. It was another DOT case. On January 28, 2025 the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the DOT failed to comply with the APA in their fare disclosure regulation. That regulation was then remanded back to the DOT so they could make appropriate changes to comply with the law

In other words, the court ruled against the DOT. And if they did that once, then perhaps the attorneys for the plaintiffs were hoping that’s how it would go with this case.

What Happens Next?

Now that the papers have been filed we basically have to wait until the plaintiffs present their case to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. And then the court will either rule that it stands, or it will throw it out; or like in the fare disclosure regulation, it will be sent back to the DOT with instructions to fix it.

 

Time will only tell. Until then the new ACAA updates are on hold, and because the regulation has been challenged they will not go into effect as previously outlined.

And so we wait.  Hopefully this issue will be resolved soon.

sleeping-bear-featured

Sleeping Bear Dunes Track Chairs

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Thanks to Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers three loaner track chairs for use by wheelchair-users and slow walkers. The Mama Bear Chair and the Baby Bear Chair can be used on the Bay View Trail. The Mama Bear Chair is 24 inches wide between the armrests and can carry up to 350 pounds; while the Baby Bear Chair is 18 inches wide between the armrests and can carry up to 300 pounds. The newest track chair, The Platte Bear Chair, is 22 inches wide between the armrests and can carry up to 300 pounds. It can be used on the Platte Plains Trail.

Reservations are required to borrow the Sleeping Bear Dunes track chairs, and they are available Friday through Monday, during the summer season. A waiver of liability must also be signed. Minors are required to be accompanied by an adult. Track chair-users must be able to transfer independently or bring a companion to assist with transfers. After a short orientation a volunteer host will accompany the track chair-user on a hike.

For more information about the track chairs, visit friendsofsleepingbear.org/programs/accessibility/track-chair-program/ or e-mail trackchair@friendsofsleepingbear.org.

Barrier-Free TravelGlacier, Yellowstoneand Grand Teton National Parksfor Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

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Glacier, Yellowstone
and Grand Teton National Parks
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