Late last year the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced some timely updates to the Air Carrier Access Act. https://emerginghorizons.com/2025-air-carrier-access-act-updates/
Subsequently five airlines, along with an airline trade group filed suit in the Fifth District challenging these stricter standards. https://emerginghorizons.com/acaa-updates-stalled-due-to-litigation/
If you’d like to hit the beach while you are in Honolulu, but you’re a wheelchair-user or slow walker, rest assured it’s still possible. Thanks to the Department of Parks and Recreation, beach mats and beach wheelchairs are available at many Honolulu beaches.
The hard plastic beach mats make it easy for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to navigate over the soft sand. And if you’d like to pave your own way, the beach wheelchairs make that possible too. The beach wheelchairs have three balloon tires, and have a weight capacity of 300 pounds. They are available on a first-come basis, in two-hour increments. It’s important to note that the beach wheelchairs cannot be self propelled, so you must bring along a companion to push you around the beach.
For more information about the Honolulu beach wheelchairs and beach mats, visit www.honolulu.gov/dpr/therapeutic-recreation-beach-wheelchairs/. That site also has a helpful map of all the beach mat and beach wheelchair locations. So get ready to enjoy the sand and surf on your next Honolulu trip.
Located on the quieter northern side of the Columbia River, Skamania Lodge has long been a top choice for a relaxing nature getaway. But make no mistake, you’re not exactly roughing it at this upscale mountain lodge. That said, even with the luxurious touches and attentive service, you’re still connected to the outdoors in just about any space on the property.
Skamania Lodge has also been proactive about wheelchair access. Not only do they offer some beautiful accessible lodge rooms, but they also have a secluded wheelchair-accessible treehouse (emerginghorizons.com/sleep-in-a-wheelchair-accessible-treehouse-at-skamania-lodge/). The former is great for family visits, while the latter is excellent for a romantic getaway. The newest addition to the Treehouse Village is a collection of luxury cabins, including a nice wheelchair-accessible unit. So, pack your bags, leave the big city behind you and relax in a Skamania Lodge wheelchair-accessible cabin.
There’s level access to the lobby at this outdoor-themed lodge, with plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair to the front desk. From there, it’s a short drive to the gated treehouse section of the property, where the wheelchair-accessible cabin is located. Cabin 744 (also known as Horsetail Falls) includes a private parking space in front, with plenty of room for an adapted van. And if you happen to drive an EV, there’s also a charging station there.
There’s barrier-free access to the spacious front porch, and a comfy Adirondack chair in front. Access features in this one-bedroom cabin include wide doorways, lever handles, good pathway access and laminate floors for easy rolling.
The great room includes a stone gas fireplace, a king size sofa bed, a dining table with four chairs and a compact kitchen. The kitchen features a roll-under sink, and a lowered microwave and refrigerator. The whole cabin exudes a woodsy ambiance, with high ceilings, wood beams and natural wood accents.
A large barn door leads into the bedroom, which is furnished with two 22-inch high open-frame queen-sized beds, with wheelchair access in the middle and the right side (as you face them). Other furnishings include a nightstand, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers. And to make you feel welcome, there’s a stuffed mini-Sasquatch on the bed.
There’s excellent access in the cavernous bathroom, which includes barn door access and features a full five-foot turning radius. It’s outfitted with a roll-in shower with a fold-down shower seat, grab bars and a hand-held showerhead (as well as a traditional showerhead). It also includes a roll-under sink and a toilet with grab bars on the back and right walls (as seated).
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If you’re planning on a trip to Italy and use are a wheelchair-user or slow walker, here are a few resources to help you in the trip planning process.
Rome and Italy Tourist Services (www.romeanditaly.com) is able to organize customized accessible tours and excursions throughout Italy. The tours are conducted by English speaking guides in lift-equipped vans, and feature accommodations at accessible properties. Tours are available to Rome, Sicily, Tuscany, Pisa, Naples, Florence and more.
Day tours of Rome are also available, and a special adaptive device – a Wheely Trekky – is used for inaccessible archeological sites such as the Colosseum. Additionally, arrangements for the rental of adaptive equipment, including shower chairs, hoists, scooters and manual and power wheelchairs can be made. Accessible transfers to and from all the major Italian airports are also available. For more information e-mail info@romeanditaly.it. And if you arrive in Italy by ship, accessible shore excursions are also available.
If a flight to the Eternal City is in your future, then make sure and check out the ADR website for information about accessible transfers to and from the airport. Helpful information about accessible taxi, bus and train transfers at Fiumicino and Ciampino airports are listed on this website. Also included is some general access information and some helpful tips. https://www.adr.it/web/aeroporti-di-roma-en/adrassistance
Italy Accessible offers accessible tours of Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany and and the surrounding areas for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. This local tour operator arranges customized excursions in ramped minivans, with stops at accessible attractions and restaurants. Accessible lodging in hotels that have been inspected for access is also included. Day tours, as well as week-long adventures are offered. And if you’d like a customized tour, they can put that together too. For more information, visit www.accessibletourism.it.
Beginning on September 25, 2025 Southwest Airlines will implement new regulations for passengers traveling with lithium-powered mobility devices. The new regulation requires customers to remove all lithium batteries from their wheelchairs or scooters before boarding the aircraft. The batteries will need to be carried aboard by passengers, but will not count towards their checked baggage allowance or personal items.
The majestic Columbia River flows through the Pacific Northwest and forms the border between Washington and Oregon. On the Oregon side of the river, Interstate 84 travels through several mid-sized cities as it skirts the waterway. That said, Highway 14 on the north side of the river offers a bucolic view of the Washington landscape. Even better, the northern route boasts several wheelchair-accessible hikes. So take the time to hop off the interstate, cross the river, and enjoy these scenic wheelchair-accessible Columbia River hikes on your next Pacific Northwest road trip.
While traveling on the western part of Interstate 84, the best — and frankly the most scenic — river crossing is at the Bridge of the Gods (www.portofcascadelocks.gov/bridge-of-the-gods), in Cascade Locks. After you cross this two-lane toll bridge, head west on Highway 14 for about 10 miles to get to the first accessible hike on the list — Sam’s Walker Trail. When you hit Skamania Landing Road, turn south and and follow the signs to the trailhead. It should be noted that Skamania Landing Road is a loop, so be sure and take the western turnoff.
There’s no accessible parking in the gravel lot, but there’s plenty of room to parallel park an adapted van. An accessible vault toilet sits on one side of the parking lot, and an accessible shaded picnic table graces the other side. There’s level access over to the 1.2-mile hard packed dirt trail. It winds through a sweeping meadow, then passes through a shady cedar forest before it loops back to the trailhead,.
Sam’s Walker Trail is pretty well maintained, but there may be some slight vegetation overgrowth depending on the season. It’s mostly a flat trail, although there are some slight elevation changes along the way. Still it’s well within the ADA guidelines for accessible trails; as the steepest grade is only 4%, and that’s just for a few feet. It’s a great spot for a spring wildflower hike, and the meadow is an excellent birding venue. As an added bonus, there’s an accessible picnic table set off the trail under a few trees, about halfway along the hike If the table in the parking lot is occupied, it’s a great spot for a picnic lunch. And even if the parking lot table is available, the trail table offers more privacy. Sam’s Walker Trail makes for a nice accessible hike throughout the year.
Next up on the list of wheelchair-accessible Columbia River hikes is the Catherine Creek Universal Trail. From Sam’s Walker Trail, head east on Highway 14, then turn north on Old Highway 8, about 40 miles up the road. The Catherine Creek Universal Trail is about 1.5 miles up Old Highway 8.
There’s a small dirt parking area on the north side of the street; and although there are no lined spaces, there’s room enough to parallel park in the level lot. There’s another trailhead near the parking area on the north side of the street, but the Catherine Creek Universal Trail begins across the street, near the accessible porta potty.
You can take the trail in either direction, but most folks choose to head east (left). The trail winds through a meadow and over to the Catherine Creek Falls viewpoint. It’s just a quarter-mile walk to the falls, and the area is filled with lilies, poppies and balsamroot blooms in the spring. The waterfall decreases to just a trickle in the summer months, but it’s rather impressive earlier in the year . And if you’d like to stay a spell, there’s also a bench in the waterfall viewing area. As an added bonus, there’s also a nice Columbia River view.
The next part of the route crosses a small footbridge and then an accessible boardwalk, before it splits into two trails. The trail to the right is the half-mile shortcut, and it’s a bit steeper than the longer route. The trail to the left winds along the Columbia River and then intersects with the shortcut, before it returns to the starting point for a 1.2-mile stroll. Although neither route is level, they both are accessible. And don’t forget to bring a hat, as there’s not much shade along the way.
The final trail on our north shore collection of wheelchair-accessible Columbia River hikes is the Balfour Klickitat Loop. From the Catherine Creek Universal Trail, continue east along Old Highway 8 for about 4.5 miles. The trailhead is on the left, and although it’s marked, it’s east to miss. If you hit Highway 14, turn around and backtrack for about .2 mile.
This land was originally farmed by the Thomas Balfour family in the 1800s, and remnants of the Osage orange trees they planted are still visible along the trail today. There’s accessible parking near the trailhead, with level access over to an accessible vault toilet.
The .75–mile wide paved trail winds through a meadow and offers a panoramic Columbia River view, complete with parasailers. There are turn outs along the way for wheelchair-users, and this is also a great spot for wildflower viewing in the spring. At about the halfway point there’s a single accessible picnic table on a pad, with plenty of room for a wheelchair. It’s a great place for a picnic as it’s tucked off the trail in a private cove, but still offers a nice river view.
The trail then crosses a small bridge and continues along the meadow, with a view of the peaceful Klickitat River. It’s a great birding place, and bald eagles are known to congregate here during the salmon run in January and February. When you reach a fork in the trail, bear left to the return to the parking area. Although there is some elevation gain there, it’s within code, with resting spots every 20 feet. It’s a pleasant trail, that’s definitely worth a stop while road tripping along Highway 14.
After you finish exploring the Balfour-Klickitat Loop, head out Highway 14 to continue your trek east. Alternatively, you can extend your stay and explore this less-touristed side of the Columbia River.
Maryhill State Park is located about 20 miles east of the Balfour-Klickitat Loop, and it’s a nice place to stop for a picnic or even spend a night or two. The Maryhill Museum, Maryhill Winery and Maryhill Stonehenge are also all worth a visit while you’re in the area. (emerginghorizons.com/linger-on-in-maryhill-state-park/).
If you’d like to stay a little further west, then check out Skamania Lodge (emerginghorizons.com/sleep-in-a-wheelchair-accessible-treehouse-at-skamania-lodge/). They have a good selection of accessible rooms that includes everything from a wheelchair-accessible treehouse to a spacious accessible cabin. And while you’re in the area, take a quick trip over to the Oregon side of the river and explore the Hood River Infinity Loop (emerginghorizons.com/drive-the-scenic-mount-hood-infinity-loop/) and the Columbia River Waterfall Corridor (emerginghorizons.com/explore-the-historic-columbia-river-highway-waterfall-corridor/).
And finally, if you’d prefer to camp out, then check out Beacon Rock State Park. It offers a nicely accessible campsite, as well as a few accessible hikes. Either way these wheelchair-accessible Columbia River hikes only take a few hours, and the scenery is most definitely worth the slight detour.
Based in Southern Wisconsin, Access Ability Wisconsin (www.accessabilitywi.org/) offers free loaner track chairs throughout the state. These track chairs have tank tracks instead of tires and unlike most wheelchairs, they can travel over rough terrain.
On-site track chairs, as well as track chairs that can be towed to the location of your choice are available for loan. The towable track chairs come with a trailer and everything that’s needed to tow it. The track chair weighs 350 pounds and the trailer weighs 800 pounds, so you need a vehicle with a towing capacity of at least 1,150 pounds in order to tow the trailer. The hitch uses a two-inch ball, and for safety reasons at least 8 inches of ground clearance is required. A mid-sized SUV, van or truck is suggested, in order to meet these safety requirements.
Reservations for the track chairs can be made at https://www.accessabilitywi.org/reserves-types . A $50 refundable deposit is required at the time of the reservation, and a $2.75 non-refundable processing fee will be charged for each chair. The processing fee will be deducted from the deposit when the equipment is returned.
If the track chair will be towed, a copy of your drivers license and proof of insurance are also required. A Waiver of Liability and User Agreement must also be signed in order to borrow the track chair.
The goal of Access Ability Wisconsin is to have at least one track chair for loan in every county. Their available inventory is continually growing, so check back often. For more information about these Wisconsin track chairs for loan, visit the Access Ability Wisconsin website or call (608) 886-9388.
Can you sue an airline because they damaged your wheelchair, delayed your deplaning, or otherwise infringed on your rights as a wheelchair-user? That’s a question I often get. And rightly so, because litigation is a logical solution to bad customer service.
To be honest, you can sue anyone for anything; however the bigger question in this case is, will you prevail in court?
An unfortunately in cases regarding the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) — the law that mandates wheelchair access on US airlines — the answer is no.
The ACAA, which was implemented in 1986, covers access issues on US airlines and on flights to and from the US. It’s the law of the land as far as accessible air travel goes, and it even predates the Americans with Disabilities Act.
It’s written in a readable format — minus the legal jargon — so I always encourage folks to read it, so they fully understand their rights (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-D/part-382).
Unfortunately the ACAA does not allow for private lawsuits. On the other hand it doesn’t specifically prohibit them either. So, it was basically up to the courts to decide if you can sue an airline for for a disability-related issue. And although the ACAA has been mentioned in numerous other cases, the final decision on this matter came in 2017 in Stokes v. Southwest Airlines
In Stokes v. Southwest Airlines, Kelli Stokes claimed that her autistic son suffered physical, emotional and mental injuries, because of a denied boarding due to his disruptive behavior and disability. The lower court dismissed the case, on the grounds that the ACAA did not specifically provide for private lawsuits.
And the Fifth District Court of Appeals upheld that decision. The final ruling held that no private right of action exists to enforce the ACAA. So, yes, you can always try to sue, but because of this precedent, then it will most likely be dismissed. And with that in mind, you’ll be hard pressed to find an attorney to take a ACAA case on contingency. So, can you sue an airline for mishandling your wheelchair? No, you can’t.
That said, even though you can’t prevail in a lawsuit if an airline violates the ACAA, there’s still something you can — and should — do instead. File an ACAA complaint. I know, I can hear the eyes rolling as I type this, but this is really the only way to effect change.
Will filing an ACAA complaint compensate you for your damages? No. If your personal property has been damaged or you have been injured by the airline, you need to take that issue up directly with them. Keep your receipts, bills and quotes and file a claim with the airline for your damages. You should always do this, however you can also file an ACAA complaint at the same time.
Granted the Department of Transportation (DOT) may do nothing more than log your complaint; however it’s essential to have it on file. That way if an airline continues to violate the ACAA, then the DOT has a paper trail of the complaints. And once an airline starts to accrue complaints, the DOT usually takes action.
What do they do? Well they can issue hefty fines, require remedial training regarding access issues, and even order the airline to implement new policies. But again, nothing will happen if you don’t file an ACAA complaint.
It’s easy to do — here’s some more information about it. https://emerginghorizons.com/how-to-resolve-a-wheelchair-access-travel-complaint/
So next time your rights are ignored when you fly the friendly skies, don’t just look the other way. File an official complaint so some remedial action will be taken. It’s really the best way to make air travel more accessible, and to make sure that the ACAA is followed.
With 63 parks in the US National Park System, it’s really hard to choose a favorite. That said, wheelchair-access plays a big part in my top choices. But there has to be more than just access to a visitor center or a few overlooks to make my list. Diversity also plays into my choices, but so does the quality of the visit. Accessible overnight lodging has to be in that mix too.
And let’s not forget about the price of popularity. Sadly, with so many visitors flocking to some of these national treasures, sometimes it feels like you are lined up for a popular ride at an iconic theme park at some national parks. That definitely takes away from the natural experience. So taking that all these factors into consideration, here are my five favorite wheelchair-accessible national parks .
emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-glacier-national-park-without-a-car/.
Glacier National Park (emerginghorizons.com/barrier-free-travel-glacier-yellowstone-and-grand-teton-national-parks-for-wheelchair-users-and-slow-walkers/#itin-1) tops my list of wheelchair-accessible national parks, not only for the beautiful scenery and variety of accessible lodging choices, but for its ease of access without a vehicle. That’s right, you can take the Amtrak Empire Builder to this iconic national park, and then hop on the visitor shuttle to your in-park lodge and then book a Red Bus tour to see the park. And the good news is, that all of these transportation options are wheelchair-accessible. Plus, you don’t have to worry about getting an entrance reservation (emerginghorizons.com/national-park-entrance-reservations-required-in-2024/) if you stay in the park. So ditch your car and visit this Montana gem this summer!
emerginghorizons.com/escape-to-the-wheelchair-accessible-mariposa-grove/
Yosemite (emerginghorizons.com/barrier-free-travelyosemite-sequoia-and-kings-canyon-national-parksfor-wheelers-and-slow-walkers/#itins holds a special place in my heart, as I grew up near there and spent a good chunk of my adult life in the area. Nothing beats the grandeur of Yosemite Falls or Half Dome; however Yosemite Valley can get extremely crowded, even in the off season. One way to dodge some of the crowds is to plan an excursion to a non-valley site. And my top pick for that is Mariposa Grove. Located near the South Entrance of the park, Mariposa Grove is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. And thanks to upgrades over the years, there are two wheelchair-accessible trails through this often overlooked corner of the park.
emerginghorizons.com/shenandoah-national-park-for-wheelchair-users/
Next up on my list of favorite wheelchair-accessible national parks is Shenandoah National Park. This Northwestern Virginia national park is chocked full of beautiful views, and the wildflower blooms in the summer are absolutely gorgeous. There’s also a beautiful 1.3-mile accessible trail that runs through a wooded area and over a boardwalk. And the trail is close to Skyland, an excellent choice for wheelchair-accessible lodging. The property boasts a spacious accessible room with a roll-in shower and the restaurant offers more great views. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and spend a night or two.
emerginghorizons.com/dodge-the-crowds-in-yellowstone-at-these-wheelchair-accessible-sites/
I love Yellowstone National Park (emerginghorizons.com/barrier-free-travel-glacier-yellowstone-and-grand-teton-national-parks-for-wheelchair-users-and-slow-walkers/#itin-1), and I’m not alone with that opinion. It’s an incredibly busy national park. That said, if you get there early you can enjoy a somewhat uncrowded experience at Old Faithful, one of the park’s biggest draws. But there’s much more to see beyond the iconic geyser, and even a few places that are a little off-the-beaten-path. Some of my wheelchair-accessible favorites are West Thumb Geyser Basin, Frying Pan Spring and the Forces of the Northern Range Boardwalk. And one of my friends even had an accessible hunting adventure there (emerginghorizons.com/a-disabled-hunting-adventure-stalking-big-game-out-west/). Truly, they sky’s the limit as far as accessible things to do in the nation’s first national park.
emerginghorizons.com/grand-canyon-without-a-car/
Rounding out my list of favorite wheelchair-accessible national parks is and oldie but goodie — Grand Canyon National Park (emerginghorizons.com/the-grand-canyon-for-wheelers-and-slow-walkers/#itin-1). More specifically, the South Rim of this iconic national park. I love it not only because of the accessible canyon views and lodging options, but also because it’s another national park that you can see without a car. You can take Amtrak’s Southwest Chief to Flagstaff and connect with an accessible shuttle to the park. Alternately, you can take an Amtrak thruway bus to Williams and hop on the equally accessible Grand Canyon Railway and ride it to the park. Add in an overnight at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, and you have a truly accessible car-free Grand Canyon package. And once you’re in the park, there’s an accessible shuttle that stops at the most popular South Rim sites. Enjoy the scenery and leave the driving to someone else in this beautiful national park.
Located just off what’s often been called “the loneliest road in America”, Great Basin National Park (nps.gov/grba/) is the epitome of remote. Named for the dry and mountainous basin between the Sierra Nevada and Wasatch mountain ranges, this Eastern Nevada national park offers a diverse landscape, from subterranean caverns to high alpine peaks. And as one of America’s least visited national parks, it’s the perfect place to take a welcome break from hectic city life. The good news is, even though parts of this park are quite rugged, it still offers plenty of places for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to admire Mother Nature’s handiwork.
One of the most accessible ways to enjoy Great Basin National Park is to take the 12-mile scenic drive up to Wheeler Peak. The best place to begin your adventure is at the Great Basin Visitor Center, located on Highway 487 in Baker. There’s accessible parking in front, with level access to the visitor center. Inside there’s plenty of room to navigate a wheelchair around the interpretive exhibits. This is a good place to get your bearings, pick up a park map and get first-hand information from the rangers on duty.
From the visitor center, continue along Highway 488 until you reach the park. Just past the park entrance, make a right turn on Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. This winding road hugs the mountain as it passes through several ecosystems on the way to the summit. The landscape is dotted with sagebrush, before it gives way to a pinion juniper woodland, and then transforms into a conifer forest. There’s no shortage of great windshield views along the way, and there are several scenic viewpoints where you can admire the sweeping vistas. And although the road is paved, the average grade is eight percent, and vehicles and trailers longer than 24 feet are prohibited. On the plus side, that means you won’t see any tour buses at the top.
There are several scenic viewpoints along Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, that are definitely worth a stop. First up on the drive is the Osceola Ditch trailhead, which is located just past Lehman Creek campgrounds. There’s plenty of room to parallel park in the asphalt pullout, with level access over to the interpretive panel about the Osceola Ditch. This 18-mile flume dates back to 1890, when it was built to carry water to the nearby gold mining operation. Although the mines saw some success in the beginning, they shut down in 1905, but some remnants of the Osceola Ditch still stand.
Just up the road you’ll find two viewpoints which offer great views of the vast Great Basin. Mather Overlook is just a short drive off the main road, and it features level access to the viewing deck, which has a wheelchair-height scope. There is also an accessible vault toilet and a picnic table on a cement pad at this overlook. Wheeler Peak Overlook also offers level access to a viewing deck with a wheelchair-height scope, where you’ll get an excellent view of the Wheeler Peak Glacier.
Up at the top there is accessible parking in the Bristlecone Parking Lot, with level access to the Sky Island Forest Trail. This .4-mile loop is very nicely done, with rubber mats and boardwalk sections to make it accessible in all weather. The maximum grade along the 32-inch wide trail is eight percent, and there are benches along the way to stop and rest. Interpretive plaques dot the trail, which winds through a fir and pine forest. Located at 10,000 feet, this trail offers a unique opportunity for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to explore the sub-alpine forest.
There’s another side to Great Basin National Park – a subterranean side. After you finish the scenic drive, head down to Lehman Caves for an entirely different view of the park. Located at the end of Highway 488, the Lehman Caves Visitor Center offers accessible parking, with a ramp up to the back entrance. Inside, there’s barrier-free access to the visitor center and gift shop.
Although there are 76 steps on the regular cave tour, a special “mobility tour” is also available. Although not 100 percent accessible it may work for some wheelchair-users and slow walkers. The tour is actually a shorter version of the regular tour, and people who can’t manage the steps and grade just go to the first room — the Gothic Room — and then return to the visitor center.
There’s level access on a paved pathway to the cave entrance, but there’s a five-to-eight-percent grade to the Gothic Room. Wheelchair-users must be accompanied by a companion who can push them in and out of the cave. And although it may sound a bit restrictive, it’s a good opportunity for some wheelchair-users and slow walkers to get a look at the fabulous stalactite and stalagmite formations inside the cave.
The availability of the mobility tour is dependent on the staffing, as there has to be an extra ranger to take wheelchair-users and slow walkers back early. For more information on the mobility tour or to find out about availability, call (775) 234-7517. Tickets for this tour are not available online, but it’s definitely worth the extra effort to make arrangements for the mobility tour in advance.
