Get Out There!

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camp dis
As recent as 20 years ago it was difficult if not impossible for people with disabilities or seniors with mobility issues to fully enjoy their state and national parks because of very limited access. I remember when I first incurred my disability and realized I could not access the places that used to give me so much contentment and joy. I was frustrated and disappointed.
Before my physical disability I paid little attention to what might not be accessible. My first camping trip after my mobility limits was very eye-opening. The bathroom doors were very heavy and too narrow to get my walker in without turning it sideways then hoping someone would be around to hold the door open. The stalls were also too narrow for the walker. The grounds were uneven and treacherous and nearly impossible to find a level area to fish from. In order to take a shower I took my folding outdoor chair to sit on inside the stall. There were steps to every building. The campsites closest to the restrooms were reserved for large motorhomes. Interestingly, I was not the only one trying to navigate through the park as there were several young mothers with strollers having the same logistical problems. Access was sorely needed for all ages.
accessibility1
But things are very different now after the “Americans with Disabilities Act” and the commitment of the national and state parks to make all of their areas accessible to every citizen. All those issues and so much more has changed now. Bathrooms have wider stalls, buildings have zero entry, and there are paved trails and accessible fishing docks. The campsites closest to restrooms are reserved for people with mobility issues with concrete pads and paved sidewalks to the restrooms. Some parks even have roll-in showers to accommodate wheelchairs. In addition there is now a whole market that has sprung up around outdoor accessibility aids such as adaptable fishing poles, easy on waders and Velcro closures on trout vests. There are a few tricks that I have learned to make camping a little easier. I have included a list below
  • electric skillets, electric two burners and electric coffee pots are easy and safe
  • there are blowup mattresses that are quite high that makes it easier to lift up from the mattress
  • taping a flashlight on your walker or wheelchair and bicycle reflective strips makes it safer for night walks
  • solar and battery lanterns that are safer than the old-fashioned kerosene type
Every state now has accessible parks. You can check out yours by going to your Conservation Department website. A few of the more well-known ones are Yellowstone National Park, Everglades National Park, the Denali National Park, Grand Canyon and Smoky Mountains. There is a complete list at www.nps.gov . 
NOW GET OUT THERE!                 camp 1

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