A trail guide for disabled hikers

I was well into adulthood when I realized that hiking was something I could participate in. I grew up with multiple disabilities and chronic illnesses and thought being "outside" was only bodily people. I couldn't find any info on hiking as a disabled person so I spent a lot of time trying to figure it out on my own.

Accessibility is improving, but there is no single solution. Different disabilities – and even people with the same disability – have different needs. For example, I look for trails that don't have long inclines or obstacles like large rocks and steep stairs, that are shaded and wide enough to use a cane or hiking poles, and that have benches or places to rest (I often bring a folding chair).

Wheelchair accessibility, in particular, means different things. A truly wheelchair accessible trail is flat, wide and has a firm surface with no obstacles. Trails with steeper, more rugged sections may be an option for experienced outdoor wheelchair users or those using all-terrain chairs. I refer to these trails as wheelchair hikes.

For many travelers with disabilities, it all comes down to how steep or steep a trail is. You can often find this information, expressed as a percentage, on park websites or trail apps. A slope greater than 12% can be difficult for people with reduced mobility or with cardiopulmonary problems, and inaccessible for most wheelchair users. Other considerations include tactile signage and maps, which lifted items for exploration by touch; accessible parking; and excessive or unexpected noises, which can lead to sensory overload in people with sensory processing disorders.

Access to nature is so important to our well-being. -be. Everyone deserves to experience it, and people with disabilities can participate in these accessible summer adventures.

California

National and State Parks de Redwood

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