1. Get an Access Pass. The Access Pass is a lifetime pass to national parks and federal recreational lands. It’s free to individuals with permanent disabilities. To learn more visit nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm.
2. Enjoy the beach. Sand is not a wheelchair user’s best friend, but there are areas that provide beach wheelchair rentals. Some beaches have access mats that make it easier for wheelchair users to navigate over the sand, and in some cases the mats go all the way to the water!
3. Go on a hike. Many parks have wheelchair accessible trails that have smoother grades and wider paths. Many beginner trails don’t require special equipment. Visit TrailLink.com to find wheelchair accessible hiking trails in your state.
4. Adapt your equipment. Add-ons such the Freewheel and FreedomTrax are great ways to modify your manual chair to navigate rough terrain.
5. Do your research. Take some time to find reccomended accessible outdoor areas and resources to help with adaptive equipment.