Written by Kelly Cotter, Posted by Tim McCue
Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors. Spending time outdoors is great for people’s mental health too. However, many people with disabilities are unable to experience hiking trails because they are inaccessible. Narrow and uneven walk ways are not accessible paths, especially for people in wheelchairs.
Many states however, have programs to help accessibly transport people with disabilities to hiking trails. That being said, there is so much work to be done to make sure that every person, regardless of their ability feels like they could easily go hiking any day.
Many organizations like Outdoors For All helps people with disabilities spend the day engaging in outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking or skiing. If you have a disability and want to learn a new athletic skill in a safe place, Outdoors For All is a great organization for you!
Accessibility should be a priority; trails should be wide and flat enough for all people to walk on. Everyone deserves to spend a day breathing in fresh air.