published May 1, 2008

Best Practices of Accessibility in Parks and Recreation: A Delphi Survey of National Experts in Accessibility

by Alison Voight, Gary Robb, Jennifer Skulski, Deborah Getz, Debbie Scharven

As a result of frequent inquiries regarding best practices from practitioners, NCA initiated this research study in order to ascertain which practices in the field of parks and recreation accessibility management exceed the minimum standards set forth by the ADA and other disability-related legislation.

published Nov 1, 2001

Visitor Expectations and Perceptions of Program and Physical Accessibility in the National Park Service

by Rachel J. C. Chen, PhD

The purpose of the study was to identify the perceptions of people with disabilities relative to program and physical accessibility in the National Park Service.

published Jan 1, 1993

Beach Access: Assist Devices and Surfaces

A Research Report of the National Center of Accessibility Original Study Conducted at Bradford Woods (1993)

published Jan 1, 2011

Universal Accessibility of "Accessible" Fitness and Recreational Facilities for Persons With Mobility Disabilities

by Kelly P. Arbour-Nicitopoulos with McMaster University, Kathleen A. Martin Ginis with McMaster University

This study descriptively measured the universal accessibility of “accessible” fitness and recreational facilities for Ontarians living with mobility disabilities.

posted Nov 5, 2019

Ramps for Accessible Trails and Shared-Use Pathways

by Stuart Macdonald

Ramps, typically used for building access, are often provided on trails.

posted Oct 25, 2019

Florida’s Growing Trail Town Program

by Doug Alderson with Florida Office of Greenways and Trails

To recognize Florida’s trail towns, the Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) developed the Florida Trail Town program in 2018, inspired by the successful trail town programs of states such as Pennsylvania and Kentucky.

published Feb 1, 2014

National Trail Surfaces Study

by U.S. Access Board, National Center on Accessibility

In 2007 the National Center on Accessibility (NCA) entered into an agreement with the U.S. Access Board and National Park Service to investigate natural firm and stable surface alternatives when creating accessible pedestrian trails, including crushed stones, packed soil, and other natural material.

posted Jan 23, 2019

FAQ: Do the low stream crossings for trails and greenways conform to accessibility guidelines?

by American Trails Staff

Low water crossings are designed to allow normal flow under the trail, and to be over-topped during seasonal floods.

posted Jul 24, 2018

Braille trail building and renovation

by American Trails Staff

Braille trails and sensory gardens offer sustainable and accessible ways to safely experience the outdoors and provide opportunities to interact with nature.

posted Jul 11, 2018

FAQ: What are the guidelines for constructing an ADA compliant remote access trail path in National Forests?

by American Trails Staff

On September 26th the U.S. Forest Service released the agency’s 2013 Accessibility Guidebook on Outdoor Recreation and Trails that updates the agency’s direction on providing recreational opportunities accessible to everyone.