Backpacking paraplegics?

[rlown]

Just wondering if anyone has a friend who is a paraplegic and where they could backpack.
I have a friend and suggested the road around the East side of Saddlebag Lk, with support of course.

Any other options?

[balzaccom]

Interesting question. Lyell Canyon in Yosemite? I seem to remember that as pretty darn flat, but there are probably a few spots that would create difficulties. And are wheel chairs technically permitted in wilderness areas? I don't know the details, but they might fall into the same categoy as a mountain bike?

Sierra might be tough ( I like your suggestion of Saddlebag Lake ). What about springtime desert trips? Joshua Tree? Death Valley?

[maverick]

Google Bob Coomber, his stories are inspirational Russ.

[rightstar76]

Here's some info about wheelchairs in wilderness areas:

https://www.wilderness.org/articles/art ... ation-faqs

Q: Does wilderness designation discriminate against the disabled?

A: No. Those with disabilities may use wheelchairs within wilderness. The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 reaffirmed that nothing in the Wilderness Act should be construed as prohibiting the use of a wheelchair a wilderness area by individuals whose disability requires it. A report by the National Council on Disability found that "[a] significant majority of persons with disabilities surveyed very much enjoy the [National Wilderness Preservation System] and 76 percent do not believe that the restrictions on mechanized use stated in the Wilderness Act diminish their ability to enjoy wilderness. People with disabilities appear to visit the NWPS in the same ways and for the same reasons that people without disabilities do."

Some more detailed info:

https://www.fs.fed.us/eng/toolbox/acc/acc05.htm

The section of the ADA that does govern Federal agencies is Title V Section 12207 Federal wilderness areas, which pertains to Federal wilderness areas. This section reaffirms that the 1964 Wilderness Act doesn't prohibit the use of wheelchairs and also that agencies aren't required to change the character of wilderness areas in order to provide accessibility. It also defines the types of wheelchairs that can be used in federally designated wilderness. Facilities do not have to be constructed solely because a person with a disability might go to a wilderness area. However, if an agency decides to construct a facility, it must be accessible. For instance, in some areas of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, pit toilets have been provided for environmental reasons. The design of these toilets has been modified so that they are accessible.

[rightstar76]

.

[davidsheridan]

There is an organization called Environmental Travelling Companions (ETC)

ETC has shared outdoor adventures with people of all ages, including those with visual or hearing-impairments, physical or developmental disabilities, and life-threatening illnesses.

https://www.etctrips.org/

They would be a great resource for you. info@etctrips.org

[rlown]

Thanks. I'm leaving it up to him if he wants to go. He needs a better wheelchair first.
He's been a friend since '88 so I don't mind the extra work to get him back out in a safe place for the first trip.
I'm still thinking saddlebag lk on the East side.

[The Other Tom]

I believe there is/was a member of this forum...Hiking Mike...who became a paraplegic due to rocky mountain spotted fever, but continued to "get out there'. Search for his posts on this forum.