Opening the Outdoors to All

Getting around the grand canyon

A Travel Guide for the Physically Challenged

Text by Jan Barstad Photographs by Bob Rink

When Eileen Szychowski present-ed herself and her crutches at the Grand Canyon in 1981, she learned that because of her “physical handicap” she would not be allowed to take the mule ride to the Canyon bottom. Not even her considerable equestrian abilities could make the National Park Service alter its policy.

But much has changed since 1981. By July, 1990, the work of thousands of people culminated in the passage of the Americanswith Disabilities Act (ADA), which — among other things — ensures that the 43 million Americans with disabilities have fair access to the Grand Canyon and other trav-el destinations. As for Szychowski, within a year of her abortive mule trip, she became the first mounted ranger with a disability to work at the Grand Canyon, and now she has even rafted the Colorado River. She also found-ed Camelot, a nonprofit equestrian therapy with Disabilities Act (ADA), which — among other things — ensures that the 43 million Americans with disabilities have fair access to the Grand Canyon and other trav-el destinations. As for Szychowski, within a year of her abortive mule trip, she became the first mounted ranger with a disability to work at the Grand Canyon, and now she has even rafted the Colorado River. She also found-ed Camelot, a nonprofit equestrian therapy (OPPOSITE PAGE) Mark McGoldrick prepares for a new day at Grapevine Camp along the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. McGoldrick is on a 16-day, 225-mile river trip for people with physical challenges.

(ABOVE) McGoldrick enjoys some solitude where the moist sand provides a wheelchair user with a hard surface and the opportunity for independent movement. Soft, dry sand on some beach areas restricts wheelchair access except with help.

(BELOW) Accompanied by his brother, Alonzo, Abel Parra Jr. makes his way along a path from the Powell Memorial and overlook on the South Rim's West Rim Drive. (BOTTOM) Some rafters hold on tight as they hit a wave at Granite Rapid.and outdoor education program run by and for the disabled, and she's an adviser to Canyon transportation officials. Like Arizona's other attractions, the Grand Canyon today is much more accessible to people with mobility impairment. An accessible trail from Grand Canyon Village to the Powell Memorial offers extraordinary views of the vast panorama. The mule trips are open to people with disabilities, providing he or she is a trained rider in good physical condition, and can pass a rigorous review. Rafting trips on the Colorado are available through several outfitters. Opportunities for disabled - and mature travelers to enjoy the countless attractions of Arizona have never been greater. At zoos and archaeological digs and state parks and national monuments, the doors are open wide - and accessible.

WHEN YOU GO

The Arizona State Parks guide for disabled and mature travelers, Access Arizona, is a good beginning when planning a trip. The guide lists state parks, national parks, monuments and forests, and recreation areas. It also provides descriptions for each site and a map with accessible features highlighted in blue. You can purchase Access Arizona ($10) from State Parks or Arizona Highways magazine; call toll-free (800) 543-5432; in the Phoenix area and outside the U.S., (602) 258-1000.

Other sources of information include: Access, Metropolitan Phoenix Easter Seal Society 903 N. Second St. Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 252-6061 Access, Tucson and Green Valley Easter Seal Society 124 E. Broadway Tucson, AZ 85701 (520) 624-9833 The Arizona Accommodations Directory Arizona Hotel & Motel Association 2201 E. Camelback Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 553-8802 Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) 1229 E. Washington Phoenix, AZ 85034 (800) 280-2245 (602) 256-2245 (also TDD) Arizona Game and Fish Department 2222 W. Greenway Road Phoenix, AZ 85023 (602) 942-3000 or toll-free (800) 352-7000 Arizona State Parks 800 W. Washington, No. 415 Phoenix, AZ 85007 (602) 542-4174 National Forest Service Campgrounds (800) 280-CAMP The Federal Recreation Passport Program offers permanently disabled people the Golden Access Passport, a free lifetime entrance pass to national parks and monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and wildlife refuges. It also includes a 50 percent discount on fees for boat launches and parking. (The free Golden Age Passport offers similar benefits for those age 62 and up; the Golden Eagle Passport, an annual entrance pass only, is for those under 62 and costs $25.) To obtain a Passport, visit any National Park Service or Forest Service headquarters or regional office, or any park that charges an entrance fee.