The accessibility of Wisconsin State Parks to persons with mobility-impairments

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the accessibility of Wisconsin State Parks to persons with mobility-impairments and whether the park facilities met the recreational interests of the mobilityimpaired. These persons were surveyed for their interest in state park recreational activities and for what facilities they use. This study also provides some basic evidence for recommendations for changes in Wisconsin State Parks, for the mobility impaired and their families. The study surveys the Madison Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, which Includes a radius of 140 miles. This Includes all mobilityimpaired members regardless of age, sex, or race, who are hemiplegic, paraplegic or quadriplegic, and who have or have not visited a Wisconsin State Park. The typical mobility-impaired park visitor is a person who is middle aged (41 years and older), earns an Income of $25,000 or greater, and Is quadriplegic or paraplegic. The visitor has been disabled for less than ten years. They visit the park during the daytime on weekends during June, July and August. The visitors prefer picnicking to any other park activities. The typical non-visitors is middle aged (41 years and older) annually earns $5,000 to $9,999. The non-visitors is paraplegic or quadriplegic and has been disabled for 29 to 33 years. When asked their preference for a park activity, the non-visitors indicated an interest in boating and fishing during weekends and weekdays. The respondents, visitors and non-visitors, desire to participate in summer activities of picnicking, fishing, boating, swimming, camping and hiking and desire these activities to be accessible. The respondents Indicate little interest in winter activities. In addition, facilities that are Important for accessibility to the respondents are those of picnic areas, restrooms, and parking lots. When asked for suggestions, few respondents mentioned the need for more accessibility. Thus if appears to the author of this research, that generally Wisconsin State Parks are meeting the needs and desires of the mobility-lmpaired. It is recommended, by the author, follow up study be conducted by the Department of Nature. Resources, which would include all disabled individuals in Wisconsin such as; the blind, hearing Impaired and less severe disabilities, to receive an accurate analysis of the wants and needs of the total disabled population pertaining to activities and facilities within the parks.