Designing for Riders With Disabilities

Chapter 11— way to determine accessibility is to evaluate the site Funding Sources esigning for Riders or facility to determine whether it complies with Certain laws and guidelines apply if funding is D With Disabilities the accessibility standards in effect when it was provided by government sources, whether as direct constructed or renovated. payment or as grants, or if the program is operating under a permit from a Federal agency. Projects paid Site-Specific Accessibility for with community or State money are subject 11 In the United States 54 million people have Determining which accessibility requirements apply to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). disabilities. That number will increase as the to a situation may be confusing. For each site: Those funded with Federal dollars or operating country’s population ages. By 2030, over 110 million ÕÕIdentify users under a permit issued by a Federal agency fall people will be older than 55, and many will develop ÕÕKnow the funding source under the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) and functional disabilities. People who have disabilities ÕÕSeparate trail design from trailhead and camp- Section 504 of the ADA. Both the ABA and ADA recreate with families and friends, increasing the ground design are laws. Accessibility guidelines were developed need to provide facilities and programs where to guide construction of facilities that would everyone can participate. Accessibility requirements Users comply with the laws. The current accessibility need to be considered when designing horse trails, If the public has access, the project must meet guidelines are the Americans with Disabilities Act/ trailheads, or campgrounds. accessibility requirements. The ownership or Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines jurisdiction of the site, facilities, or activities helps (ADA/ABAAG). Numerous laws and guidelines govern this topic, and determine the requirements that apply. The basic the acronyms—ABA, 504, ADA, ADA/ABAAG, and categories are: The ADA/ABAAG focuses on facilities in highly so forth—can be a bit daunting. It is beyond the scope ÕÕFederal agencies—the National Forest System, developed areas such as cities, towns, and major of this guidebook to define and interpret accessibility National Park Service, Bureau of Land tourist attractions. With the exception of boating requirements in detail, although a brief look at the Management, and so forth facilities and fishing piers and platforms, the ADA/ issues may be helpful. In summary, with very few ÕÕState, local, and private entities ABAAG doesn’t provide direction for construction or exceptions, all people are to be provided an equal renovation of outdoor developed recreation areas or opportunity to participate in programs that are offered, If the recreation opportunity is solely for private trails designed for hikers and pedestrians. and new or renovated facilities are to be accessible. or religious use, and the public will never have Refer to Appendix F—Summary of Accessibility access—not even once a year at a fundraiser—and Because there were no accessibility guidelines Legislation, Standards, and Guidelines for an the opportunity takes place entirely on privately for outdoor recreation areas, the Forest Service overview of accessibility laws, related guidelines, and owned land, the trail or facility may not have to meet developed its own guidelines. The Forest Service standards. Sites, facilities, and programs are accessible accessibility requirements. This guidebook doesn’t Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines or they are not—there is no middle ground. The only address such situations. (FSORAG) and the Forest Service Trail Accessibility 213 Designing for Riders With Disabilities

Guidelines (FSTAG) are detailed accessibility Table 11–1—Quick guide for applying accessibility standards and guidelines to facilities.

guidelines that apply to developed recreation sites ABA FSORAG FSTAG and hiker and pedestrian trails within the National Accessibility Standard (Apply only within National (Apply only within National Forest Forest System. Both the FSORAG and the FSTAG Forest System boundaries) System boundaries) are based on draft accessibility guidelines for Buildings, boating, and fishing Recreation site features Hiker/pedestrian trails 11 outdoor recreation areas created by a committee All buildings, including: New or reconstructed: New or altered trails that are:

of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers ÕÕAdministrative offices ÕÕPicnic areas ÕÕDesigned for hiker/pedestrian use Compliance Board (Access Board). The Forest ÕÕResidences ÕÕFire rings ÕÕCrew quarters ÕÕGrills and Service guidelines recognize the realities of ÕÕVisitor centers ÕÕWood stoves the outdoors and allow exceptions for certain ÕÕEntrance stations ÕÕBenches ÕÕThat connect either directly to a trailhead circumstances. While the FSORAG and FSTAG ÕÕParking lots ÕÕPicnic tables ÕÕCooking surfaces or only have to be followed within National Forest And including components, such as: ÕÕPedestal grills System boundaries, the guidelines may prove useful ÕÕFireplaces ÕÕConnect to a currently accessible trail for others who are planning and designing outdoor ÕÕRestrooms with and without ÕÕBeach access water ÕÕOutdoor recreation access recreation projects. ÕÕWorkstations routes ÕÕDoors ÕÕCamping units (eating and Pathway and Trail Designs ÕÕOperating controls (door handles, cooking areas, parking spurs, faucet controls, thermostats, and platforms, tent pads) Facilities at trailheads and campgrounds, including so forth) ÕÕCampground utility connections toilet buildings and parking areas, must be accessible. ÕÕWater hydrants and drinking Pathways within such areas and those that lead Boating and fishing facilities, fountains including: ÕÕOutdoor rinsing showers to trailheads and interpretive sites also must be ÕÕRemote-area pit toilets accessible. The FSORAG addresses the accessibility ÕÕBoating facilities ÕÕTrash/recycling containers ÕÕDocks ÕÕViewing areas and overlooks of camp and picnic units, picnic tables, grills, and ÕÕFishing piers and platforms ÕÕTelescopes and periscopes so forth at Forest Service recreation sites. The ÕÕMobility device storage FSORAG also covers pedestrian routes from camp ÕÕWarming huts

units to toilet buildings and parking areas as well as —Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails (Zeller and others 2006). the pathways or outdoor recreation access routes (ORARs) that connect these outdoor recreation facilities. Table 11–1 is a quick reference for applying accessibility standards and guidelines to facilities.

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Accessibility of trails that are not in developed ÕÕThe trail has a designed use of hiker and Universal Design recreation sites needs closer examination. Trails pedestrian, in accordance with the Interagency The best way to integrate accessibility is to use the are designed to address the use for which the trail Trail Data Standards, and principles of universal design. Universal design is designated, the trail’s designed use. For example, ÕÕThe trail is new or being altered because of a focuses on building for everyone while conforming trails designed for trail stock and riders have higher change in the original trail purpose, and to accessibility standards. Simply put, universal and wider clearance and softer tread surfaces than ÕÕThe trail connects either directly to a trailhead or design means designing programs and facilities to 11 bicycle trails. While trails may be managed for to a currently accessible trail. include all people to the greatest extent possible, multiple uses, each trail only has one designed use. without separate or segregated access for people The FSTAG, which addresses recreation trails, only Federal accessibility legislation does not apply to with disabilities. The classic example of universal applies to trails that meet all three of the following trails exclusively designed for horse use. design is constructing a single at-grade entrance to a conditions: structure rather than steps and accessible ramps.

A well-designed, universally accessible recreation facility does not stand out as being different from Resource Roundup other sites. It also has more opportunities that are Firm and Stable Surfaces While this method for determining firmness and available for a broader range of public use. To be accessible, facilities must have a firm and stability is not scientifically accurate, it has proven stable surface. What sort of surface is firm and to be effective. The Forest Service’s policy of universal design stable? In general, if the answer to both of the requires complete integration of accessibility within following questions is yes, the surface is probably In the late 1990s, the Access Board funded an Forest Service facilities. Because the Forest Service firm and stable. Accessible Exterior Surfaces research project has had an accessibility policy since the early 1990s, ÕÕCould a person ride a narrow-tired bicycle across conducted by Beneficial Designs, Inc., of Minden, its facilities, programs, and associated elements the surface easily without making ruts? (The NV. Results of the study are available from the often exceed the minimum requirements of Federal bicycle tires are similar to large rear wheels of a Access Board at http://www.access-board.gov/ accessibility guidelines. wheelchair.) research/Exterior%20Surfaces/exteriorsarticle. ÕÕCould a folding stroller with small, narrow htm or from Beneficial Designs at http://www. plastic wheels containing a 3-year-old be pushed beneficialdesigns.com/surfaces/surface.html. easily across the surface without making ruts? The project developed a scientific method for (The stroller’s wheels are similar to the front determining firm and stable exterior surfaces and wheels of a wheelchair.) a rotational penetrometer tool that can be used to evaluate surfaces.

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Resource Roundup Accessible Shared Trails Designing for Accessibility is available at http://www.agrabilityproject.org/ Trail stock can share accessible trails where the Useful sources of information for designing assistivetech. design accommodates the needs of the stock and the accessible recreation facilities include: ÕÕNational Center on Accessibility provides links riders, even though differences may arise among user ÕÕAccessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation to information for designing accessible trails, groups. Examples of differences that can be resolved 11 and Trails (Zeller and others 2006) describes including the status of regulatory guidelines, include: the history of accessibility guidelines, discusses research, publications, and other resources. The ÕÕHigher railings are required on equestrian bridges tools for planning accessible recreation information is available at National Center on than on pedestrian bridges. opportunities, and provides practical information Accessibility: http://ncaonline.org. ÕÕLarger pulloff areas are required by trail stock and for applying the FSORAG and FSTAG to ÕÕUniversal Trail Assessment Process (Beneficial riders. recreation features. The information is available Designs, Inc. 2001) identifies trail features ÕÕHigh walls—those over 54 inches (1,372 at http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ desired by a specific user group. It focuses on millimeters) tall—may interfere with an animal’s accessibility/htmlpubs/htm06232801 or http:// width, surface, grade, slope, obstacles, and vision. www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/htmlpubs/htm06232801. other related trail elements. The information is ÕÕPaved treads can pose problems for trail stock. This Web site requires a username and password. available at http://www.beneficialdesigns.com/ (Username: t-d, Password: t-d) trails/utap.html. In such cases, careful examination of the issues can ÕÕADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines ÕÕUSDA Forest Service Recreation, Heritage and lead to workable accommodations. In the paved tread Homepage provides links to the guidelines and Wilderness Programs Web site provides links to example above, an option is to provide a separate, related information. The information is available accessibility information, news, notices in the adjacent tread with a horse-friendly surface. The at http://www.access-board.gov/ada-aba. Federal Register, and related information about solution always comes back to ensuring safety, ÕÕAmericans with Disabilities Act Accessibility recreation and accessibility. The information abiding by the regulations, and doing so in a manner Guidelines: Checklist for Buildings and is available at http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/ that includes all people. In addition to accessibility Facilities Web site helps individuals and programs/accessibility. requirements, many recreation features are subject entities apply the requirements of ADAAG. The ÕÕWilderness Access Decision Tool (Lais and to engineering standards, building codes, and other information is available at http://www.access- others 1995) is a resource for personnel in the regulations. board.gov/adaag/checklist/a16.html. National Wilderness Preservation System that ÕÕAgrAbility Project promotes success in helps managers make appropriate, objective, agriculture for individuals with disabilities and consistent decisions that include people and their families through onsite assistance with disabilities. The information is available at and educational resources, including an online http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse= database of assistive technology. The information toolboxes&sec=accessibility. 216 Designing for Riders With Disabilities

Accessible Equestrian Features Horse Sense Therapeutic Riding Programs This guidebook only addresses accessible features Unlisted Features Some riders with disabilities engage in trail riding as that are specific to equestrian use. While many What if a designer wants to provide an accessible part of therapeutic programs. For safety, assistants products on the market are advertised as being constructed feature that is not addressed in the may accompany these riders on foot. One horse accessible, the buyer must know the specific FSORAG? While not specifically related to and an individual walking on each side require a requirements within the ADA/ABAAG. For example, equestrian use, lantern hangers are an interesting trail that is at least 8 feet (2.4 meters) wide, with an 11 a picnic table may be advertised as accessible, but example that shows the principles involved. additional 3 feet (0.9 meter) of clearance on either not meet requirements. The buyer needs to check The Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor side of the trail. All riders need at least 10 feet (3 the table’s dimensions to be sure. Don’t rely on the Recreation and Trails (Zeller and others 2006) meters) of overhead clearance, and 12 feet (3.6 manufacturer’s claim of accessibility compliance. suggests designers go back to the basic building meters) of clearance is preferred. Walkers must be Some features that can meet accessibility and blocks of accessible design found in the ADA/ able to navigate the trail fully between destination equestrian requirements include mounting blocks, ABAAG—the reach ranges, clear space, and points. Trails with streams, narrow openings, or mounting ramps, and an accessible handpump. For maneuvering space that accommodate standard other physical barriers are not appropriate for riders more information, consult Chapter 7—Planning wheelchair dimensions. Using that information requiring this additional on-the-ground assistance. Recreation Sites and Chapter 10—Securing Horses and the principles of universal design, designers and Mules. would know that to be usable by the greatest On trails crossing open areas, such as beaches number of campers of all ages, with and without or sparsely vegetated areas, two riders usually disabilities, lantern hangers need to be placed accompany the rider with disabilities (figure 11–1). within the reach range of someone in seated and standing positions. Solutions include using a simple device to raise the hanger or attaching two hangers at different levels. A firm and stable surface and sufficient clear space are needed around the lantern hanger to allow it to be approached from the front or side by someone using a wheelchair. The clear space should not block the main path of travel through the camp unit.

Figure 11–1—In open areas, assistants generally keep to the left front and right rear of a rider with disabilities.

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One rider travels at the left front and one at the Resource Roundup right rear, providing assistance if problems arise. Assisting Riders With Disabilities To accommodate the extra stock, consider widening Recreation opportunities for people with trails in open landscapes to at least 12 feet (3.6 disabilities are increasing rapidly as awareness meters). Areas that have dense vegetation bordering of their value grows. Equestrian therapeutic 11 the tread allow better control if a problem occurs. organizations, programs, equipment, and The lead rider simply turns his horse or mule training opportunities are available worldwide. sideways on the trail and blocks the wayward animal. ÕÕThe North American Riding for the The existing vegetation restricts lateral movement. Handicapped Association, Inc., is a national organization that fosters safe, professional, On trails with moderate-to-heavy use that include ethical, and therapeutic horse and mule riders with disabilities, increase the size of pulloff activities for people with and without areas to 12 feet deep by 15 feet long (3.6 by 4.6 disabilities. For more information, visit the meters). These wide spots allow trail users to pass or association’s Web site at http://www.narha.org. reverse direction when necessary. The level of trail ÕÕThe Adaptive Riding Institute has information traffic dictates the appropriate number of pulloff regarding adaptive equestrian programs and areas. On curves, turns, and switchbacks, provide a riding equipment for people with disabilities. wide tread and large-radius turns. For more information, visit the institute’s Web site at http://www.adaptiveridinginstitute.org. ÕÕMany communities have therapeutic riding facilities and organizations that can help identify the special needs of people with disabilities.

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