Attractions

With the release of the updated ADAAG on July 26, 2010, the Department of Justice (DOJ) finally addressed the use of Segways as mobility devices. Well, kind of.  Let's just say it's a first step. I think the whole issue will ultimately be decided by case law, but at least the new regulations give consumers and business owners a little more guidance about what is and what isn't an assistive device.

Continue reading "The DOJ on Segways" »

 

Boise is an excellent destination for wheelers and slow walkers, as the downtown area is flat with wide level sidewalks and plenty of curb-cuts. Additionally, the streets are laid out in a grid, so it's pretty hard to get lost. Add in a super collection of public art, and you have all the ingredients for a great self guided wheelchair-accessible art walk. It's fun, easy and free.

Continue reading "Exploring Boise's Public Art" »

On the heals of the controversial conclusion to Ault v. Walt Disney World Co., it seems the mouse is now taking on another Dean Kamen invention -- the IBOT. And this one looks like it might get ugly.

 

Continue reading "Disney vs. the IBOT" »

For those of you following the ongoing litigation in the Segway-users vs. Disney brouhaha, (Ault v. Walt Disney World Co), here's another update. 

Continue reading "Disney Victorious in Segway Lawsuit" »

Although access improvements in the Caribbean are painfully slow, Connie George just informed me that the St. Maarten Butterfly Farm recently installed a ramp. And to prove it's really there, she even included a photo!  Granted it's a ramp by Caribbean standards, so the pitch is steep; but nonetheless it is a ramp. And once you make it up the ramp, you can roll through the gift shop and access the butterfly aviary.


Continue reading "Access Upgrade to St. Maarten Butterfly Farm" »

The much awaited exhibition, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs, opens at San Francisco's de Young museum tomorrow. Charles and I had the opportunity to attend the press preview earlier this week, and it's a great exhibition.

 

Continue reading "King Tut Opens at the Very Accessible de Young " »

A preliminary settlement was announced last month in a lawsuit  brought against Disney by three disabled Segway users. The lawsuit, which was filed in US District court in Orlando, claimed that Disney violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by prohibiting the use of Segway scooters within their parks. Disney's defense was that it was a safety issue, as Segways can go over 12 mph and may present a danger to other visitors.

Continue reading "Preliminary Segway Settlement Announced" »

When you think of canal boats, most often Europe comes to mind. In fact, I did a whole Emerging Horizons feature on accessible canal boats in the UK. But if you don’t have the time or bucks to head over across the Big Pond, the good news is, there’s now an accessible canal boat in the US. And it’s unlike any in the UK; as it offers visitors a unique look at the transportation history on the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal.

Docked at the Great Falls Tavern, near the town of Potomac, Maryland, the Charles F. Mercer is a historical canal boat with a twist. This replica was built with access in mind; in fact the Friends of Historic Great Falls Tavern recently won the 2007 NPS Volunteer Accessibility Achievement Award for their access efforts. Not only did they raise some $535,000 for the purchase of the new boat, but they also worked to ensure the boat would be accessible to everyone.

Access features on the Charles F. Mercer include incline lift access to both decks and an accessible restroom on the lower deck. The canal boat is pulled along by mules and it rises eight feet in a lock, while park rangers dressed in period costumes offer passengers a colorful look at 1870s canal life. Wheelchair-users can just roll aboard and stay in their own wheelchair for the entire ride.

The one-hour canal boat rides are priced at a very affordable $7 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. The 2007 season has ended, but tours will begin again in April 2008. Mark your calendar and make plans to join the folks on the Charles F. Mercer next year!

A group of Segway-users raised the whole "are Segways considered assistive devices for the disabled?" debate to a new level last week, when they filed a lawsuit in Federal Court against Disney, for banning Segways in their parks.

The suit was filed by three people; an amputee, a person with ALS and a person with MS, all of whom use Segways instead of a wheelchair or scooter. They have asked the federal judge to let their complaint continue as a class action lawsuit.

The plaintiffs argue that their Segways are more dignified than other assistive devices, and they should be allowed to use them in Disney parks.

Disney holds that since these devices can go over 12 mph, they present a danger to their other guests.

It will be an interesting case, if it makes it to court. At issue will be the question - Is something considered a reasonable accommodation, when it actually places others in danger?

It should be noted that Segways have been banned in other places. San Francisco prohibits their use on sidewalks or bike paths, while the British have banned them from sidewalks. And in the Netherlands, it's illegal to use them on any public road or sidewalk, because of their lack of brakes.

Like I said, it will be an interesting case.