Accessibility Wins Legal Battle

 

In response to a federal court decision, California has agreed to the latest expansion of disabled rights in the United States which, in recent years has also included better access to the great outdoors.

Under an accessibility plan given preliminary approval by a federal court judge on July 8th, 2005, California will add hundreds of miles (km) of special access trails over the next decade in its more than 270 parks. It will also provide easier access to park facilities such as food concessions and conference facilities. California has settled a legal fight dating back to 1998 and agreed to expand the number of state park trails accessible to the disabled, officials said Monday. The agreement is the latest expansion of disabled rights in the United States which, in recent years has also included better access to the great outdoors.

Carl Zichella, the California, Nevada and Hawaii staff director for the Sierra Club environmental group, said he hopes officials will balance nature with accommodating the disabled. ?EUR??,,????'??I do think that everyone, including the disabled community, would want an established trail system that respects and preserves the environment,?EUR??,,????'?? he said.

Source: Reuters