Kelly Dawson, who has cerebral palsy, is unable to walk for extended periods, yet she doesn’t let that hinder her from discovering America’s national parks. She approaches her adventures with ingenuity.

She has marveled at the breathtaking views from the Grand Canyon’s edges and has enjoyed brief strolls through the towering cacti of Saguaro National Park. A highlight for her was an airboat trip in the Everglades, which provided easy access to observe diverse wildlife.

“The distinction between the interests of disabled and non-disabled visitors is quite minor; it’s just the method of experiencing them,” Dawson, a writer and advocate for disability rights from Los Angeles, shared with YSL News.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in four adults in the U.S. experiences some type of disability. For individuals with disabilities, experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the nation’s more than 400 national parks can appear overwhelming and out of reach.

The Outdoor Recreation Consumer Study released by Booz Allen Hamilton reveals that just 39% of the 3,000 surveyed Americans perceive national parks as accessible travel destinations for everyone, regardless of ability or disability. Will Healy, senior vice president at Booz Allen, stated that the focus of the survey was to “understand the current landscape of accessibility.”

Dawson understands this perception. “A lot hinges on how people see things,” she observed. “When they envision expansive spaces and the stunning possibilities of national parks, they often think of activities like hiking, camping, and whitewater rafting—adventures that are intense, very physical, and outside the scope of everyday life.”

This is where technology plays a key role in breaking down barriers for park-goers with disabilities, according to the survey. By providing user-generated insights and specific information, enhancing park details online can empower a greater number of individuals to experience the parks according to their unique needs.

The outdoors welcomes everyone

“Visiting your local park, camping, or backpacking are all forms of adventure, and everyone wants to be part of that,” Healy emphasized. “Bringing these experiences to more individuals benefits the entire community. It’s advantageous for our nation and for each individual.”

Efforts to make national parks more inclusive aren’t entirely new. The National Park Service has affirmed its dedication to “ensuring individuals with disabilities have equal access to our facilities, programs, services, and activities, both indoors and outdoors,” according to their website. Every park employs dedicated accessibility coordinators.

The National Park Access Pass grants free lifetime entry for U.S. citizens with permanent disabilities. An interactive map is available showing the accessible attributes of various park locations, highlighting amenities like tactile models in visitor centers and ramps to bathrooms.

“From the outset, the national parks were intended for all Americans and to be accessed by the greatest number possible,” added Dawson.

Bridging the gap through technology

While strides are being made in improving accessibility at parks, there remains considerable ground to cover. The survey indicated that 84% of respondents believe technology can significantly enhance the park experience for everyone, which includes raising awareness of wheelchair-friendly areas, crowdsourcing personal experiences, and gathering feedback that can lead to park upgrades.

These enhancements could significantly influence matters, as nearly half of survey participants stated they would be “more inclined” to visit a national park if they had better information regarding its accessibility features.

“I understand accessibility is not a one-size-fits-all concept,” Dawson remarked. “What may be simple for one could be challenging for another, and vice versa.”

When planning her park visits, Dawson prioritizes researching top attractions and identifying how she can access them effectively. She seeks shorter walks, areas to pause, or alternative ways to explore the park that don’t require extensive walking, such as driving.

As disabilities differ among individuals, it can be difficult to ascertain how a trail or campground aligns with an individual’s requirements, even if labeled ADA-compliant. Certain travelers may prefer campsites that are quieter with lower sensory stimulation, yet this information isn’t always conveniently accessible.

Currently, travelers have to conduct additional research to understand each specific campsite by checking visitor feedback. “It’s akin to walking into a library to find a book without any assistance; you’d have to sift through every title, right?” Healy explained.

Crowdsourcing information from visitor reviews can lighten this load, with 40% of respondents indicating Travelers seeking information about accessibility often rely on reviews. Booz Allen envisions developing a digital platform that brings together this information to assist travelers with particular needs. “Our aim is to enhance the discoverability of experiences and provide better support when making decisions,” Healy mentioned.