Communing with Nature . . .

Sometimes all you want to do is get out in the country, somewhere pretty, so don't forget the simple things in life—beaches, park trails and wilderness. Access your state's Web sites for accessible trails at state parks, forest preserves and beaches.

If you need help getting started, read Easy Access to National Parks: The Sierra Club Guide for People With Disabilities, by Wendy Roth and contributor Michael Tompane. No one should miss out on seeing at least some of America's 350 national parks. This book provides access to all of them for travelers with disabilities. Detailed information is provided on nature trails, touring, easier hiking opportunities, park services, campgrounds, lodging, sports opportunities, medical facilities and more. This is a complete guide for anyone with a mobility, vision or hearing impairment, as well as for seniors or families with young children. Available at most bookstores.

A unique organization offering outdoor adventures to all people of varying abilities is Wilderness Inquiry, located up north at Minnesota's Boundary Waters, on the U.S./Canadian border. Go canoeing, camping, kayaking, dog-sledding, or just tool around on a nature trail. See http://www.wildernessinquiry.org, or call (612) 379-2858 or (800) 728-0719 (Voice or TTY).

If you're interested in visiting Yosemite National Park, get the Access for Visitors with Disabilities brochure at any park entrance or call in advance at (209) 372-0529. For other traveler information or the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau: http://www.yosemite-sierra.org. For sign language interpreter information, call (209) 372-4726 TDD (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

The Golden Access Passport grants anyone with a permanent disability free entrance to all 350 United States national parks. See: http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm

For your information, the U.S. Access Board has assembled an advisory committee to review and standardize access requirements for public rights of way-forest preserves, parks, beaches, campgrounds, etc. But until their work is completed, you can find accessible trail guides through your state's department of tourism or chamber of commerce.

Illinois Residents
Through an ongoing, statewide effort to promote recreation opportunities for people with disabilities, the Recreation Access Illinois (RAI) program has been created. The goal of the program is to encourage full participation in recreation programs by people with disabilities.

Launched in July 2002 by the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, in cooperation with the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD), RAI is beginning to have an impact on how people with disabilities look at their health, and how service providers look at the accessibility of their facilities. you can visit the RAI Web site at www.recreationaccessillinois.org or its toll free hotline at 1-800-900-8096.