State officials seek to expand access to nature for mobility challenged

State officials seek to expand access to nature for mobility challenged

Most of us take for granted how easy it is to get outside in a region famous for its trails, forests, and waterways. But for Hudson Valley residents and visitors with mobility challenges, accessing nature is rarely straightforward. Thanks to increased advocacy amongst the disabled community and the commitment of local and state officials, a vision to make the great outdoors more accessible is taking shape. New York State Department of Environmen…

New York proposes new rules for mobility devices on state lands

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a draft policy aimed at improving outdoor recreation opportunities for people with mobility disabilities. The proposal would streamline existing state guidelines and clarify how “other power-driven mobility devices,” or OPDMDs, can be used on state-managed lands. OPDMDs are mobility devices other than traditional wheelchairs, such as golf carts, scooters, e-bikes and …