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All-terrain wheelchairs can handle mud, streams, fallen trees, and more. Courtesy of the Aimee Copeland Foundation
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No Sidewalk, No Problem
Exploring rugged park trails has long been a challenge for those with physical disabilities, but it’s getting easier in some states. Georgia and South Dakota recently became the latest to offer people with mobility impairments free access to motorized all-terrain wheelchairs at some public parks and sites. Equipped with tank-like treads, Georgia’s chairs can traverse rocks, mud, tall grass, and streams, and can even navigate through snow and over some fallen trees. About 3 million Americans use wheelchairs, but until recently, only Colorado, Michigan, and Minnesota provided free access to off-road wheelchairs in some parks. That’s why some people are excited to see the trend spreading. Travel blogger Cory Lee told reporters, “I’ll finally be able to go on these trails for the first time in my life.”