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Have you ever boarded a boat from the dock? One leg is stretched out springing forward to the boat as the back leg pushes off from the pier. Holding your breath, it's a giant leap of faith over the water and you are just hoping to land safely in the vessel. How do you make that gap over the water accessible for someone using an assistive device like a walker, wheelchair, cane, crutches or prosthetic? For this is the gap....o-v-e-r-t-h-e-w-a-t-e-r....that is not addressed by the accessibility standards. The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design make the dock accessible to the water's edge and the proposed accessibility standards for passenger vessels make the boat accessible if it is an excursion boat, ferry, cruise ship, or other large passenger vessel. But, how do you create access for boaters with disabilities from the dock or boarding platform on to the passenger vessel? Since boating is a major recreation pass time in the state, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is trying to solve exactly this problem and they want your input.  Do you have a solution? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the National Center on Accessibility are working together to collect information on viable options, challenges and successful projects for people with disabilities to board water vessels. We want to hear from you, the NCA network of practitioners making accessibility happen in the field, on the trail and in the water.  Read more >

Now is the time for facility managers to assess the condition of equipment on site and purchase new equipment for the busy summer recreation season.  While not specifically required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, it has become a common best practice for facilities to provide wheelchairs for people who may have difficulty walking long distances.  Several facilities also provide all-terrain wheelchairs for trails, waterproof aquatic wheelchairs for swimming pools and locker rooms, and beach wheelchairs to travel through sand.  This customer service recognizes that the facility may pose a wet, dirty or bumpy terrain where wheelchair users would have concern for damage to their personal assistive device.  The Turbo Wheelchair Company has introduced an alternative to the traditional metal frame manual wheelchair for heavy use in public facilities.  The Merlexi Craft is a lightweight manual wheelchair made of high strength synthetic resin.  The wheelchair is marketed as a long-lasting alternative to those institutional type hospital wheelchairs.  It is waterproof and comes in a variety of colors.  For contact information on the Merlexi Craft lightweight wheelchairs and other models of wheelchairs, see the NCA Products Directory >

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NCA does not sell, promote, or endorse this product or any product, service, or vendor listed in the Products Directory. Nor does NCA assume any responsibility or liability related to the accessibility, usability, or application of the products, services, and vendors listed.  Consumers are encouraged to do comparison shopping before making any purchase.  Read

ADA Approved and Other Accessible Product MythsChoosing Products to Improve Access at Your Parks & Facilities.