Wilderness Preservation and Accessibility for People With Disabilities: A Discussion

Authors

  • William D Murphy
  • John Dattilo

Keywords:

Wilderness, Accessibility, Preservation, Disabilities, Federal Policy, Policy Conflict

Abstract

Preservation of the primal character of designated wilderness areas is a policy of the federal government. This policy makes no provisions for accessibility for people with disabilities. There is also federal legislation focused on assuring equality of rights and opportunities for citizens with disabilities. Thus, an inherent conflict exists. Each side of the conflict can be supported by logical rationales. The time is appropriate for serious discussion of this issue and movement toward resolution. In an attempt to stimulate resolution, a brief overview of the development of federal policies related to wildemess and people with disabilities is presented accompanied by rationales for a purist concept of wilderness management and a concept of wilderness management accommodating people with disabilities.

Published

1989-07-01

Issue

Section

Regular Papers