How does the rule affect access to national forests and grasslands for people with disabilities?
A. Under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, no person with a disability can be denied participation in a federal program that is available to all other people solely because of his or her disability. In conformance with section 504, wheelchairs are welcome on all NFS lands that are open to foot travel and are specifically exempted from the definition of motor vehicle in §212.1 of the final rule, even if they are battery-powered. However, there is no legal requirement to allow people with disabilities to use OHVs or other motor vehicles on roads, trails, and areas closed to motor vehicle use because such an exemption could fundamentally alter the nature of the Forest Service’s travel management program (7 CFR 15e.103).
A. Under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, no person with a disability can be denied participation in a federal program that is available to all other people solely because of his or her disability. Wheelchairs are welcome in all areas open to foot travel and are specifically exempted from the definition of motor vehicle in final rule 212.1 even if battery-powered. However, no one including people with disabilities may use motorized vehicles on routes and areas closed to motor vehicle use (7 CFR 15e.103).
Related Questions
- How does the rule affect the use of snowmobiles and other over-snow vehicles on national forests and grasslands?
- How does the rule affect use of snowmobiles and other over-snow vehicles on national forests and grasslands?
- How does the rule affect access to national forests and grasslands for people with disabilities?
