Outdoor recreation opportunities abound on Federal, State, and private lands. More and more people with disabilities are venturing into the great outdoors. People with disabilities represent about 15 percent of the United States population. Most of us will experience at least a temporary disability at some point in our lives. Advances in technology and medical care and improvements in accessibility spurred by the Americans With Disabilities Act are helping people with limited mobility enjoy the outdoors.

As recreation sites become more accessible to people with disabilities, access to our lakes and waterways needs to improve. Recreation planners are encouraged to include accessible ramps and boarding platforms at sites offering boating access.