Comments for Accessing Arizona

Comment on Kartchner Caverns by Fran Gibson

Fran Gibson — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 02:20:45 +0000

Just ran across this website and thought I’d tell you about my experience at the caverns. My family and I were very lucky to be some of the very first visitors inside. I am a para and was using a quickie at the time. No problems were encountered because of the wheelchair and the staff were all most helpful and friendly. I know that another “room” has been opened since we were there and I can’t wait to go back again!!

Comment on Two Arizona Athletes Headed To The 2011 International Paralympic World Championships by Damion Bennett

Damion Bennett — Fri, 06 May 2011 17:21:13 +0000

Hi,

I am a parapalegic and just relocated to the Mesa area here in Arizona. I am very much interested in getting back into the wheelchair racing. I dont’ currently own my own racing wheelchair and many of the events I have done have been loaned to me. I am looking for information on how I can obtain a racing chair and participate in events for charity here in Arizona as well as accross the states. I am 39 years old and phycically fit and do push 5-10 miles a day and work out. If there is anyone that can help me with my goals please let me know.

Thank you

Damion

Comment on Roper Lake State Park by admin

admin — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 03:33:21 +0000

I have made it to the dunes but it’s on my list. We liked Safford. I want to explore up towards Clifton as well. Good looking camping up there.

Comment on Roper Lake State Park by Art Escobedo

Art Escobedo — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 22:21:58 +0000

Hey Loren, that’s where I grow up. My parents and relatives still live there, I go down there about 6 times a year if not more…….if you havent gone, make sure you make it to dunes off of Tanque Rd you can get there off 191 or Hi-way 70…..talk with you soon. art

Comment on Dead Horse Ranch State Park by Roper Lake State Park Offers Wheekchair Access | Accessing Arizona

Roper Lake State Park Offers Wheekchair Access | Accessing Arizona — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:38:59 +0000

[...] one of them is the Bass Cabin, which is their accessible cabin. Just like the accessible cabin at Dead Horse State Park Lake, these are just a place to sleep for 4 people. We didn’t get to go in, but I’m sure they are [...]

Comment on Accessing Arizona with an Accessible ATV by admin

admin — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:36:51 +0000

Don, Matt is a great guy and I’m sure he’d jump at the chance to have you go for a spin

Comment on Accessing Arizona with an Accessible ATV by Don Price

Don Price — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:38:31 +0000

I want to try this!!!

Thanks for posting this, Loren.

Comment on Watch Your Toes . . . . Wheelchair Dancing Comes to Chandler by Don Price

Don Price — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:34:05 +0000

The Axis Dance Company is amazing. If you ever get a chance to attend one of their shows do it!

They also held a free “dance workshop” which I got to experience. It wasn’t what I was expecting, but it was a really fun experience and opened me up to thinking about movement in a different way. We didn’t learn dance moves, per se, but rather we learned interpretive movement as dance.

For example, the 30 participants [some with disabilities, some without] were asked to move about within a certain space and move as if we were water, and then move as if we were wind and then rock. Later we paired up and faced each other, mirroring whatever movement our partner made.

I was very impressed with the professionalism and the inclusiveness of the troupe members. No one is left out or made to feel they cannot dance no matter how little movement they may have. One of the Axis members, a wheelchair user, even expressed to me that if she experiences spasticity during a show she simply incorporates it as part of her dance.

Very interesting and worthwhile group.

Comment on Accessing Arizona with an Accessible ATV by Mary P

Mary P — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 02:55:20 +0000

Matt is an AWESOME person! Many “abled” persons can learn and be inspired by him. I have had the opportunity of riding with him out east of Superstition near Florence. What an experience we had!! When I returned home to Florida, I used this experience to challenge my middle school students to reach beyond their capabilities and set higher expectations. They were also inspired by what Matt is able to do.

Comment on Sabino Canyon by Marysue

Marysue — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 16:24:53 +0000

My husband, who is disabled, (has a hard time walking because he shattered both heels in a fall years ago), and uses a lightweight seated scooter designed specifically for him, was refused entrance to anywhere in Sabino Canyon on Saturday 12/11/10. We were told by Skip, a rude security guard/volunteer in the parking lot, that anything with wheels was not allowed in Sabino Canyon, including wheelchairs. He also kept insisting that my husband’s scooter was a bicycle. It has no pedals and is smaller and lighter than a traditional wheelchair. It also makes my husband feel less “disabled.” We explained my husband’s situation to Skip and to the Visitor Center staff, but they insisted we leave. We bought a year’s pass last month, and there is nothing in the fine print about wheelchairs or manual mobility devices not being allowed anywhere in Sabino Canyon. We have read up on our rights through the ADA, and will be pursuing this issue through the Justice Department and legal system, because this type of mindless discrimination seems extremely unfair. The trail we wanted to use is relatively easy and flat. We have used that trail with no problem. My husband has a slow pace, and we were passed by runners and other hikers on the day we were there. We have navigated/locomoted all through New Mexico state monuments and the Albuquerque foothills trails with no problem.