Accessible Recreation Attracts Visitors at Abilities Expo

  • By Jan Ulrich, R5 Equal Opportunity Program Manager
Photograph of a woman in Forest Service uniform with a seated woman wearing a sash that reads 'Ms. Wheelchair California 2009'.

Caroline Lomeli, Angeles National Forest, explaining Interagency Access Passes to Alyson Roth, Ms. Wheelchair California 2009.

A photograph of two women wearing Forest Service uniforms standing in front of a display featuring several photographs of scenic forest areas.

Joan Steber, Regional Office Information Management Staff, and Jean Hawthorne, Six Rivers National Forest, at Forest Service booth display.

Several Region 5 Forests and Regional Office personnel teamed up recently at Abilities Expo, reaching out to people with disabilities to inform them of opportunities for accessible recreation and employment in the Region. Some people were surprised, but all were delighted by the presence of the Forest Service at this event, which was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The annual 3–day Expo draws thousands of people with disabilities. Many of their families, friends and care–givers accompanied them. Agencies, organizations and vendors who specialize in serving people with disabilities were also present.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a lot was said about the beauty, enjoyment and accessibility of recreating on the 18 National Forests of the Pacific Southwest Region in California. The “Welcome to Your National Forests” photo display of accessible recreation features on R5 Forests and colorful Scenic Byway posters drew more than 1000 visitors to the Forest Service booth.

The Forest Service booth was staffed by representatives from several forests and the Regional Office.Norma Bailey, a Forest Service retiree and a long time attendee at Abilities Expo, enthusiastically volunteered as one of the staffers. Joining her, also from the San Bernardino National Forest (NF), was Lyn Sieliet; Caroline Lomeli from the Angeles NF; Jean Hawthorne from the Six Rivers NF; Joan Steber from the RO Information Management Staff; and Kathie Lacy–Storost and Jan Ulrich from the RO Civil Rights Staff.

These Region 5 representatives provided information and recreation opportunity guides from all R5 forests, as well as Scenic Byway information. A total of 139 Interagency Access Passes were issued to people with disabilities during the Expo. Visitors greatly appreciated this service and the convenience of obtaining passes at the Expo.

The booth staffers also listened. They heard words of thanks: “I'm so glad you're here!” “This is great!” And they heard stories of people who used to visit the woods, but once they or a loved one became disabled, stopped recreating in the forest. With the information provided, these visitors left the booth inspired to try forest activities once again. Others had never visited the forest but were now considering this possibility for themselves and their friends and family.

Professional care providers, organizations and potential transportation businesses were also very interested in the many benefits a visit to the forest could provide for people with disabilities — relaxation, scenic beauty, the fun of exploring nature, and the joy of shared experience with friends and family — to name a few.

During the Expo R5's Disability Employment Program Manager, Kathie Lacy–Storost, provided employment information to those interested in working for the Forest Service. She advised them about the types of careers available and how to apply for jobs.

In addition to the display booths of the 167 exhibitors at Abilities Expo, visitors were able to watch assistive technology demonstrations, attend workshops, enjoy adaptive sports and dance exhibitions, and witness the crowning of Ms. Wheelchair California 2010.

“It was truly an awesome experience!” said Caroline Lomeli, a Staffer who attended the Expo for the first time this year.Others would agree that it is quite inspiring and rewarding to connect people, including those with disabilities, with our National Forests and all they have to offer.