Accessible vacations An insider's guide to 10 national parks

Hayhoe is a researcher who writes about disability-related issues, including the financial and physical hurdles many persons with disabilities face when planning vacations. This book, featuring destinations within the United States, goes into great detail to showcase the facilities that are accessible. He discusses programs and tours with a focus toward national parks and campgrounds as well as historic sites such as Gettysburg. He begins by offering an overview of the National Park Service and the planning that went into NPS design, facilities, and programs. He then discusses accessible technologies that are available in some of the places he has included before going into the main entries on each area. Within each chapter, there are helpful hints, links, and other important information to help those with disabilities plan a trip. Overall, this is a comprehensive resource for travelers with accessibility needs that could be used as a springboard when considering trips to the sites outside of this book as well.

Disability academician and educator Hayhoe (Blind Visitor Experiences at Art Museums) turns his research to national parks, including Acadia National Park, Gettysburg National Military Park, and Grand Canyon National Park. Initial chapters skew academic, covering research and surveying methods and the history of the National Park Service through the lens of access and inclusion. Remaining chapters focus on 10 continental U.S. parks. Each begins with an overview of geography, climate, and animal life, followed by getting around lodges and campgrounds, medical facilities, tours, and specialized accessibility features. The book draws upon information from surveys, brochures, and park websites, as well as in-person visits. Readers are reminded to call to confirm details or to request specific accommodations. Suggestions on using technology to enhance accessibility options are helpful. VERDICT Readers will find reassuring information on park access choices. This useful, if somewhat dry, book encourages a "can do" mindset when researching travel destinations.