05-07-2002, 01:39 PM
The politically correct phrase for the handicapped. I don't know about anyone else but I've always taken my walking for granted and given little thought to just how someone using a wheelchair must feel. This was hammered home to me just a few days ago when I watched a perfectly healthy person take over a fishing pier designed just for the handicapped, keeping a eager, wheelchair-bound person from enjoying a day of fishing. In this case, a Park Ranger intervened and the healthy fisherman was forced to move, much to his anger.<br> Just how many times does this happened when there isn't a Ranger around to help? Probably more than anyone wants to admit. As a writer, that incident gave the creative juices a surge and set me to thinking.<br> After a little research, I discovered that Colorado has many lakes, reservoirs and streams dedicated to the mobility impaired that insures that EVERYONE can enjoy a day fishing. Now if only other states would follow Colorado's lead and do the same. If my research is correct, this state has issued more "handicapped" licenses than any other state. Why? Because there are more places that can accommodate them; whether fishing or camping.<br> I'm still interested in what other states are doing, I need something more than what the state prints out as a flier. I need specifics. Anyone care to help?<br><br>