+rldill Posted June 7, 2003 Share Posted June 7, 2003 I'm putting together a list of wheelchair accessible caches that will be on my web site here. If any one knows of a site that should be listed please let me know at wcaccessible@yahoo.com Thanks rldill Former EarthNOlink user!!!!!!!!! Take a chance or you'll never know. Let your spirits soar! Quote Link to comment
+ErSamin Posted June 7, 2003 Share Posted June 7, 2003 I honestly did look for it, so I'm hoping that someone will Markwell me, but I recently saw a rating system that someone has developed that is much more complete than saying that it is wheelchair accessable (inclines, types of surfaces, etc....for all I know, it was you!) I hope you get a look at it and see if it suits your purposes. Sorry I can't be more helpfull. "Could be worse...could be raining" Quote Link to comment
Cloak_N_Dagger Posted June 7, 2003 Share Posted June 7, 2003 I emailed you one of my Handicap Accessible Caches. Thanks for putting together a site to list them on! -------------- Changing some folks mind, is like trying to herd cats. Quote Link to comment
im4kcmo Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 Yeah, handicap cache, I don't see this as being to popular unfortunatly. I think it might be a half decent idea. I hunt because the evil koala in my closet makes me bring him trinkets that shine. Quote Link to comment
+Alan2 Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 I maled you four of mine in two sattes. How would I place the Wheeelchair Accessible icon you use on your cache pages on mine? I'm already using HTML on my pages. Tks Alan Quote Link to comment
WackyCachers Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 I think this could be the one (or similar to the one) that ErSamin was thinking of. Having a husband with disabilities, we get out as much as possible to get "enjoyable" excercise with caching...unfortunately, some of them you just can't tell til you get there if it will be accessible or not. Luckily, we enjoy geting out to them whether we can finish it or not! I think it is too much to ask for everyone to complete this form & really don't think it will catch on, but it is a neat idea. A bend in the road is not the end of the road... Unless you fail to make the turn. Quote Link to comment
+rldill Posted June 8, 2003 Author Share Posted June 8, 2003 quote:Originally posted by Alan2:I maled you four of mine in two sattes. How would I place the Wheeelchair Accessible icon you use on your cache pages on mine? I'm already using HTML on my pages. Tks Alan <img src="http://img.Groundspeak.com/cache/15398_300.gif"align=LEFT> This is the icon I use, I found it here in the forums. All you need to do is put it in the Short Description box. I will get your caches listed tonight. Thanks Former EarthNOlink user!!!!!!!!! Take a chance or you'll never know. Let your spirits soar! Quote Link to comment
+Team Spike Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 quote:Originally posted by WackyCachers:I think this could be the one (or similar to the one) that ErSamin was thinking of. Having a husband with disabilities, we get out as much as possible to get "enjoyable" excercise with caching...unfortunately, some of them you just can't tell til you get there if it will be accessible or not. Luckily, we enjoy geting out to them whether we can finish it or not! I think it is too much to ask for everyone to complete this form & really don't think it will catch on, but it is a neat idea. Why don't you think it will catch on? Too much effort for people to fill in the form? It took me 2 minutes for each of my caches. Not supported by geocaching.com and built into the web site? Well let them know about it. Any other reason? Let me know. My aim is not to promote my web form, my aim is to include more disabled geocachers and if you can tell me how to make it better, more useful, more appealing to non-handicapped geocachers, then let me know! If you have an idea for a better system or something totally different, let me know! Maybe I can create it? Groover Quote Link to comment
+Team Spike Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 quote:Originally posted by rldill:I'm putting together a list of wheelchair accessible caches that will be on my web site http://bellsouthpwp.net/g/e/geocache/ If any one knows of a site that should be listed please let me know at wcaccessible@yahoo.com) This is a great idea and I'm glad you are doing it, but what about people on crutches? Can you also start a list for caches that people can do on crutches? Also, I think to make the page more useful, could you add on the criteria for specifying what wheelchair accessible means? I'm thinking something like "Paved 100% of the way, ramps for any curbs, cache container at a height reachable for someone in a wheelchair, little to no vegetation, paths wider than 3 feet", etc. Let me know if there is any way I can help! Groover Quote Link to comment
+rldill Posted June 29, 2003 Author Share Posted June 29, 2003 Thanks for sending me the cache names, links, and information. I've got a good start, and have all on the site that you have sent to me as of now. I've been asked, " What qualifies as accessiable? Someone can get a wheelchair to the cache site? By themselves? Do they have to actually be able to reach cache? from their chair by themself??", The answer is they should at least be able to get to the cache site with their chair, and if thy will need assistance to get the cache you should note that, so I can add that infomation on the page with the link. Any remarks that you tell me about the accessibility will be included with the link on the WC site Thanks again and keep sending them to me. Roger (rldill) Former EarthNOlink user!!!!!!!!! Take a chance or you'll never know. Let your spirits soar! Quote Link to comment
robertlipe Posted June 30, 2003 Share Posted June 30, 2003 While I applaud your goal, and I really don't want to come across as a party pooper, can I offer a different spin? It would be much more helpful, IMO, if we return "Terrain 1" to its intended meaning of "reasonably handicap accessible". I've found one-starcaches that involve crossing a creek, climbing a tree, standing on a box, and so on. Every time I do, I note it in the logs and often followup with mail to the placer but some people just won't change them. So look through the terrain 1's in your home area and see if they really are accessible. If not, mail the cacher and/or post a note on the page. I guess I'll set a pocket query to do that tonight for my home area... (And I've cached with partners on crutches, in manual wheelchair, and electric scooter, so I do actually have some concept of accessibility...) Quote Link to comment
+Team Spike Posted June 30, 2003 Share Posted June 30, 2003 quote:It would be much more helpful, IMO, if we return "Terrain 1" to its intended meaning of "reasonably handicap accessible". I've found one-starcaches that involve crossing a creek, climbing a tree, standing on a box, and so on. Every time I do, I note it in the logs and often followup with mail to the placer but some people just won't change them. So look through the terrain 1's in your home area and see if they really are accessible. If not, mail the cacher and/or post a note on the page. I guess I'll set a pocket query to do that tonight for my home area... My wife is disabled, but like many disabled people there are some things she can do better than others. This means that there are some 1 star caches that she cannot do and some 2 star caches that she can. Often the rating of these caches is not incorrect, it is just that my wife has a specific set of limitations that are shared by some, but not all disabled people. Based on my experience with this and going caching together, I don't think a simplistic star system or a system that says "this cache is handicap accessible yes/no" is good enough. Those systems if used correctly I think would tend to be very conservative in their claims. That is why I prefer a system that doesn't make any claims, but rather describes what to expect. Then a disabled person can make their own mind up as to whether they can do that cache. Groover Quote Link to comment
robertlipe Posted June 30, 2003 Share Posted June 30, 2003 Oh, I agree. "Handicap accessible" isn't true/false. That's why "Short Description" is supposed to contain "Location information, terrain and general difficulty levels, altitude, etc." The rating should tell a cacher whether they need to bother reading the page and the prose should give them enough information to tell the seeker if it's within their range or not. "1/2 mile walk over paved path. Final 35 feet on packed gravel" gives enough information to know that it's a reasonable family hunt for some; you don't have to leave the stroller or the person in the chair "orphaned" during the final hunt. A (determined) cacher on crutches could probably seal the deal. Reducing it to "true/false" doesn't work for a variety of access challenges. Quote Link to comment
+rldill Posted June 30, 2003 Author Share Posted June 30, 2003 As said by robertlipe, "It would be much more helpful, IMO, if we return "Terrain 1" to its intended meaning of "reasonably handicap accessible"." I'm in total agreement with that, but the ratings are set to a 1/1 default in the form for listing a cache, and over looked by some when filling out the form. As said by Team Spike, "I don't think a simplistic star system or a system that says "this cache is handicap accessible yes/no" is good enough. Those systems if used correctly I think would tend to be very conservative in their claims. That is why I prefer a system that doesn't make any claims, but rather describes what to expect. Then a disabled person can make their own mind up as to whether they can do that cache." I will agree with this also, and I would like to include all that information om the site, and I'm doing so if supplied with it. I know the web site is not the solution, but I'm hoping it will some day be a useful tool to help some one with disabilities plan cache hunts. Former EarthNOlink user!!!!!!!!! Take a chance or you'll never know. Let your spirits soar! Quote Link to comment
Max Cacher Posted June 30, 2003 Share Posted June 30, 2003 This a good IDEA but would not be needed if the cache placer would properly rate the terrain a level at 1, ask yourself can a person roll or get the cache while sitting in a wheelchair if not please raise the Terrain level to at least a 1.5 I have always been amused at caches pages that say wheelchair accessible until the last 10 feet ,what are they supposed to do fall out of their wheelchair and crawl over to the cache. In the states where I normally approve caches I try to make sure they are, by asking if a wheelchair can go all the way to the cache. Hopefully one day we will all be on the same page and can just look at the rating and know if it is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Tennessee Geocacher Geocaching Admin Quote Link to comment
+welch Posted June 30, 2003 Share Posted June 30, 2003 quote:Originally posted by Tennessee Geocacher:This a good IDEA but would not be needed if the cache placer would properly rate the terrain a level at 1, ask yourself can a person roll or get the cache while sitting in a wheelchair if not please raise the Terrain level to at least a 1.5 I have always been amused at caches pages that say wheelchair accessible until the last 10 feet ,what are they supposed to do fall out of their wheelchair and crawl over to the cache. Does the CJ rating system include the whole journey to the cache? Because IIRC theres something in there about ignoring the last few feet of the distance. Oh, its, "How is the the most difficult part of the cache? If the cache is within a few feet of a trail, don't worry about the last few feet" If this is done alot(or at least some) of caches could be rated a 1 terrain, even if not all handicaped persons could get the cache . Quote Link to comment
robertlipe Posted June 30, 2003 Share Posted June 30, 2003 quote:Originally posted by Tennessee Geocacher: I have always been amused at caches pages that say wheelchair accessible until the last 10 feet ,what are they supposed to do fall out of their wheelchair and crawl over to the cache. No. But if the person isn't caching alone it gives the person enough info to know that he or she can particpate in practically the whole experience and not be abandoned by their partners during the final search. It's also useful info for folks with wheelchair-LIKE needs such as kids in strollers, toddlers, or folks that just plain don't get around well. You've told them that most of the walk really isn't tough terrain and if they can do ten feet of unknown terrain, they're in. You've given them enough information to make an informed decision. I hold caches with that sentence (accessible except for BLAH) in higher regard for usefulness than ones that don't consider it at all, bump the ratings just to avoid the issue, or don't enumerate the issues at all. Quote Link to comment
+worldtraveler Posted July 1, 2003 Share Posted July 1, 2003 I sent you one that's in Illinois, but it's not on your list yet: Boomer's Monument (GCAD92) quote:...wheelchair accessible until the last 10 feet... I've also used this phrase on some cache pages for the same reasons Robertlipe gave, and I've rated the terrain HIGHER than 1.0 as appropriate per the GCRS. Worldtraveler [This message was edited by worldtraveler on July 01, 2003 at 10:37 AM.] Quote Link to comment
+flask Posted July 1, 2003 Share Posted July 1, 2003 Hiding Places is fully accessible. it may require a reach, though. trac tor beam is flat, but the last few feet are paved in cobbles. it's possible in a wheelchair, but will require a little strength. field day is visible for the person in a wheelchair, but they won't be able to retrieve it. most of the hunt for beaver heaven is in the navigation, so it's mostly accessible, if you're driving. the container is near enough to the road that the handicapped person won't have to wait alone. same with a.. to.. yaman i spy no. 1 is wheelchair friendly. a person with dexterity prblems might have difficulty findng the cache. a person in a wheelchair could spotthis one, but would need somebody to get it. stone stash is also mostly about navigation,and would be visible to a wheelchair hunter. help needed for retrieval. that's my list. [This message was edited by flask on July 01, 2003 at 11:02 AM.] Quote Link to comment
+Confucius' Cat Posted July 2, 2003 Share Posted July 2, 2003 Thanks for a great idea. I am going to keep wc access in mind in all my future caches. Wherever possible, I will accomodate. If there is even one wc cacher and I help him/her have fun with our sport, it is worthwhile. But I still wonder how many wc cachers are there? How many in my area? We should suggest to Jeremy that he make a standard icon and category for this. (Parenthetically) The whole accessibility thing has been a big boon to all of us whether we realize it or not. I, for one, am always greatful to have ramps in place so I can wheel my test equipment in to buildings rather than carrying it. Those with strollers and wheeled baggage also benefit greatly. Besides, you never know when YOU might be wheelchair bound someday. Then these things will take on a whole new meaning to YOU! Caint never did nothing. GDAE, Dave Quote Link to comment
robertlipe Posted July 2, 2003 Share Posted July 2, 2003 quote:Originally posted by ChurchCampDave: Besides, you never know when YOU might be wheelchair bound someday. Then these things will take on a whole new meaning to YOU! On the "parents with disabilities" mailing list, it was observed that this is the only minority you can join at any time without a conscious choice. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted July 2, 2003 Share Posted July 2, 2003 quote:I have always been amused at caches pages that say wheelchair accessible until the last 10 feet ,what are they supposed to do fall out of their wheelchair and crawl over to the cache. Some people can. I know of people with CP, MS, severe heart problems, or just a really bad back or knees, who spend MOST of their time in a wheelchair. There are others who can't grab the cache no matter where it is. What does a 'handicap accessable' designation mean to a quadrapalegic? I have a family member who can't even feed herself. She couldn't open the cache if you handed it to her. The best we can do is rate the terrain as wheelchair accessable (1 star terrain). Most people with handicaps can get there. Some will be able to reach the cache and others may need assistance. "Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he'll sit in a boat and drink beer all day" - Dave Barry [This message was edited by BrianSnat on July 03, 2003 at 05:42 AM.] Quote Link to comment
+cmpalmer Posted July 3, 2003 Share Posted July 3, 2003 I placed a micro that was "wheelchair accessible until the last 10 feet", but I noted it and gave it a terrain score of 1.5. Quote Link to comment
+RIclimber Posted July 3, 2003 Share Posted July 3, 2003 I think you can add almost every virtual cache. All the ones I have found but one have been on the side of the road. Quote Link to comment
+Team Spike Posted July 3, 2003 Share Posted July 3, 2003 quote:Originally posted by Downy288:I think you can add almost every virtual cache. All the ones I have found but one have been on the side of the road. Just because the ones you have done were next to the road does not mean they all are or even that most of them are. Adding virtual caches to a handicap accessible list without actually checking first or having the owner confirm the accessiblity will do handicap geocachers a disservice. Groover Quote Link to comment
+Confucius' Cat Posted July 4, 2003 Share Posted July 4, 2003 I just placed This one with notation that a person might need assistance to get the cache but if the cacher has a physical problem that prevents them from actually gettting the cache, a log is good if they just see it. It is behind a light fixture with the end showing. A person of less than 5 feet of height will not be able to get it unless they have something to stand on. What do u think? Was I wrong in my rating? Caint never did nothing. GDAE, Dave Quote Link to comment
+Team GeoCan Posted July 4, 2003 Share Posted July 4, 2003 I am a disabled person with near normal mobility. I am the parent of THREE kids with different disabilities, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Organic Brain Dysfunction. I appreciate ANY efforts at identifying caches that are disabled friendly. My kids enjoy geocaching, but are limited to easy climbs, short distances, and a "quick" search. As far as not being a popular project, I feel that is a poor attitude amondst those who may someday "join the club". Earlier days have set precidents in attitudes towards "the disabled", portraying the community as being "lazy, priveleged, and pampered", and disregarding the issue at hand, access. There are remnants of those attitudes still around, as daily indicated by those who abuse the disabled access parking in all of our communities. (Although I and my Kids are eligible for HP placards, we do not have them). All I ask is that an open receptive and compassionate mind be maintained when you come across those of us who have to really work hard just to get around Trash-out, EVERYtime Quote Link to comment
+SearchRescueDog Posted July 5, 2003 Share Posted July 5, 2003 I see no problem with listing a cache as wheelchair accessible up to the last 10'. I myself have a cache listed that way. My theory is that if someone is caching with a partner in a wheelchair they can enjoy the hunt and be within 10' of the jackpot. Quote Link to comment
+Ltljon Posted July 5, 2003 Share Posted July 5, 2003 This virtual is easily accessed from a wheelchair & has a spectacular veiw. Quote Link to comment
+woodsters Posted July 5, 2003 Share Posted July 5, 2003 wheelchair accessible database is a great idea. Although not handicapped here, I think that Jeremy ought to look at possibly adding an icon like the "bug" and the checkmarks to the cache list pages. Would make those accessible for handicapped or wheelchairs are marked. Brian Wood Woodsters Outdoors http://www.woodsters.com Quote Link to comment
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