Pearce Chairs Hearing on National Parks Accessibility;

Pledges Vigilance in Helping Persons with Disabilities Enjoy America’s Treasures

New Mexico legislator expresses concern regarding possible existence of implicit policy to discourage parks visitation through barriers to accessibility; will write National Park Service Director Fran Mainella to convey witness testimony and will then convene witnesses for conference call to review her responses and possible additional action  

Washington, D.C., May 11 -  As part of his continuing effort to ensure that every American can enjoy the treasures contained in our National Parks System, U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce (R-NM), Chairman of the House National Parks Subcommittee, today conducted a hearing on the accessibility of our National Parks to persons with disabilities.

While Chairman Pearce commended the National Park Service’s efforts to install ramp access and similar features at museums and other attractions, the New Mexico lawmaker expressed his deep concern regarding the possibility that an implicit strategy persists among some National Parks Superintendents and other officials to discourage public visitation through reduced access. 

“Preserving America’s treasures for future generations requires us to do our best to ensure that every American has an equal opportunity to enjoy our National Parks today,” Chairman Pearce said. “It’s patently wrong for Superintendents to bar people who are impaired in their vision, hearing, or mobility from our Parks, even if this exclusion is unintentional.

“Worse yet, today’s testimony indicated that no system of accountability exists within the National Parks System to correct discriminatory decisions when they occur. I will continue working vigilantly to change this culture, wherever it exists.”

Chairman Pearce’s remarks were based significantly upon testimony provided in today’s hearing. Jerry Kerr, President and Founder of Disability Rights Advocates for Technology, stated that seniors and others who experience difficulty in walking have been ordered away from the National Mall and other public venues because of their reliance on a Segway “scooter” machine. Janice Schacter, Chair of the Hearing Access Program, testified that her daughter, who is hearing impaired, could not understand why Ellis Island did not have accessible exhibits that would enable her to learn about its rich heritage.

Directing his comments to Sue Masica, the National Parks Service’s Associate Director for Park Planning, Facilities, and Lands (who acknowledged that some Superintendents might require more education regarding accessibility issues), Chairman Pearce stated his intent to closely monitor the National Park Service’s efforts to identify and eliminate discrimination against persons with disabilities. 

Specifically, Chairman Pearce indicated that he will write National Park Service Director Fran Mainella to convey the major points of each witness’ testimony. Once he receives a response from Director Mainella, he will convene today’s witnesses for a conference call to review her responses and possible additional action.