The National Park Service began making National Accessibility Achievement Awards in 1999 to recognize outstanding accomplishments in architectural design, program design, and sustained efforts to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities. For the FY 2008 awards round, a five-member panel of experts will vet 14 nominations in four categories.

The National Park Service has launched a website for visitors with disabilities or other special needs. It’s a great new way to find information about accessible trails, vistas, programs, activities, and educational opportunities at the national parks.