DEC, in partnership with Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH), offered a second year of the Electric Wheelchair Program to facilitate accessibility to Camp Santanoni Historic Area for people with disabilities. This program provided an opportunity to reserve and use a power wheelchair device free of charge. Qualified individuals for this program are persons with disabilities who cannot otherwise walk or bicycle the 9.5-mile round trip from the parking area at the Gate House Complex to Great Camp Santanoni. See the Camp Santanoni Historic Area webpage for more information on this facility and a listing of the wheelchair accessible features.
This program ran on Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays from July 5 through October 13, 2025, with assistance from AARCH staff during the summer months. Reservations were accepted for qualified individuals with disabilities on a first come, first serve basis.
Summer 2025 program participantswer asked to participate in an optional follow-up survey after their journey. Participant feedback will help DEC assess how this program is meeting the needs and interests of the public and inform future opportunities.
Program Specifications
Mobility Devices
Please see the descriptions below and Mobility Device Details (PDF) document to learn more about device options.
Golden Technologies™ ‘Scooter’
- Scooter-style power wheelchair
- Higher weight limit (400 lbs.)
- Motor braking (device will automatically slow to stop when the throttle is released)
- Higher seat with arm rests and running board (easier to board)
- Small enough turning radius to be used inside the Great Camp
- More intuitive controls
Not a Wheelchair™ ‘The Rig’
- Quadracycle-style power wheelchair
- Lower weight limit (225 lbs.)
- Hand brakes only- brakes function like a bicycle relying on the user’s hand strength to slow the device
- Lower seat without arm rests or running board (handle drops down allowing transfer into seat)
- Large turning radius (Wheelchair users will need to bring a manual wheelchair to transfer into to enter the rooms at the Great Camp)
- More adventurous experience
- Videos of the ‘The Rig’ in Action on Not a Wheelchair™ Instagram and Not a Wheelchair™ YouTube
Available Dates and Times
The program ran on Saturdays and Sundays, including two holiday Mondays, from July 5 through October 13. DEC or AARCH staff were on-site to check out and check in the device during the confirmed hours.
Eligibility Requirements
Reservations were open to qualified individuals with disabilities who cannot otherwise walk or bicycle the 9.5-mile round trip on the Lake Road at Great Camp Santanoni. An individual with a disability is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment. Program participants were asked to confirm eligibility by submitting one of the following types of evidence of qualification.
Evidence of Qualification (one required)
- a signed Self-certification Form; or
- a picture or copy of a valid, state-issued disability parking placard; or
- other State-issued proof of disability.
Invitation for Public Comment
Thank you to all who submitted comments. This public comment period was open from June 27 to July 28, 2025.
In June 2025, DEC invited the public to comment on continuing the electric wheelchair program and how that program could be improved. DEC also sought input on whether alternatives such as an accessible golf cart would be preferable.
Read the Great Camp Santanoni: Accessibility for People with Disabilities- Request for Public Comment (PDF) for full details.
