IDNR
Mission Statement:
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is committed to providing
greater access and more programs for persons with disabilities.
We want to make it easier for disabled individuals to hunt, fish
and pursue other outdoor activities.
In
1999, these issues were addressed by establishing a new progra
m
entitled "Disabled Outdoor Opportunities." Objectives
for this program include: establishing partnerships with organizations
representing people with disabilities and working cooperatively
to mainstream DNR programs and facilities to better meet the needs
of the individuals they represent, review existing DNR recreational
opportunities to identify and eliminate barriers to participation,
develop and coordinate training programs for staff and continually
provide knowledge on the basic needs and concerns of this segment
by working with DNR site planners and engineers to develop integrated
barrier free designs for recreational facilities.
Disabled
hunters can participate in deer, pheasant, waterfowl and dove
hunting at various sites throughout Illinois. A number of fishing
events are held each year as well. DNR's intention is to expand
these opportunities so more individuals may take part. One example
of a successful event is at Rock Cut State Park where hunters
have participated in shotgun deer hunts for several years now.
The Department is continuing to expand its disabled program. We
want people to continue to hunt and fish our parks, but we also
want to expand to see others using our trails, picnic sites, boat
launches, camping sites, overnight cabins, etc. We are continuously
working on accessible restrooms and shower houses. The department
would like to see more people use our sites. Please let us know
if there is anything that we can do for you. Call your site superintendent
or e-mail Jay Williams with comments, suggestions or just to tell
us how we're doing!
For
more information about the Disabled Outdoor Opportunities program,
contact Jay Williams, 503 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812,
by telephone (618) 439-9111, ext. 257, or e-mail Jay @ jay.d.williams@illinois.gov
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT IDNR'S DISABLED OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES POLICIES
- Tell us what you would like to see DNR do for people with disabilities
by contacting jay.d.williams@illinois.gov.
2007 SHOOTING EVENTS