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Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs)

In conformance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) wishes to improve access for people with mobility disabilities by allowing the use of other power-driven mobility devices (OPDMD) in areas where they can be operated safely, without posing substantial risk of serious harm to natural or cultural resources, and without fundamentally altering the nature of our services, programs, or activities. 

Mobility devices help people with mobility disabilities enjoy greater freedom and independence. They include devices such as manual or power-driven wheelchairs, manually powered devices, and other-powered devices.

Wheelchairs are defined as "a manually operated or power-driven device designed primarily for use by an individual with a mobility disability for the main purpose of indoor or of both indoor and outdoor locomotion."

Manually powered devices include mobility aids such as walkers, crutches, canes, braces, and other similar devices.

Wheelchairs and manually powered mobility aids are permitted into all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.

OPDMDs are any mobility device powered by batteries, fuel, or other engines—whether or not designed primarily for use by individuals with mobility disabilities—that is used by individuals with mobility disabilities for the purpose of locomotion, but that is not a wheelchair.

Requesting OPDMDs as a Reasonable Modification at IDNR Property

To help protect the natural and/or cultural resources of the State of Illinois, and to ensure the programs and services provided by IDNR and or the State of Illinois the following process has been put into effect.

It is the policy of IDNR to make reasonable modification in its policies, practices, or procedures to permit the use of other power-driven mobility devices by individuals with mobility disabilities, in any areas open to pedestrian use.

Exceptions: IDNR has determined that certain classes of power-driven mobility devices cannot be operated in accordance with legitimate safety requirements in certain areas operated by IDNR and its divisions as follows:

  • Gasoline-powered OPDMDs are not permitted inside buildings and/or enclosed spaces.
  • OPDMDs will not be allowed on delicate natural areas where pedestrian or vehicular traffic is restricted.
  • Those using golf carts as other power-driven mobility devices shall comply with the requirements of 625 ILCS 5/11- 1426.1. This requirement includes possession of a valid Illinois driver’s license and compliance with the statutory requirements as set forth in Section 11-1426.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code which include not operating the golf cart in excess of 35 miles per hour. Additionally, any golf cart (functioning as an OPDMD) must be equipped with the following safety equipment: brakes, a steering apparatus, tires, a rearview mirror, red reflectorized warning devices in the front and rear, a slow-moving emblem, a headlight that emits a white light visible from a distance of 500 feet from the front, a tail  lamp that emits red light visible from at least 100 feet from the rear, brake lights, and turn signals.

In determining whether a particular other power-driven mobility device may be allowed at a specific facility (as a reasonable modification) IDNR may consider the following factors:

  1. The type, size, weight, dimensions, and speed of the device; 
  2. The facility's volume of pedestrian traffic, which may vary at different times of the day, week, month, or year; 
  3. The facility's design and operational characteristics for example, whether its service, program, or activity is conducted indoors; its square footage; the density and placement of stationary devices; and the availability of storage for the device, if requested by the user; 
  4. Whether legitimate safety requirements can be established to permit the safe operation of the OPDMD in the specific facility; and 
  5. Whether the use of the OPDMD creates a substantial risk of serious harm to the immediate environment or natural or cultural resources or poses a conflict with Federal land management laws and regulations.

Even after all of these factors have been considered, it's important to note that each situation is unique, and the final decision on what devices are allowed will always be made on a case-by-case basis.

To Request this modification, complete the form linked below at least seven days prior to date of arrival. Advance notice is required to allow sufficient time to review the request.  Changing weather and site conditions will be considered as visitor safety and protection of natural resources are paramount.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Special Use Permit Application for Other -Power Driven Mobility Device on DNR Land or Facility

If there are any questions or concerns please reach out to the Equal Employment Opportunity officer / American with Disabilities coordinator with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at DNR.EEOADA@illinois.gov. Please note: the EEO officer / ADA coordinator may not be able to directly answer your question but will reach out to the proper staff member to provide an answer to any detailed Questions.