Most physically able residents can simply walk around a pile of sand should they discover one near a beach boardwalk. To those in wheelchairs or with other serious physical impairments, a pile of sand may as well be an insurmountable mountain.

East Lyme Parks and Recreation crews got some well-deserved congratulations from residents via Facebook earlier this summer for their quick and efficient removal of a pile of sand impeding handicapped access to the town boardwalk. If only all others would similarly consider their physically impaired neighbors.

It’s been 25 years since the Americans With Disabilities Act became law. Handicapped accessibility to beaches, parks, nature trails, playgrounds, fishing piers and other outdoor sites is an even newer phenomenon.

Despite this progress, full accessibility to those with physical handicaps has not yet been attained as even able-bodied folks discover when they find themselves temporarily on crutches, in a cast or needing a wheelchair. Some common courtesy and simple acts, such as those of the East Lyme parks crew, would go a long way to helping achieve this goal.

Consider the gap between handicapped accessible parking laws and reality, as just one example. Connecticut issues temporary and permanent parking permits to residents with disabilities. These allow permit holders to park in specially marked spaces that generally are wider, closer to facilities and nearer wheelchair ramps and specially designed curb cuts. Non-permit holders who park in these spaces face hefty fines.

Despite this, it’s not rare to see a non-permit holder park in a handicapped designated space. It also isn’t rare for physically fit folks to borrow permits from their less able, or even deceased, friends and relatives. In some cases, that denies access for someone who genuinely needs the parking space. It is a selfish act.

Sometimes its carelessness that makes life more difficult for our physically disabled neighbors. Be careful to never accidentally block handicapped accessible ramps, curb cuts, doors, bathrooms and extra-wide parking spots.

Our society has come a long way on this issue. But bad or careless acts can undermine a lot of good public policy. Conversely, acting with civility and empathy can assure these regulations have their intended impact of making life just a bit easier for our handicapped citizens.