"As interests in nature, wildlife, physical exercise  continues to be strong, public demand for opportunities along the Appalachian Trail continues to grow...This increasing desire is reflected by increased information requests to A.T. partners for accessible recreation opportunities along the Appalachian Trail" 

The 2000 census reported that one in every five Americans had a disability  limiting one or more of their "major life functions" (walking, seeing, hearting, or breathing). 

Decisions, laws, and national policy regarding accessibility on the Appalachian Trail falls under the US accessibility board. They do know, though, that full accessibility is "not possible everywhere on the trail". The US Forest Service also came up with guidelines but they are not official rules. The two sets of guides are called the US Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG) and the Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG) and they "currently provide the best practices for trail managers considering accessibility".

US Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines 

Applies to Hiker and Pedestrian Trails and only when

1. A trail is new or altered ... AND...
2. A trail is a designed-use for hiker/pedestrian use ...AND..
3. A trail connects either directly to a trailhead or to a currently accessible trai

Recreation Accessibility Guidlines

Applies to New or Reconstructed Developed Recreation Sites and their Features

• camping facilities
• picnic areas and beach access
• benches
• trash and recycling containers
• viewing areas at overlooks
• telescopes and periscopes
• warming huts and out door showers

click HERE for the Access Guide on the ATC website.