Started in September for Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation launched the 'Outdoors for Everyone Campaign.' This initiative aims to ensure that the wonders of the natural world are equally accessible and inclusive to everyone, including individuals living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers.
The outdoors is for everyone. But how do outdoor organizations and parks ensure they are providing both inclusive and accessible pathways, trails, and more? Through our new initiative ‘Outdoors for Everyone’ we have created a new ‘Accessible Outdoor Checklist’ which can be used by various national parks, recreation centers, and other spaces to ensure people living with disabilities are able to arrive safely and enjoy the outdoors.
Recommendations from the checklist address:
- Before Arrival: What kind of accessibility information should be available on a website and map; Parking and arrival/drop-off area information
- Arrivals and Departures: Details on accessible parking spaces; Signage to ensure a safe passenger drop-off/pick-up for wheelchair users; Trained staff assistance
- On the Trail: Trailheads with detailed information; recommendations on trail design and maintenance
- Glossary: Including key terminology from outside sources such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Accessibility Guidebook, U.S. Access Board’s Outdoor Developed Areas Guide, Yosemite’s National Park Accessibility Guide and more to ensure a comprehensive perspective