Project Explore Supports All Adventurers

I have always loved the outdoors. There is something about being in nature that fills me with peace and joy. But for many, enjoying the outdoors comes with obstacles that can only be overcome with equitable responses to our diverse community. Variable terrain, inconstant paths, and limited availability of necessary facilities can make it difficult or impossible for people with disabilities to access some of earth's most beautiful spaces. Accessible trails are important because they allow people with disabilities to enjoy the benefits of spending time in nature. Nature has been shown to have a number of benefits for people of all abilities, including reducing stress, improving mood, and boosting creativity. Check out Time to Connect for more info on how nature can be a great therapy. Accessible trails help to promote inclusion and equity. By making outdoor recreation more accessible to people with disabilities, we can move closer to a society that values nature as much as we value one another. Accessible trails help to preserve wilderness and natural spaces. When people with disabilities are able to enjoy the outdoors, they can develop their voice for the preservation of the spaces they visit. They can socialize the values of these places and share their experiences. Some may even further their advocacy for maintaining and preserving the beauty within our urban systems.

• Creating accessible trails. Accessible trails are designed for people with disabilities, and they often have features such as wide paths, smooth surfaces, and ramps. Some national parks have even created trails that are specifically designed for people who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
• Providing accessible transportation. Some national parks offer shuttle buses or other transportation options that can help people with disabilities get to and from trailheads.
• Making information available in multiple formats. Many national parks now provide information about their trails in multiple formats, such as Braille, audio, and large print.
• Training staff on accessibility. National park staff are now being trained on how to make their parks more accessible to people with disabilities. This training helps staff understand the needs of people with disabilities and to provide universal access points for outdoor education and experiences.

These are just a few of the ways that national parks are making their trail systems more inclusive and accessible. As a result of these efforts, more people than ever before are able to enjoy the beauty and wonder of these special places.

Here are some National Parks leading the charge agains inaccessibility.

• Yellowstone National Park has a number of accessible trails, including the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail and the Artist Point Trail.
• Glacier National Park has a number of accessible trails, including the Avalanche Lake Trail and the Highline Trail.
• Yosemite National Park has a number of accessible trails, including the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail.

Visitors centers seem to be low-hanging fruit for parks to be IDEA compliant. This is a great start but can be also a funding pit. Resources can be allocated to structural accessibility on trails and trail facilities as well as railings, parking, and accessibility services . Encourage your State and National Parks to utilize resources for more equitable access. Everyone deserves the outdoors.

To learn more about organizations that support equitable access to recreation and outdoors, check-out the below links.

• Outdoors for All is a national organization that provides outdoor recreation opportunities for people with disabilities. They offer a variety of programs, including camping, hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
• Wilderness on Wheels is a nonprofit organization that provides outdoor recreation opportunities for people with disabilities in the Pacific Northwest. They offer a variety of programs, including camping, hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
• Outward Bound is an international organization that offers wilderness education programs for people of all ages and abilities. They offer a variety of programs, including backpacking, rock climbing, and sailing.
• Project Explore is a new-to-the-club organization breaking the barriers between typical and exceptional participants in outdoor exploration and education.