Sean Kane-Holland, Author at Nature: Accessible for All

Identifying and highlighting various resources for accessible passive recreation is a very important piece to the work we and our partners focus on for Nature Accessible for All. Recently we uncovered an article about a father who built a hiking cart for his disabled daughter. This is a wonderful resource for keeping families together on the trail.

You can read the full article – GearJunkie

Here is a link for more information about the hiking cart and how to purchase – Huckleberry Hiking | Freedom to Explore

The new legislative session has begun and continued advocacy for smart policies that will help New Jersey build a safer, more accessible transportation future is needed. The list below includes some bills which are important for safe and accessible outdoor passive recreation. Stay tuned for updates!

• H.R.9041 – America Bikes Act establishes programs to improve bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and incentivize the use of bicycles in transit.
• H.R.7751 – Parks to People Active Transportation Act, requires the DOT to establish a grant program for community greenways.

Join Mayor Robert Henken for the latest edition of the Mayor’s Briefing at Hidden Pines. Mayor Henken was joined by Sean Kane Holland, from the Pinelands Alliance, for a review of the pathway at Hidden Pines. To be able to construct this project, the Township worked with the Pinelands Commission to receive approval to build the pathway.
Through the Pinelands Alliance Access Nature Program, we helped advocate for more parks just like this, that allow accessibility for all.
With the help of the Pinelands Alliance, the Township’s Public Works Department, Recreation Department and the Stafford Township Police Department, the Township was able to obtain the approvals needed to construct the pathway, plant over 300 trees, and construct the walking bridge that helps connect the park. Thank you to all those involved in the project.
With the weather getting nicer, Mayor Henken and Township Council invite all to enjoy the new pathway at Hidden Pines. Parking for the pathway is located off Breakers Drive from Rt 72, and along the roadway at the intersection of Canale Avenue and Forecastle Avenue. See less

View the trail review video – here

Your voice matters. Your experiences matter. At the Spina Bifida Resource Network (SBRN), they believe that advocacy is one of the most powerful ways to improve the lives of individuals with Spina Bifida and other disabilities. Yet many people aren’t sure what advocacy really means, how public policy affects their daily lives, or how they can become involved.

That’s why SBRN is launching a new program, Advocacy in Action. Designed to educate, empower, and inspire members of our community to become effective advocates.
Beginning in mid-August, they’ll offer a series of four weekly educational sessions designed to provide a strong foundation in advocacy. Sessions are expected to be held in the early evening and will be offered both in person and virtually. Final dates and locations will be announced soon.
Whether you’ve never contacted an elected official or have years of experience sharing your story, these sessions are for you.

Sessions explore topics such as:
– The basics of government. Our first session will include an introduction to basics of government and how decisions are made. Including the roles of local, state, and federal officials, and how advocacy efforts can help influence policies that impact our community.
– How to effectively communicate with legislators and decision-makers.
– The power of sharing your personal story
– Ways to get involved with SBRN’s advocacy efforts throughout the year.
You don’t need prior experience, just a willingness to learn and a desire to help create positive change.
By participating, you’ll become part of a growing network of advocates working to ensure that the voices of individuals with Spina Bifida and their families are heard. Every conversation, every email, every meeting, and every story shared has the potential to make a lasting impact.
If you’re interested in learning more or participating in this exciting new initiative please complete the attached interest form here and email back to SBRN at info@thesbrn.org Questions? Email them at info@thesbrn.org or call the office at 908-782-7475

Atlantic County is making efforts to provide a resource for individuals with disabilities looking for opportunities to enjoy the summer fun at the beach with their guide to accessing Beaches & Surf Chairs for People with Disabilities

Please note that information in this guide is subject to change. It is recommended to check the municipality’s website or call before you visit to verify the information.

View the county website for more information – Beach Accessibility | Atlantic County, NJ

The Cape May County Division of Aging and Disability Services provides a great resource for individuals with disabilities looking for opportunities to enjoy the summer fun at the beach with their guide to accessing Cape May County’s Beaches & Surf Chairs for People with Disabilities

In this guide, information on accessible beaches, walkways, ramps, parking, and surf chair availability, as well as beach fees, lifeguard hours, and amenities, is readily available.

The guide is organized alphabetically by town and provides municipal phone numbers and websites for updated information. Please note that information in this guide is subject to change. It is recommended to check the municipality’s website or call before you visit to verify the information.

View the brochure here – Cape-May-County-Beach-Accessibility-Guide-PDF