Author: Sean Kane-Holland
Blue Journey Unified is offering several opportunities for community engagement, and recreation with their inclusive open water programs for individuals with mobility and spinal cord disabilities.
Register and check out the list of events – here
Access for All was a four-part series sharing practical strategies and case studies to improve accessibility and inclusion in outdoor recreation. Attendees were able to learn actionable approaches to expand participation, reduce barriers, and create more welcoming trails, parks, and programs for all.
These recordings are available if you were not able to attend live. Society of Outdoor Professionals webinar recordings are available to all for the first six months before they become a member-only resource. The recording access also has presentations, other resources, as well as how to earn continuing education credits.
Check the link for resources – Webinar Recordings
The Monmouth County Department of Health & Human Services Division on Aging, Disabilities and Veteran Services provides a great resource for individuals with disabilities looking for opportunities to enjoy the summer fun at the beach with their – Accessible Beach Guide – Welcome To Monmouth County, New Jersey
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.
The Ocean County Office for Individuals with Disabilities provides a great resource for individuals with disabilities looking for opportunities to enjoy the summer fun at the beach with their –Accessible Beach Guide 2026
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.
If you have any questions or would like to request hard copies, you may contact Sean Wright at swright@co.ocean.nj.us
The new legislative session has begun and NAFA is eager to advocate for smart policies that will help New Jersey build a safer, more accessible outdoor future. Taking this opportunity to notify the community of advocacy opportunities and legislation to ask your local reps to support. Stay tuned for updates!
We are dedicated to continuing to work with partners, legislators and the community for more accessible outdoor spaces and passive recreation.
You can find more about this Bill with the link below.
H.R.7751 – Parks to People Active Transportation Act, requires the DOT to establish a grant program for community greenways.
For public and private land managers and educational staff seeking to expand their recreational opportunities to undeserved communities with disabilities. Untied Spinal has produced a blog posting i would like to share with the Nature Accessible for All audience on How to fund adaptive outdoor recreational equipment and activities – United Spinal Association
United Spinal Association also has several working groups open to disability advocates. Their Outdoor Access Working Group knows that having fun does not come cheap for the disability community. Adaptive equipment and activities can cost thousands of dollars. They have identified funding sources to help offset the expense. This article shares their knowledge about writing successful grants for foundations and government sources. They have also compiled a list of organizations that welcome such grants.