Accessiblity & Inclusion Resources Archives - Page 4 of 5

In May, Congress took some progressive strides when the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee approved the BUILD America 250 Act.

However, this bill makes it harder for places to build out the connected active-transportation infrastructure Americans want and need.

This initial bill helps land management organizations understand how to plan advocacy efforts in the coming months.

The Rails to Trails Conservancy has produced a summary of what’s in the bill and what’s not:

• IN: Transportation Alternatives (TA) remains as a 10% set-aside of the surface transportation block grant, growing slowly to about $1.66 billion annually; also, new eligibilities for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) allow funds to be used as a local match, but the bill makes it easier for states to transfer funds out of the program.

• IN: Recreational Trails Program (RTP) persists at $84 million despite the huge delta compared with the $281 million in gas tax receipts paid into the Highway Trust Fund by off-road motorized trail users.

• OUT: Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) is repealed, which creates challenges for communities across the United States pursuing large-scale active transportation networks.

• IN: Safe Streets and Roads for All ramps up at an average per year of $750 million.

• NEW: Surface Transportation Accelerator Grants, a complementary program to BUILD that includes a collection of previously stand-alone discretionary grant programs, is included at $2.4 billion annually and focuses on connectivity across modes of travel, safety and the economy.

These programs are necessary to provide the safe, connected networks that allow people to walk, bike and roll to the places they need to go. You can find RTC’s in-depth analysis of the bill on their website.

As the summer progresses keep an eye out for our partners at Ocean Positive and Ocean County Parks as they will be returning in July to Cattus Island County Park for a Paddle Session.

Ocean Positive offers water-based recreation for individuals with mobility disabilities and spinal cord injuries. Participants are required to register for events.

Keep an eye out by visiting their website – Here

The Summer fun is coming up fast – time to hit the trails, rivers, lakes and beaches for outdoor adventures. One of our partners at Ocean Positive is running their Blue Journey Unified program and is launching their Autumn Lake Paddle Season on June 27. They have pool and open water sessions for individuals with mobility disabilities and spinal cord injuries.

Participants are required to register for events – here.

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.

If you have any questions or would like to request hard copies, you may contact Sean Wright at swright@co.ocean.nj.us

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.