Category: Access Nature Forums

Meet Rebecca Martin, a candidate in the Rutgers School of Social Work PhD program and student affiliate of the Rutgers Hub on Aging Collaboration. She believes the work we do is only as strong as our ability to discuss it. In this Language Matters presentation, Rebecca will be presenting on the importance of using language in a culturally competent way when engaging with people with disabilities and considering other intersectional positioning. She will provide nuanced considerations while also providing practical tips for where to start and important strategies for adapting your communication to best align with the preferences of the members of your local community.

When so much communication with the public and with colleagues involves technology, it takes thoughtful consideration to make sure what you are saying is received by your intended audience. In this presentation, Joe Zesski, Program Manager of the Northeast ADA Center, will discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it applies to the communications of state/local government as well as businesses and nonprofits. He will particularly focus on the requirement to provide effective communication to individuals with disabilities and what that means in the digital space.

Mr. Zesski will review what makes electronic communication most accessible to the most number of individuals. He will provide best practice strategies and tips for achieving accessibility in documents, presentations, social media, and other forms of electronic communication. Time will be set aside for questions and answers.

New Jersey’s natural waters from the shore to the Pinelands are a central part of outdoor community, recreation and sport, and for over twelve years Ocean Positive’s Blue Journey Unified program has been ensuring that those with and without physical challenges have ongoing opportunities to come together in, on and by the waters we love. Ocean Positive’s Bruckner Chase has developed adaptive aquatic sports programs from Australia to South Jersey and in this Access Nature Forum he will share his experiences in developing operational plans, safety protocols, outreach initiatives, and equipment resources to allow everyone to realize the fitness, health, and well-being benefits of being outdoors on and in the water together.

What does it mean to build disability community and justice in the outdoors? Why is it important to have Disabled leadership, and how can allies and organizations be better partners? Join Syren Nagakyrie, founder of Disabled Hikers, for answers to these questions and more. Syren will provide an overview of disability language, models of disability, and how to think about access vs accessibility. They will share about their work as the founder of an entirely Disabled-led organization working at the intersections of disability justice and outdoor recreation, and how you can create more space for Disabled people to drive your access and inclusion work. Time will be set aside for questions and answers.

Syren Nagakyrie is the founder of Disabled Hikers, a nonprofit organization building disability community and justice in the outdoors. Syren grew up with multiple disabilities and encounters numerous barriers to outdoor recreation but has always found nature to be a place of belonging. As a long-time disabled activist and community builder, Syren is committed to building a movement of Disabled leadership in the outdoors. They are the author of The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Northern California: outdoor adventures accessible by car, wheelchair, and foot (2024) and The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Western Washington and Oregon (2022), both published by FalconGuides. They also work with parks, organizations, brands, and government agencies to improve access and belonging for disability community.

This workshop offers an in-depth introduction to CorpsTHAT, an organization dedicated to connecting the Deaf community with the outdoors through education, recreation, and career opportunities. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of CorpsTHAT’s origin, its evolution, and the impactful stories that have shaped its mission to create accessible and inclusive outdoor spaces for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in the outdoor and conservation industry.

We’ll dive into best practices for engaging Deaf participants in conservation corps and/or outdoor programs, focusing on essential communication strategies like using American Sign Language (ASL), visual cues, and technologies. We’ll also cover key accessibility considerations, from physical accommodations to creating spaces that are welcoming and empowering.

Additionally, we’ll discuss how to lead inclusively by fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and equity in outdoor settings. Through real stories and examples from CorpsTHAT’s programs, attendees will walk away with practical tools and strategies to better support and include Deaf individuals in outdoor and conservation work.

Bio of Presenter:
Sam (Marlo) Bragg

Sam is a seventh-generation member of a large, vibrant Deaf family from Maine’s Great Woods. With a Master’s degree in Outdoor Leadership from Saybrook University and the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Sam has dedicated their career to bridging the gap between the Deaf community and the outdoors through education, recreation, and career development. As a team member at CorpsTHAT, Sam is passionate about creating equitable and inclusive outdoor spaces for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

Attention beachgoers! Don’t let ocean and shoreline hazards keep you from enjoying your time at the beach this summer; instead, boost your “Blue IQ” through this episode. Listen to ocean and coastal safety expert Bruckner Chase discuss common beach hazards and best practices to keep you and your loved ones safe in the surf. Hosted by the NOAA.