Content Type: News
Here is a great resource for land managers seeking to complete trail and nature site accessibility improvements. The document provides ADA accessibility tools to determine if the surface is improved to a firm and stable surface. Offering low-cost, sustainable solutions for the improvement of ADA-accessible trails, more people will have access and connectivity will increase in our community.
This study outlines the long-term benefits of using naturally occurring, binders applied topically to unpaved trails and discusses the expected increases in firmness and stability.
Full article – http://National Institute for Transportation and Communities – ADA Accessible Trail Improvement
Hello Nature Accessible for All advocates. I wanted to share with you this article from The Guardian from the end of last year. It covers a story focused on disability accessibility in the outdoors. Last year, Soar Experiences, offered free outings at Mohonk Preserve in New York State The small non-profit tour operator services people with limited mobility.
Learn more about the event and the outcomes in the full article – ‘Everyone said it was impossible’: disabled hikers find freedom through off-road wheelchairs | Disability | The Guardian
Ocean Positive and Pinelands Alliance have teamed together to provide training for your staff and volunteers on safety protocols, emergency response, and respectful interactions with participants who have physical disabilities.
Almost 500,000 NJ residents have a Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder or Movement Challenge, yet there is currently no systematic training available for outdoor recreational and community locations on how to provide services appropriate to the needs of these residents.
The free “Safe & Positive For All” training sessions taught by the team from Ocean Positive are designed for land management leaders, guides, support staff and coordinators for agencies and other providers of outdoor recreation opportunities that may include those with special physical needs or movement challenges.
Elements of the sessions and larger support services may include:
• Training in building disability planning into your safety and emergency procedures
• Support in assessing a trail or scenic location for inclusive programming
• Training in customizing program details to meet the needs of people with mobility challenges, developmental disabilities, or other disability concerns.
• Support in building connections with other providers and potential participants involved in the inclusive outdoor arena
If you have any questions regarding organizing or logistics for offering a workshop, please reach out to Nature Disability Advocate, Sean Kane Holland at sean@pinelandsalliance.org or call 609-859-8860 ext. 117.
Blue Journey Unified’s Fall Pool Sessions Are Back, Thursdays, 7-8 PM.
Wed September 24 – Thu November 20, 2025 join Blue Journey Unified at Ocean City Aquatics and Fitness Center Ocean City, NJ 08244 US
Use the link to register – https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/BlueJourneyUnifiedPoolFall2025?rsus=200-500-98adaaa8-a1c7-41eb-b77e-e999c81ae3e3
The Best Day Ever documentary follows adaptive mountain bikers Greg Durso and Allie Bianchi as they tackle the daily challenges of disability—and find joy, connection, and belonging in Vermont’s mountain biking community.
This is a story of grit, independence, and what’s possible when community and creativity come together. At its heart is the world’s first fully adaptive trail network—built to prove that everyone belongs outside.
Best Day Ever challenges perceptions of disability and celebrates community.
They’re raising funds to expand adaptive trails and equipment access—because for a wheelchair user, a mountain bike isn’t just fun. It’s freedom.
Check out the video and full story – https://www.bestdayever.mov/?blm_aid=2582740493
It is with great eagerness and excitement that we can now count the Accessible Nature Trail at Pemberton Lake as a well-awaited accomplishment for the fight to make outdoor spaces more accessible for individuals of varying abilities. On Friday, October 10th we unveiled the Pemberton Lake Accessible nature trail. This 0.7-mile trail encourages visitors of all abilities and especially those with mobility concerns to explore the forest and lake habitats that the out-and-back trail traverses.
Check out the full article from the Pine Barrens Tribune – https://www.pinebarrenstribune.com/articles/featured-stories/newly-blazed-trail-gives-those-with-mobility-issues-access-to-natures-realm-alongside-pemberton-lake/