Content Type: News
The United Spinal Association’s Advocacy Department has several popular working groups which provide opportunities for members to organize around the issues that matter most to them. Find out more about each group on their website – Advocacy Working Groups – United Spinal Association and complete the form to join any or all groups.
We take a quick look inside the Access Nature trailer. This trailer will be used to transport the wheelchairs we have for use during our inclusive nature programs at different locations in and around the Pinelands, as well as for secure storage and maintenance.
On this week’s Road Trip, some of the team behind the Nature: Accessible for All campaign told News 12 about a growing partnership leading a statewide effort to ensure that all people with disabilities, their families and allies can enjoy New Jersey’s natural places.
The collaborative effort between the Pineland Preservation Alliance, the New Jersey Division of Disability Services of the New Jersey Department of Human Services, the Edward J. Bloustein School and Duke Farms aims to increase the public’s awareness that accessible nature sites exist, to improve the accessibility of trails and natural sites, and to provide more information about these facilities.
We are leading the charge to see nature sites and trails around New Jersey become more accessible for people of varying abilities.
This cross-sector collaboration has brought together activists and organizations dedicated to the welfare of people with disabilities, public and private natural land managers, healthcare providers, and environmental nonprofits.
We have been establishing partnerships with land management, nature, and healthcare advocates. Teaming up with organizations such as the NJ State Parks Service and private land managers and preservationists. The Nature Accessible for All campaign recently received media coverage along with campaign partners at Wharton State Forest and Duke Farms about the accessibility features at each site as well as to highlight the new Nature Accessible For All website.
To view the full article follow the link below.
Check out our story from NorthJersey.com highlighting our new website Homepage – Nature: Accessible for All, which offers a searchable directory of outdoor spaces in the Garden State that are inclusive for people with disabilities. The website also houses a directory of organizations that are involved with the campaign and have particular skill sets and resources to make natural spaces more accessible for people with varying abilities. Additionally, there is information for individuals and organizations who are interested in getting involved with the campaign. Check out the website today and plan your outdoor adventures!
Posted June 10th, 2024
Who’s ready to hit the beaches? Exciting reports about accessibility are coming from the southernmost reach of our beautiful state!
Cape May County in New Jersey has announced the unveiling of more than a mile stretch of beach now accessible for individuals with mobility concerns.
This is all made possible by the installation of a beach mat. This mat system provides a flat, stabilized surface atop the soft sand, making it easier for assistive mobility devices like wheelchairs, scooters, crutches, canes, or walkers. Accessibility features like these beach mats allow friends and families to have shared experiences in nature and outdoor recreation, which will only create a healthier lifestyle for all in the community.
If you are in Cape May, NJ, check out the Cape May Promenade which leads to Cove Beach, past Convention Hall. Here, you will find the beach entrance with an accessible beach mat! It is truly amazing to see local communities take on this humbling, well-needed, and deserved initiative for inclusion and accessibility. We hope this news spreads and inspires others to follow suit within their public spaces.
Similarly, Access Nature supported the New Jersey State Park Service (NJSPS) last summer at the Atsion Lake Recreation Area in Shamong, NJ. After facilitated discussion and resources that Access Nature provided to the NJSPS, the recreation area acquired beach mats that allow visitors with mobility concerns down to the water’s edge. To further enhance accessibility and inclusion, Pinelands Preservation Alliance and the Access Nature initiative donated two beach wheelchairs to the site so individuals who need assistance can borrow the equipment while they visit.
You can learn more about Atsion Lake Recreation Area and check out the ADA-accessible beach mat here!
Learn more about ongoing projects for the “Pinelands is for Everyone” and statewide “Nature: Accessible for All” initiatives by visiting The Pinelands is for Everyone webpage. If you are interested in learning how to apply similar outdoor accessibility projects to spaces near you, please get in touch with me at sean@pinelnadsalliance.org