Content Type: Story
Calling all water lovers in the mobility disability community!!
Join Ocean Positive and Ocean County Parks and Recreation for this first ever event and collaboration in Ocean County showcasing inclusive outdoor aquatic activities and community building.
Supporting inclusive outdoor recreation and empowering those with physical and mobility challenges to explore recreation and sport in our natural waters.
Registration begins March 15th by going to – http://www.bcoceanpositive.org
Rails to Trails Conservancy partnered with the American Hiking Society, American Trails, the League of American Bicyclists, People for Bikes and the Safe Routes to School Partnership —representing national, state and local advocacy organizations, local elected officials, and businesses—for a federal letter supporting trails, walking and biking. The letter calls on Congress to include a fortified Transportation Alternatives program. It also asks Congress to maintain broad eligibility for trails, walking and bicycling across transportation programs, as well as existing provisions for safe walking and bicycling, in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization.
The coalition is encouraging individuals, public and private organizations to share the final version of this letter with local members of Congress to increase visibility and showcase the nationwide demand for programs and policies that support walking, biking and trail infrastructure. You can find the letter and more information about how to engage Congress here.
The Burlington County Commissioners are seeking the public’s input on county parks, regional trails, parks programs and how residents would like to see open space funds invested.
Burlington County residents and visitors are encouraged to participate in an online survey about county parks, trails, recreational facilities and programs, open space and other needs. There are 41 questions in the survey. Most questions are related to existing Burlington County Parks and community programs. There are also questions about future investments and Burlington County’s passive and active recreation needs.
All responses will remain anonymous, and the feedback will be used as part of an update to Burlington County’s Open Space and Recreation Plan.
To complete the survey, visit Burlington County Open Space & Recreational Needs Assessment
These courses are designed to make learning American Sign Language engaging, accessible, and community centered.
CorpsTHAT group courses are perfect for:
-Beginners or those refreshing their ASL skills
-Individuals, families, educators, and professionals
-Anyone interested in Deaf culture and inclusive communication
What you can expect:
-Interactive group sessions
-Clear instruction with real-life signing practice
-A supportive and welcoming learning environment
-Focus on both ASL language and Deaf culture
Course details:
-Format: Group classes (virtual via Zoom)
-When: Winter, spring, summer and or fall
-Duration: 10 weeks for an hour twice a week sessions
Spots are limited for a maximum of 8 students per class to ensure quality interaction.
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.
