Content Type: Tips
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.
Recap the Access Nature Forum with Flat Rock Brook Nature Center. The nature center is a 150-acre preserve in Englewood, NJ (Bergen County) with 3.6 miles of trails open and free to the public from dawn to dusk daily 365 days a year. Flat Rock Brook is committed to ensuring our preserve and our facilities are as accessible to all as possible, and would like you to join us to meet our team and hear about our projects and plans.
The discussion will include how they are making nature accessible, topics will cover:
- Accessible Trails
- Nature Playground
- Restroom Facilities
- Bridge and Pathways
- Gazebo and Picnic Areas
- Parking
Check out this video and hear from advocates on the need for accessible nature sites and the criteria needed for creating and promoting these areas to the public. In this video, volunteers are evaluating the Blue Trail at Evesham Townships Black Run Preserve for accessibility for all persons.
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.
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!
Check out this insightful article Summer Activities for People with Disabilities: Inclusive and Accessible Fun – United Cerebral Palsy. Glean insight why this topic is impactful not just for the individual with the disabilities but also, friends, family and the entire community. Learn about opportunities in your area, and partner organizations offering fun and resources.
