Nature: Accessible for All

The Power of Feedback: Using Surveys to Inform and Strengthen Your Programs
2026-04-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
This webinar will explore how surveys can serve as a strategic tool in program evaluation — helping organizations gather meaningful feedback, assess impact, and guide the development of new initiatives. Participants will learn how to design and implement surveys that produce actionable insights, elevate community priorities, and complement other data collection methods. Andrea will share her experiences creating surveys to support projects focused on the mobility needs of persons with disabilities, including her work with the New Jersey Travel Independence Program (NJTIP @ Rutgers). Alexandra and EJ will discuss how they used a survey to better understand the needs of people aging with disabilities in Teaneck, NJ, highlighting lessons learned, challenges encountered, and how the findings are shaping their ongoing work. Whether you are refining an existing initiative or planning the next phase of programming, this session will demonstrate how well-designed survey data can strengthen evaluation practices, inform responsive, evidence-informed decision-making, and generate compelling data to support new funding opportunities.

National Adaptive Sport Day Panel Hosted by Move United
2026-04-28 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Join National Adaptive Sport Day Panel Hosted by Move United
Move United, the national leader in community-based sports and recreation for individuals with disabilities, is hosting a virtual panel discussion as part of the inaugural National Adaptive Sport Day on April 28th.
The conversation, which includes a number of Paralympians and adaptive sports industry leaders, will take place 1-2 pm Eastern Time. Participation is free and open to the public.
• Dr. Cheri Blauwet (Facilitator)
• Chuck Aoki
• Dr. Ted Fay
• Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt
• Dr. Mary Hums
• Gianni Quintero
National Adaptive Sport Day is more than an awareness moment. It is a national movement for disability inclusion in sport. Adaptive sport improves physical and mental health, builds confidence and resilience, and creates community — yet access remains unequal across the country. With the energy of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics and Los Angeles 2028 on the horizon, now is the moment to grow visibility, increase participation, and ensure adaptive sport is accessible to everyone who wants to play.

Age-Friendly Communities: Research-to-Action Summit
2026-05-01 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
Join age-friendly leaders from across the United States for a special “Research-to-Action Summit” in celebration of Older Americans Month 2026.
This event will present four cutting-edge research projects on age-friendly communities across the nation. The research teams will share updates from their recent projects to illuminate insights into the implementation and impact of age-friendly social change. The event will spotlight the many points of synergy between research and local practice to strengthen the Age-Friendly Movement across systems levels.
This event is free to attend and open to the general public.

New Jersey - New York Metro Abilities Expo
2026-05-01 11:00 - 2026-05-03 17:00 (America/New_York) | New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison
Taking place in seven U.S. cities each year, the three-day Abilities Expos are your free, all-access passes to empowerment. Buckle up for cool gadgets, cutting-edge tech, info-packed workshops, adaptive activities and so much more. This golden opportunity to engage with your community will have you asking, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?!”
This expo is geared for:
People with disabilities
Family, friends and caregivers
Healthcare professionals

The Little Sit
2026-05-02 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | South Cape May Meadows, 692 Sunset Blvd NJ, Cape May, NJ, 08204, United States
Join The Nature Conservancy – New Jersey on May 2 to witness spring migration. This is an accessible birding event at South Cape May Meadows preserve. ASL will be provided.
Please note: The rain date for the event is Sunday, May 3. (Same time and location)
Event Overview
Spring migration in New Jersey is nothing short of magic. Songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors and more fill the skies as they funnel north to their breeding grounds.
Experience the wonders of spring migration by joining The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO) for The Little Sit, an accessible birding event. A spin on the annual, international birding event The Big Sit, The Little Sit takes that idea and slows it down. During this fun and educational challenge, we’ll see how many birds we can identify from the Boardwalk Trail’s observation area. Directional signs will be provided to guide attendees to the meeting location. Naturalists from TNC and CMBO will be present to assist with bird identification and answer questions about the preserve.
As a part of this event, we will have benches for sitting, binoculars and spotting scopes for viewing, and educational materials to assist with bird identification. This event is free and open to the public. No matter your level of birding experience you are welcome to help us add to our morning species total!
Please note: An ASL interperter will be provided for this event.
Accessibility Details
South Cape May Meadows Preserve Information
Location: South Cape May Meadows, Sunset Blvd, Cape May, NJ.
Parking Information: Three designated accessible parking spaces with aisle access on paved concrete. Additionally, there are 37 standard car spaces on compact gravel.
Restroom: An ADA-compliant portable restroom is situated near the parking area.
Trained service animals are welcome.
Route Information
Surface Type: Firm—compact crushed concrete and recycled plastic boardwalk.
Length: 0.5 miles one way from the preserve entrance to the observation area via the Boardwalk Trail. Directional signs will guide the way.
Width: Average trail width is 6 ft.
Average Grade: 5% or less
Average Cross Slope: 5% or less
Benches: There are 11 benches along this route, including seven benches on the observation area where the event takes place.
Braille: Five interpretive signs feature braille.

2026 National ADA Symposium
2026-05-04 - 2026-05-06
–A comprehensive conference on the Americans with Disabilities Act
For over 25 years, the National ADA Symposium has been recognized as the leading national conference on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and accessibility. This premier event brings together federal officials, nationally respected experts, and experienced practitioners to share cutting-edge information, practical guidance, and best practices. Deepen your knowledge, connect with leaders in the field, and stay at the forefront of ADA and disability-related developments.

2026 Step Up for The Arc Walk
2026-05-09 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Jersey Shore BlueClaws ShoreTown Ballpark, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood, NJ, 08701, United States
Join The Arc, Ocean County Chapter for their 24th Annual Step Up for The Arc Walk and Community Day on Saturday, May 9th at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws Stadium in Lakewood, NJ.
The Arc Walk and Community Day is a fun and inclusive event for residents, participants, families and friends with over 600 attendees, you won’t want to miss this fundraiser! 100% of proceeds benefit individuals with disabilties by purchasing favorite items from the programs’ wish lists.

National Outdoor Recreation Conference
2026-05-11 08:00 - 2026-05-14 17:00 (America/New_York) | Harbor Side Convention Center, at 350 Harbor Dr, Duluth, MN, 55802, United States
NORC is the premiere conference for outdoor recreation professionals with opportunities for learning, networking, and field-based case studies. During each conference, we create a program that inspires, challenges, and empowers the broad community of outdoor recreation professionals.
The 2026 conference will take place in Duluth, MN in partnership with Duluth Area Outdoors Alliance. The engaging program will include 4 days of classroom and field workshops, concurrent sessions, and a stellar lineup of keynotes. Conference registration opens in early 2026.

Heroes on the Water
2026-05-16 08:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Cupsaw Lake, 185 Cupsaw Drive, Ringwood, NJ, 07456, United States
Join Heroes on the Water – New Jersey Chapter at Cupsaw Lake in Ringwood, NJ. This is an inclusive fishing program. This gorgeous private lake boasts acres of pristine water filled with largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, yellow peach and more. All of this is surrounded by the beautiful Ringwood State Park, so after the event you can drive 2 minutes up the road and visit the New Jersey State Botanical Gardens.
Heroes on the Water is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides no-cost therapeutic kayak fishing experiences to veterans, first-responders, active-duty military members and their families across the U.S. We are a volunteer-led chapter and hold regularly scheduled on-the-water events to support these heroes in the community.

Inclusive Influence: Social Media Accessibility Best Practices
2026-05-20
Join the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center for this webinar on social media accessibility. Learn why creating accessible social media content matters and explore common accessibility barriers.
Registration coming soon!

Aggregate Trail Surfacing: From Fundamentals to Field Application
2026-05-28 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Join American Trails as they host this webinar which goes beyond materials and layering to explore how design, construction, and real-time field decisions shape long-term durability.
This aggregates 2.0 webinar is a follow up to the Fundamentals of Aggregate Surface Trails webinar held on December 5, 2024.
Level up from basic installation to high-performance results. This session goes beyond materials and layering to explore how design, construction, and real-time field decisions shape long-term durability. Participants will learn how to optimize gradation and matrix selection for varying site conditions, stabilize subgrades with geotextiles, and achieve proper compaction through the right balance of moisture, lift thickness, and equipment. The session also covers planning a drainage-first construction sequence to minimize failures, troubleshooting common issues like rutting and washouts, and adapting methods for accessibility, remote locations, and changing seasonal conditions. Designed for practitioners who already understand the basics and are ready to deliver durable, consistent, and professional-quality aggregate trail surfaces.
Learning Objectives:
– Specify gradation, fabric, lift thickness, equipment, and moisture targets to meet performance requirements.
– Build a drainage-first construction sequence that protects lifts, preserves sheet flow, and minimizes failures.
– Diagnose common failure modes and high-durability remediation strategies.
– Establish a practical QA/QC checklist, including on-site gradation/compaction cues, post-storm inspections, and resurfacing triggers.

Spina Bifida Resource Network's (SBRN’s) 2026 Walk for Empowerment
2026-05-31 | Roosevelt Park, 10 Oak Drive Roosevelt Park, Edison, NJ, 08837
Spina Bifida Walk for Empowerment. Join the Spina Bifida Resource Network for a fun day of activities, networking and refreshments!!!

Beach Bash - A Fully Accessible Beach Party
2026-05-31 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Long Branch Boardwalk Pier Village Carousel, 50 Chelsea Ave, Long Branch, NJ, 07740, United States
Join the Monmouth and Ocean County Center for Independent Living (MOCEANS) for a day of fun in the sun, community building, resources and activities!!

The New Jersey Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council
2026-06-03 09:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
Join The New Jersey Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council at their next meeting on June 3, 2026
The New Jersey Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council (BPAC) is coordinated by the Voorhees Transportation Center on behalf of the New Jersey Department of Transportation. BPAC is open to everyone.
To learn more about BPAC, please visit the website – https://njbikeped.org/about-nj-bpac/

The Marion & Norman Tanzman Foundation and Partlow Insurance Lakeview 5K
2026-06-06 08:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Roosevelt Park, 10 Oak Drive Roosevelt Park, Edison, NJ, 08837
Join the NJ Institute for Disabilities for a day of fun in the sun and community engagement, refreshments – DJ – and Awards Ceremony .
This isn’t just a race. It’s the moment you lace up, show up, and feel unstoppable. Whether you’re chasing a new personal best, running your very first 5K, or just here for the vibes and post-race celebration… this is your year.

Community Open House & Paddle
2026-06-06 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Ocean County Parks & Recreation Administration Building, 1198 Brandon Road, Toms River, 08753, United States
Join this first ever event in Ocean County hosted by Ocean County Parks and Recreation and Ocean Positive – partners of the Nature Accessible for All campaign. The programs are designed to support inclusive outdoor recreation and empowering those with physical and movement challenges. Showcasing inclusive outdoor aquatic activities and building community.
Registration online beginning March 15th using http://www.bcoceanpositive.org

International Standardization of Trail and Route Ratings for More Accessible Off-Road Cycling
2026-06-18 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join American Trails for this installment of their webinar series. This webinar introduces the International Trail Rating System (ITRS) methodology and its practical applications for non-motorized, multi-use and bike only trails as well as routes on both natural and paved surfaces, from urban greenways to remote backcountry environments.

Neuroinclusive Design: Beyond Compliance Toward Sensory-Responsive Accessibility
2026-06-24
Join the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center as they host this webinar and learn practical, low-cost strategies for improving sensory environments, communication access, and environmental predictability, along with tools for evaluating neuroinclusive accessibility beyond minimum compliance.
Registration is coming soon!

National Recreation Trails: FAQs for Designating Your Trail
2026-07-09 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join American Trails for this Webinar on National Trails Designation. In this webinar get details and the ins and outs about designating your trail(s) as a National Recreation Trail (NRT) or National Water Trail (NWT), the history, the benefits and process for trails to become NRTs, and more.
Presented by:
Lindsay Brisko, National Trails System Specialist, National Park Service
Brenda Yankoviak, National Trail Program Manager, USDA Forest Service
Mike Passo, Executive Director, American Trails

Seize the Wave
2026-07-28 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | 37th Street Beach, 37th Street Beach, Sea Isle City, NJ, 08243, United States
Seize the Wave is a unique surf instruction event made possible through a collaboration between Epilepsy Services of New Jersey (ESNJ) and Paul’s Purple Warriors (PPW). Individuals and families affected by epilepsy are provided an opportunity to experience the joy of surfing at the beach in a supportive and inclusive environment.
This event will provide registered attendees living with epilepsy with the unique opportunity to participate in instructional surf lessons, thanks to our generous partners at Heritage Surf Shop and Tass Home Remodeling.
The event begins on the beach, where participants will receive hands-on instruction before heading into the ocean with a trained surfer. Registration is FREE for individuals and families affected by epilepsy, allowing them to enjoy a day filled with food, fun, and the unforgettable thrill of riding the waves!

22nd Annual Autism Beach Bash
2026-09-13 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Join the Family Resource Network for the New Jersey Autism Beach Bash. This will be one of the best days of the year for thousands of families across the state.
Held at 14th Avenue Beach in Belmar, this free autism-friendly event brings together more than 3,000 attendees for a one-of-a-kind day of community and connection along the Jersey Shore. Last year, 150 individuals with autism rode the waves with Surfers Healing, building confidence and creating lasting memories with every ride.
It will be a full day of surf, music, sunshine, and good vibes at New Jersey’s largest autism-friendly beach event.
Surfer Registration will be announced son.
The Surfing Experience in Belmar, NJ
At the heart of Autism Beach Bash New Jersey is our long-time partner, Surfers Healing, the original surf camp for children with autism founded in 1996.
For more than 25 years, Surfers Healing has introduced thousands of children to the ocean through volunteer-led surf camps nationwide, including right here on the Jersey Shore.
For many participants, surfing provides:
A calming sensory experience
Increased confidence
A sense of freedom and accomplishment
A moment where ability takes center stage

Funds raised through Autism Beach Bash New Jersey support critical services across the state, including:
After-school programs
Respite care for families
Recreation and enrichment programs
Employment and life skills support
Access to autism resources and guidance
By attending, sponsoring, volunteering, or exhibiting, you are helping strengthen support systems for families throughout Monmouth County and across New Jersey.

13th Annual Walk for the ONE
2026-10-18 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Johnson Park, 1030 River Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, United States
Join Epilepsy Services of New Jersey for the 13th Annual Walk for the ONE, a family-friendly event honoring the one who inspires each of us to step up. Whether you walk for a loved one, in memory of someone, or for yourself, every step helps raise awareness and critical funds to support people living with epilepsy.
Your walk is a tribute.
Activity Schedule
9:00am | Registration
All Day Events
Exhibitor Tent
Music Performance by The Black Ties
Touch A Bike by Widows Sons of Sanctum
Yoga & Sound Healing by Mindful Movements
Pumpkin Painting
Inspirational Rock Painting
9:30am | Welcome
10:00am | Walk for the ONE Begins
11:30am | Costume Catwalk sponsored by SK Life Science
12:00pm | Awards
Program Ends

Prescription Trails Leveraging the Science of Trail Therapy
2026-10-29 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Join the American Trails in this webinar on the importance of trails for mental health. Participants will be exploring the link between mental health and the outdoors, this webinar will dive into the latest research on how movement through natural environments—from nearby nature in urban centers to remote backcountry—builds resilience and helps trail users of all ages and skill levels manage stress, anxiety, depression, and more.

Presented by:

Jamie Siebrase, Freelance Author and Journalist, FalconGuides (an imprint of Globe Pequot)
Adam Sawyer, Freelance Author and Journalist, FalconGuides (an imprint of Globe Pequot)
