Inclusive Program Development Workgroup

Overview

Inclusive Programming Working Group’s mission is creating outdoor spaces which offer inclusive educational programs where everyone can learn, play, and interact for a full, healthy, active life. Our mission is to ensure that people with disabilities, their families and allies can and do enjoy New Jersey’s extraordinary natural places. Individuals with lived experiences, their advocates, and land managers are partnering to develop and implement strategies to advance inclusive, accessible educational programming at nature sites throughout New Jersey.

Goals:

1. Establish a communications and engagement campaign to bring individuals with lived experiences into conversations with organizations and agencies to develop inclusive environmental and cultural programming that meets the needs of people with disabilities and their peers.
2. Increase the number and diversity of inclusive nature-based programs for the public around the State.

Actions:

1. Assemble interested agencies, organizations, and individuals to create ideas and plan a collective strategy for the advancement of equitable, inclusive programming.
2. Identify the challenges that organizations and agencies face in offering inclusive programming, such as staff and volunteer training, trails and other facilities, and equipment needs.
3. Identify and share resources for developing inclusive programming including topics such as trainings, assistive equipment, technologies, facilities planning, and funding priorities.
4. Conduct a comprehensive state-wide assessment of current nature-based inclusive programming.
5. Provide trainings for nature guides, other educators and trip leaders on how to design and carry out inclusive activities like hikes, kayak trips and school outings.
6. Publicize guided inclusive nature-based programs and events across the state.

Contacts