TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Parks and Public spaces

Audubon “All Persons Trail” Helps Birders with Multiple Disabilities Enjoy Nature

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photo os 5 people on a birding expedition ; one man has a white cane and sunglasses and another woman is using a walker

Mass Audubon’s Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary debuted its new All Persons Trail on Oct. 12, as dozens of supporters, well-wishers and staff celebrated an outdoor route designed to welcome and engage an increasing number of visitors including those with mobility, sensory and other accessibility needs.

The trail features a rain garden, tactile exhibits of natural artifacts, an interactive audio tour and Braille signage. Introduced on a beautiful fall afternoon, the Wachusett Meadow trail is Mass Audubon’s 14th APT, with more to come as the statewide conservation organization honors its commitment to making nature more accessible to everyone.

Our Takeaway: This is an example of how local non-profit organizations are able to raise funds to provide access to nature for people with multiple disabilities, which can then be promoted and amplified by the local or state tourism organization. Read More.

Gotcha! Spanish City uses Sensors to Discipline Handicap Parking Cheats

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The installation of smart sensors on disability parking spots has begun in the Spanish Basque city of San Sebastian aiming to have 350 such devices operational. The purpose is to prevent or at least lessen the possibility of having other drivers occupy these spaces illegally and bring about more social justice in the traffic environment. What’s more, the U-Spot M2M sensors will indicate to drivers of reduced mobility status the availability and location of nearby parking spots that have been set aside for them. Read more.

Is it a Wheelchair or a Tank? It’s Both!

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Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources and the Aimee Copeland Foundation unveiled a fleet of all-terrain power wheelchairs for rent at 11 state parks and outdoor destinations, including Cloudland Canyon. Read more.

UK Operator, Ocean Holidays, Redefines “All Inclusive” With Accessible Florida Program

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Following investment in rigorous staff training, customers can now book holidays knowing that every additional need is taken care of – whether at the airport or in resort – by staff with an unrivalled knowledge of accessible options in the Sunshine State, all at no extra cost. The program takes a holistic approach, covering everything from mobility, visual and hearing impairment through to cognitive challenges with accessibility champions in all areas of the business.

The new Ocean Holiday Accessibility program is also designed to be a resource for disabled travelers and their families, with information on everything from accessible restaurants to wheelchair-friendly sightseeing options while abroad. Read More.

Nature: The Most Accessible National Parks in the USA

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Trail in public park with mountain in distance.

When the National Park Service (NPS) was created, disabled visitors were hardly considered. With rough trails, stairs and steep pathways, the great outdoors was largely off-limits to disabled people.

In May 2012, an Accessibility Task Force was created at the NPS with the goal of improving accessibility over a period of 5 years, from 2015 to 2020.

Over that time, many improvements were made, both to the physical infrastructure in America’s parks, but also to the scope of information shared with disabled visitors. A new understanding about what it means to be “accessible” also took root.

“Accessibility means something very different to a person who is in a wheelchair than to a person who is blind,” says Jeremy Buzzell, who manages the National Park Service Accessibility Support Program. “I don’t talk about [accessibility] specifically by saying people with mobility devices can do things at this park. That’s only an aspect of accessibility.”

To read more about the accessibility improvements at national parks and which have the most to offer disabled visitors, see the article from Conde Nast Traveler.

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