Latest version of California State Parks Accessibility Guidelines (2015)
NOTE: Document currently unavailable due to pending revisions. Archival copy available by emailing California State Parks using download link.
Dr. Helen Smith is a Churchill Fellow from Australia who travelled the globe to explore different approaches to inclusion and access for people with disabilities.
“To assist more people access, explore and enjoy natural places in Australia – Canada, UK, Finland, Germany, Switzerland”
“We see National Parks as a key pillar in the developing market of Accessible Tourism and as a critical element of the health and wellbeing of the world’s population regardless of an individual’s ability. 70% of tourists visit a National Park as part of their vacation.
We have worked with Parks Victoria to develop the Park Accessibility Evaluation Manual. It is our aim to create a network of park accessibility specialists to champion creating a range of inclusive outdoor experiences to cater for people of all abilities and also embrace the growing range of outdoor accessibility equipment.
Our mission is to be agents of change; to inspire people who have never traveled before to do so, and to inspire others to do more. To encourage all cultures of the world to see disability as an integral part of life, and to provide the motivation and tools to the tourism industry to allow them to create accessible environments that enable inclusion in an economically sustainable way.
This manual is made available to park managers for reference and as a guide for modifying or creating new open spaces. The manual is not to be made available from any other site or to be used for commercial purposes.”
Nature has no building code, but everyone belongs outdoors.
This webinar explored approaches to accessibility and inclusion in parks and protected areas, from modifying the facilities to adapting the experience. From the east coast, explore Parks Canada’s work creating barrier-free park facilities and experiences, and from the west coast learn about the inclusive programs delivered by Power to Be. Discover how inclusion takes innovation, commitment, and teamwork.
Tara McNally MacPhee, @taramcnallymacphee Manager of Visitor Experience, Prince Edward Island National Park, Parks Canada
Carinna Kenigsberg Manager of Community Partnerships Power To Be, British Columbia
This webinar is part of the Canadian Parks Collective for Innovation and Leadership program to host a webinar on the first Thursday of each month.
This is a temporary directory comprising links from the presentation. Please submit additional resources and programs using the buttons below.
| Power to Be Society | PowerToBe.ca |
| Community Recreational Initiatives Society (CRIS) | AdaptiveAdventures.ca |
| AdaptiveTravel.ca | |
| Rocky Mountain Adaptive | RockyMountainAdaptive.com |
| Alberta Abilities Lodges/Coyote Lake Lodge | aals.ca |
| Access Advisor | AccessAdvisor.ca |
| Rick Hansen Foundation | RickHansen.com |
| British Columbia Mobility Opportunities Society TrailRiders |
bcmos.org |
| Bowhead Corp Bowhead Reach Adaptive Chair |
bowheadcorp.com |
| Sand Rider Beach Chair | sandriderusa.com |
| Mobi-Mat Beach Mat | mobi-mat.com |
| Access Trax Beach Mat | accesstraxsd.com |
Our national, provincial and territorial parks play an important role in connecting Canadians to nature, pro- viding unparalleled natural classrooms and playgrounds for Canadians of all ages. As hosts to natural areas of exceptional beauty, and with a mandate and expertise to reach the public and set them on a path to discover and experience nature, Canadian park agencies are passionately committed to connecting all Canadians with nature. We see this as a fundamental priority and critical investment in both this generation and generations to come. Connecting Canadians with nature is an essential investment in Canada’s long-term prosperity.
No one sector or level of government alone can ensure that Canadians benefit from contact with nature. We need collaboration across a wide range of interests — from educators to health care professionals to urban planners and beyond – to forge new bonds between Canadians and nature. Only in working together can we nurture healthy lifestyles, support strong, vibrant communities, and provide our children with the best future we possibly can.
Federal, provincial and territorial park agencies in Canada, working through the Canadian Parks Council, have prepared “Connecting Canadians with Nature — An Investment in the Well-Being of our Citizens”, a report synthesizing the growing evidence related to the benefits of connecting Canadians with nature.
Alberta’s parks are important to our quality of life and we are committed to making parks more accessible and inclusive so that everyone benefits from outdoor recreation and spending time in nature. A priority of the Plan for Parks is to implement a province-wide inclusion plan to enhance visitor experiences. Everyone Belongs Outside: Alberta Parks Inclusion Plan was released in response. Alberta Parks has been working on ensuring facilities and programs are designed so that everyone’s needs are considered regardless of age, ability or disability, economic standing or other factors.
Improving Access: Accessibility means identifying and removing barriers through design, auditing parks and training for Alberta Parks staff. The primary goal here is to find ways to improve access in sites and experiences across Alberta’s network of parks.
Inviting Participation: It takes time to develop relationships. Moving beyond access and inviting participation requires an open mind, time and patience.
Increasing Capacity: Capacity building strategies will build the programs we have and provide opportunities to collaborate. Removing barriers and increasing capacity means more people can benefit from connecting to the natural world.
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