Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s Post

Very little research has been undertaken in NZ about how those with disabilities get their "outdoor recreation fix" currently, what they'd wish to do, and what is stopping them. Please take a minute to share this survey being run by Recreation Aotearoa | Te Whai Oranga which will help to shine a light on these barriers! https://lnkd.in/gyKuQTuJ

Designing Accessible Parks: What to Focus On? Approximately one in four adults (25.7%) in the United States, or 61 million people, reports living with at least one disability, and some 12. l % of U.S. adults have a mobility disability, making it difficult or impossible to walk or climb stairs, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And disability statistics worsen with age—around 46% of those 75 years and older are living with a disability. While a lot of attention has been given to the need for accessible and inclusive play spaces over the past several years, it is crucial to spread that mission to your entire park, ensuring that people of all ages and abilities have access to the various amenities and activities provided. READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/eBEYhFEq #InclusiveParks, #AccessibleDesign, #ParksForAll, #InclusiveDesign, #UniversalAccessibility, #CommunityParks, #InclusiveSpaces, #ParkDevelopment, #DesignForAll, #PublicSpaces, #UrbanPlanning

An "#inclusive map" is a map that addresses the diverse needs of all users, including people with disabilities, the elderly, children, and other often underrepresented groups. It provides detailed information on #accessibility features like ramps, public seats, shade, trees, and clear pathways to improve mobility. 👇 Here is a snapshot of our recently mapped #walking spaces in Randwick #Sydney 🇦🇺. Finding the most accessible and convenient path from A to B on foot 🚶♀️ or wheels 👨🦽 shouldn't be a challenge for anyone anymore. 📍 https://lnkd.in/gwBrn-3a Follow footpath.ai for updates as we expand our coverage in #Australia and globally.

Did you know? 👀 According to Statistics New Zealand's Disability Survey 2013, about 24% of New Zealand's population identified as having a disability, including mobility-related challenges. The spaces we design significantly impact the quality of life for these individuals. From homes to public places, accessibility is key. That's why we've crafted a quick blog to kickstart your journey in designing accessible bathrooms! Dive into considerations and more to ensure your designs cater to everyone's needs 👉 https://rb.gy/qp20ng Check it out! #NewlineShowers #AccessibleBathrooms

Our city has a beautiful background of mountains. Almost everywhere you look, you'll see them in the distance. As caregivers, it can be really daunting to go out and explore with our loved ones. We ask things like: Will information pamphlets be available in Braille?Will it be accessible? Will the bathroom stalls be wide enough for my wheelchair? Will there be a place to buy snacks if my blood sugar drops? Will it be safe? The National Park Service has put together an article to help guide you, "Guidebooks and Accessibility: Tools By and For Disabled Visitors, Past, Present, and Future" https://lnkd.in/gPRSJNX7 #mountains #cityscape #caregivers #accessibility #disabilities #NationalParkService #Braille #wheelchairaccessible #safety #inclusion #nature #scenicviews #exploration #disabledcommunity #inclusive #accessibletravel #informationaccess #snacks #safetyconcerns #resource #mountainviews #travelwithdisabilities #barrierfree #inclusiveparks #disabledvisitors #NationalParkService #accessibletourism #safetravel #informationalresources #accessibleinfrastructure #environment #hikingadventures #mobility #accessiblenature #inclusiveexploration #travelaccessibility #disabilitysupport #inclusiveparks #NPSguidebooks #safetravels #CSF #disabilitycaregivers #redrockmountains

Here is a scenario I want to share: Picture yourself strolling through an outdoor shopping mall or navigating a vibrant city street lined with shops and cafes. As you approach each parking spot or storefront entrance, you notice multiple areas with curb cuts and ramps seamlessly integrated into the sidewalk design. These accessibility features not only cater to disabled individuals but also provide significant benefits to senior citizens and parents with strollers. For disabled individuals, such as wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments, as well with visual impairments use the tactile pavement on the presence of multiple curb cuts and ramps means enhanced mobility and independence. We can navigate the outdoor environment with ease, accessing shops, restaurants, and services without encountering barriers that could limit our freedom. This inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and participation in community life. Moreover, senior citizens, who may face challenges with mobility or balance, also benefit greatly from the availability of curb cuts and ramps. These features offer them a safer and more comfortable pedestrian experience, reducing the risk of trips, falls, or strain while navigating uneven surfaces or steps. With accessible pathways, seniors can continue to enjoy outdoor activities, socialize with friends, and remain active members of their community. Additionally, parents with strollers find multiple curb cuts and ramps invaluable in facilitating smooth and hassle-free outings with their young children. Maneuvering strollers up and down steps or navigating narrow sidewalk spaces can be cumbersome and impractical. However, with strategically placed ramps, parents can easily navigate through the outdoor environment, ensuring a pleasant and stress-free experience for both themselves and their children. Now, here questions to encourage broader conversations: 1. Can the presence or absence of curb ramps be seen as a metaphor for the level of empathy and consideration we have towards those who face mobility challenges or barriers in their daily lives? 2. Can the provision of accessible features like curb ramps, disabled parking, accesssible entrances and bathrooms, etc.. be viewed as a manifestation of our commitment to social justice and human rights, prompting deeper reflections on the ethical responsibilities we have towards creating inclusive environments? #accessibilitymatters #accessibledesign #accessibility #socialjustice #ethicalresponsibilities #inclusiveenviornments #inclusionandbelonging #disabledcommunity #disabilityinclusion

In today’s digital age, where screens dominate our daily lives and indoor activities often take precedence, the concept of intergenerational outdoor play holds significant importance. This form of play brings multiple generations together and fosters numerous physical, emotional, and social benefits for everyone involved. This article will delve into the significance of intergenerational outdoor play, its advantages, and how families and communities can promote and embrace this valuable activity. Read this full blog at - https://lnkd.in/gYGj7es5 #playtime #friendship #childdevelopment #learnthroughplay #earlylearning #playmatters #openendedplay #woodentoys #toysforkids #toyideas #openendedtoys #kidstoys #preschoolfun #ideasforkids #momlife #mumlife

Accessibility and inclusivity is so important, and not just for a child’s experience! How are you making sure your venue is suited for adults with disabilities? https://lnkd.in/gXTHwF6K

In our relentless quest for inclusivity, there's a narrative that keeps surfacing: accommodations for disabled individuals need to benefit everyone to be considered valuable. Take the famed curb cut effect, for instance—those sidewalk ramps designed for wheelchair users that also make life easier for parents with strollers and travelers with rolling luggage, etc. While it's true that many accommodations have far-reaching benefits, let's shift our perspective. Accommodations and workplace adjustments hold intrinsic value, and their worth is undeniable even when they **solely** benefit the individual disabled person, employee, or user. It's time to celebrate the power of these adjustments and the unique value and enhancement they bring to individual lives. Thank you. Pass it on. #ReasonableAccomodations #Disabled #Workplace #Inclusivity #Accessibility #Life Image: A group of Tithonia rotundifolia, also known as the Mexican sunflower, which has dark green stems and vibrant orange flowers with yellow centers.