Outdoor Developed Areas
Access Board Issues Draft Final Rule for Outdoor Developed Areas
Submitted by Anonymous on January 25, 2010 - 6:09pm.by Jennifer Skulski
Accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas managed by federal agencies are one step closer to becoming standards. On October 19, 2009, the U.S. Access Board released the Draft Final Accessibility Guidelines for Federal Outdoor Areas covered by the Architectural Barriers Act.
This draft marks another milestone of more than 15 years of work by the Access Board and vested stakeholders including regulatory negotiation in 1999. The issuance of this draft document brings the adoption of accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas closer to finalization and implementation under the Architectural Barriers Act. It further defines accessibility considerations for outdoor recreation environments and provides needed guidance to land managers on minimum standards to design for the inclusion of people with disabilities in these outdoor environments.
NCA Seeks Land Managers with Trails to Participate in National Study
Submitted by Anonymous on January 7, 2010 - 12:18pm.Innovation and Commitment Improve the Quality of Michigan DNR Accessible Programs and Facilities
Submitted by Anonymous on December 15, 2009 - 1:38pm.by Anne Cornett
With a rich history dating back to the 1800’s, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has proven to be one of this century’s most dedicated advocates of accessible recreation. With the advent of ADA regulations in 1990 and the implementation of the Access to Recreation initiative in 2006 sponsored by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Michigan DNR has embraced the challenge of providing accessible opportunities to all individuals interested in participation. From accessible hunting blinds and trails, to an innovative water transfer system the Michigan DNR truly goes above and beyond to provide the best experience possible.
Outdoor Programs: Using Service Learning as an Educational Tool
Submitted by Anonymous on February 13, 2009 - 1:52pm.- A staff from the Department of Natural Resources explains facts about Eagles while six special education students have been quietly listening for the last 30 minutes.
- Another group of students with low academic performance designs a trail accessible for people of all abilities.
- Students that present behavior problems work as a team to build a garden at a local nursing home as their teacher stands amused.
The above illustrations are real examples of successfully action-oriented projects used to support students with special needs to grow and achieve their potential.
Challenge Programs: A Universal Approach to Including People of All Abilities
Submitted by Anonymous on February 13, 2009 - 1:28pm.by Gary Eavey, Adventure Based Counselor
Challenge Programs enable people to take physical and emotional risks with the support and encouragement of their peers. The use of challenge courses can promote growth and independence. Participants feel a sense of achievement in completing an activity they perceived beyond their realm of success. For people with disabilities, the benefits of a challenge course experience can be a unique journey of self-awareness and personal growth-testing new abilities.
Preferred Natural Environments and People with Disabilities
Submitted by Anonymous on February 12, 2009 - 4:43pm.by Terry J. Brown, Rachel Kaplan & Gail Quaderer
Challenge Course Operations for Including People with Disabilities
Submitted by Anonymous on February 10, 2009 - 3:15pm.by Don Rogers, Ph.D., CTRS
Operating a challenge course program has features similar to any other recreation service delivery operation. There are administrators who must plan and make decisions, marketing and public relations efforts, supervisors directing front-lines operations, and program delivery staff who have direct contact with participants.
What to Know Before You Go: The Big Questions to Ask Before Arriving at Your "Accessible" Recreation Destination
Submitted by Anonymous on February 6, 2009 - 3:24pm.Every day millions of people participate in recreational activities. Recreation activities offer avenues for people with disabilities to improve their health, their relationships, and their enjoyment of life. In fact, recreational pursuits centered on physical activity and social engagement can help to prevent secondary health problems such as obesity and depression. Physical activity during recreation promotes weight-loss, strength, flexibility, motor skills and self-confidence. Socializing during recreation enables people to create new relational bonds and strengthen old ones, leaving the individual with an enhanced self-image and expanded social skills.
Accessible Wilderness Camping Made Possible – Scout’s Honor!
Submitted by Anonymous on December 27, 2007 - 10:48am.by Michelle Cook
When the location of travel is located "off the beaten path" access becomes challenging for people with disabilities. This is the task that Andrew Trontis chose to undertake: to build a barrier-free wilderness campsite developed in the rugged backwoods area of the Teertertown Nature Preserve, a Hunterdon County Park, in Lebanon Township, NJ.
Wire Mesh Railing Treatment Increases Visibility at Fanning Springs State Park
Submitted by Anonymous on December 10, 2007 - 10:49pm.Designers planning boardwalks and viewing platforms are often challenged with creating accessible spaces and balancing the need for safety. Planners for the Florida State Parks decided to meet the challenge head on in Fanning Springs State Park. Planners used a wire mesh railing treatment to increase visibility while maintaining safety for park visitors.
Fanning Springs State Park is located on Florida's west coast on the famous Suwannee River, halfway between Tallahassee and Tampa. The park offers nature trails, swimming, boating and other various outdoor activities. Fanning Spring is one of Florida's 27 first magnitude springs. The wire mesh railing is installed on an 8 ½' x 11' boardwalk that extends from a swimming area to a gazebo overlooking the river.
