Active Participation is the Key to Progress

The great outdoors offers a sense of freedom, adventure, and connection with nature that everyone should be able to experience. However, for many people with disabilities, accessing these natural spaces can be a daunting challenge. While we’ve made progress in improving accessibility, it’s crucial to shift our focus toward enabling active participation—ensuring that individuals with disabilities can independently enjoy the beauty and adventure of the outdoors, rather than being “helped” up the trail.

This is a tenet to my work, so I will be firm on this. Active participation is about more than just getting someone to the top of a trail. It’s about the joy, confidence, and sense of accomplishment that come from conquering the trail on your own. For people with disabilities, being able to actively participate in outdoor activities means having the right tools, support, and opportunities to do so independently.

Thanks to advancements in technology, there are now incredible adaptive equipment options that can help people with disabilities enjoy the outdoors more independently. Think of all-terrain wheelchairs, adaptive hiking poles, and motorized mountain trikes. These tools are game-changers, allowing individuals to navigate trails and landscapes that were previously out of reach.

Take the GRIT Freedom Chair, for example. This all-terrain wheelchair is designed to handle rough trails, enabling users to explore independently. Similarly, adaptive handcycles with electric assist make it possible for people with limited upper body strength to enjoy longer, more challenging rides.

Creating truly accessible outdoor spaces means thinking carefully about design. Trails need to be wide enough, have firm and stable surfaces, and gentle slopes to accommodate various mobility devices. Accessible facilities, such as restrooms, picnic areas, and campsites, should also be integrated into these spaces to ensure a seamless experience.

One standout example is the All Persons Trail in Massachusetts. This trail features a smooth surface, gentle slopes, and interpretive signage in multiple formats, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Projects like this show how thoughtful design can open up the outdoors to all.

Community support and advocacy are essential for promoting active participation. Organizations like National Sports Center for the Disabled and Adaptive Adventures create opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in outdoor recreation. These groups offer adaptive programs, training, and resources, making it easier for individuals to actively participate in outdoor activities.

Local initiatives, such as adaptive hiking clubs such as Disabled Hikers and inclusive adventure programs, build a sense of community and provide a platform for sharing experiences and tips. These groups also play a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of accessibility and advocating for more inclusive outdoor spaces.

Government policies and legislation are fundamental in driving change. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has made significant strides in improving accessibility, this has simply identified the baseline and people with disabilities deserve MUCH BETTER. Advocating for stronger policies that support the development of accessible trails, facilities, and programs is essential for lasting progress.

I understand the limitations of this perspective, specifically on terrain that does not match the power or dexterity of adaptive equipment OR in the case of people with limited active movement. This is inevitable. But I feel it is too easy to slide into the idea that it is unrealistic or impossible for a person with disabilities to adventure in the world independently. And as a white, able bodied female in a world designed for me, I urge people to think critically about one’s own Savior Complex when wanting to push/lift people to the top of a mountain. Are you part of the crew centered on a person’s individual goals or is this about your strength and abilities? Is there a way to rethink the goal to empower the individual versus your own self worth?

Making the outdoors accessible is about more than removing barriers; it’s about fostering active participation. By prioritizing independence and engagement, we can ensure that people with disabilities are not just spectators but active participants in the beauty and adventure of the natural world. Through innovation, thoughtful design, community support, and strong advocacy, we can create an inclusive outdoor environment where everyone can thrive.