Colorado for All: Empowering Accessibility with CPW's New App for the Visually Impaired

Hello fellow outdoor enthusiasts! There's nothing quite like exploring Colorado's breathtaking parks and wildlife. Whether you're hiking in the Rockies or discovering the plains, our state offers unparalleled natural beauty. Now, thanks to a groundbreaking initiative by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), even more people can enjoy our outdoor spaces.

CPW has partnered with Aira to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities, particularly those with low vision and blindness. This initiative is part of Governor Polis's "Colorado for All" campaign, which aims to make our state's outdoor areas more inclusive. 

The Aira Explorer mobile app provides access to visual interpreters when navigating state-operated locations and digital services, including state parks (video here).  Through this partnership, CPW offers free 30 min sessions with the option to reconnect if needed. Imagine navigating trails, identifying wildlife, and learning about park history through your smartphone, even if you have visual impairments. This service is offered every day of the year, 24/7. 

I have often talked about the impressive work that the Colorado State Park system is committing to when it comes to expanding equipment available and programming, and this initiative demonstrates CPW's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in outdoor recreation. By ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy Colorado's natural wonders.

Governor Polis's "Colorado for All" campaign promotes policies and initiatives that prioritize diversity and accessibility across the state. The new CPW app exemplifies how technology can break down barriers and create meaningful outdoor experiences for individuals with disabilities.

Whether you're a longtime Colorado resident or a first-time visitor, having access to this app means you can engage more deeply with our parks and wildlife. It opens up opportunities for learning, exploration, and connection with nature.

Of course I had to use it and overall the process was fairly simple. The main barrier is not the app itself, it is actually the fact that you must have cell phone service and access to a good smartphone with video for the interpreter to be able to describe signage, scenery, etc. As you know, we have state parks, such as Ridgeway and Staunton, where service is minimal. This certainly is a limitation in technology, and I would love to see an audio guide app as a supplement in these places. However, I do believe that we have to start somewhere and this is a good way to start as it can be individualized to the areas that each person wants to go, and provides real time information about the location around you. 

So, whether you're planning your next hiking adventure or curious about accessibility in outdoor recreation, keep an eye out for CPW's new app. It's revolutionizing accessibility on our trails and paving the way for a more inclusive future.

Let's celebrate this milestone in accessibility and continue supporting initiatives that make our state parks truly accessible to all. Together, we can ensure that Colorado remains a welcoming place for everyone to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Happy trails, and let me know your experience when using Aira Explorer!