Accessibility in Nature

My name is Christine Adaline, and I am currently completing my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. My final capstone project consists of gathering information on all-terrain wheelchairs/adaptive equipment and advocating through outreach to organizations, parks, and clinicians to increase progress toward lowering the barriers of accessibility in nature through education for implementation. While researching I found, a study that reviewed adults 18 and older with or without mental and/or physical health problems in community-based environments participating in outdoor activities in green and/or blue spaces concluded that nature-based activities were efficient for significantly improving depressive mood, reducing anxiety, improving positive affect, and reducing negative affect. I personally have experienced these qualities of nature, as I am sure many of you have and believe everyone should have access to explore and connect with them. Accessibility varies from person to person and technology cannot be the sole solution for accessibility in nature. Accessible trails need to continue to be improved. However, I have found that by providing adaptive equipment and properly posted signage, not all terrain must be guideline accessible and can still be usable by adventurers. The all-terrain adaptive equipment is very expensive. Every $5,000 donated will go to non-profit organizations, parks, and individuals for purchasing all-terrain adaptive equipment discussed on my website accessibilityinnature.com to increase accessibility in nature.