With July here, Summer is in full swing, and for those of us who love the heat, there’s plenty to be had in the summer sun. But as alluring as the outdoors is for many of us right now, spending time outside can be intimidating for some with accessibility issues. Here are some ways to enjoy accessible outdoor recreation adventures!
Easy Does It
Accessible outdoor recreation is often less about the what and more about the how. Enjoying the outdoors in a wheelchair or being inclusive of your loved ones with accessibility limitations means taking a little time to plan.
There’s no reason you can’t go out and take a walk. You just need to move a little slower and think about the terrain. Most city sidewalks will be optimal for taking a walk with a wheelchair or with someone who needs another form of mobility assistance. But even sidewalks can have obstacles.
If someone is new to using a wheelchair, you may want to pick somewhere without significant cracks or pieces missing from the sidewalk. You’ll also need to choose a place with a slope within the wheelchair user’s ability.
Finally, don’t forget that part of the point of your walk is enjoying the outdoors. So pick somewhere where there’s plenty to see – happy dogs and flowers will brighten anyone’s day!
Gardening
And speaking of flowers, gardening can be a great accessibility inclusive activity for the whole family. While gardening can be a good form of exercise, it’s one that nearly anyone can do with the right help.
There are many ways to make gardening easier for those in wheelchairs or with other mobility limitations from tools that allow you to work while seated to garden seats and pads. Raised bed gardens are another option and can be built to the perfect height of the individual.
Perhaps best of all, gardening can be an excellent way for older relatives to share something they love with younger ones. Kids often love gardening – what kid doesn’t love dirt? – and it can give them an interest in nutrition.
Helping a relative garden can be meaningful for everyone involved and give each person a chance to contribute their own skills and abilities to the process.
Map Out Your Own Accessible Outdoor Recreation Adventures
There are many accessible outdoor recreation options that don’t necessarily come with an “accessibility” label. You’re only limited by your planning and creativity.
Some hiking trails are made so anyone can walk or roll along them. Just do a little research before embarking.
Playing with a pet in the backyard is also a fun, accessible outdoor recreation option. You can also play games like ring toss or corn hole. Even a drive in the country can lift spirits.
Leaving the House Is the First Leg of Accessible Outdoor Recreation
Of course, before you can enjoy the outside world, you must be able to safely enter and exit your own home and move freely about it. At ADL, we offer home accessibility options like stairlifts, wheelchair lifts, and more to make aging in place and improve the overall quality of life for individuals with accessibility limitations. Let us know how we can help!