It’s Universal
Throughout all areas of living – school, home, work, and recreation – the inclusion of persons with disabilities is nearly universal. Until recently, the impact of inclusionary practices on outcomes of camp and outdoor school participants was largely unknown.
An inclusive approach in outdoor education includes persons with disabilities in all activities. At Outdoor Education for All, we support outdoor education programs that are designed to provide all participants with a challenging, educational, and meaningful experience.
What Does Inclusion Mean?
Inclusion means accommodating the needs of people with disabilities as part of a program or service intended for the general public.
It’s a philosophy that means enabling individuals to utilize their abilities rather than focusing on their disabilities.
Being inclusive implies valuing people, no matter their abilities, as welcomed participants.
Inclusiveness is about ensuring the same opportunities are available for all, regardless of ability or disabling factors.
Change is the essence of inclusion!
Benefits of Inclusion
Most people would agree that inclusion is an important concept. However, some circumstances make this more challenging. People with disabilities often struggle to find ways to participate in outdoor activities because of their abilities. For many, this leaves participants with disabilities feeling isolated and depressed. Below are a few ways inclusion is beneficial in outdoor programs.
COMMUNITY
Outdoor education programs can provide a sense of community for participants who are disabled. Students can benefit from outdoor education programs by developing a sense of community and helping them form new friendships with fellow classmates. Participation in outdoor educational programming has also reduced loneliness and isolation for participants who are not always included outside of school.
SELF-ESTEEM
Individuals with disabilities may be left out of outdoor activities, but inclusion in these types of programs can help them feel more included and accepted. Outdoor education has been shown to improve self-esteem among individuals. Participation in outdoor educational programming has been shown to improve self-esteem among individuals with disabilities. The benefit of inclusion for participants with disabilities is that they are exposed to new experiences while having their needs met. It also builds confidence, self-esteem, and independence, all of which are important in adulthood.
The benefits of inclusion in any type of program help people feel more accepted within society at large. This helps create a more accepting environment when people's differences are seen as assets.
Outdoor education programs can provide a sense of community and improve self-esteem for participants who are disabled by allowing all students to be included in the program together regardless of abilities or limitations.
In Butte County and beyond, there are opportunities available for individuals who are disabled and want to get outside and enjoy nature! Have a look at OEFA’s educational partners below to learn more about these programs!
Examples of FIRST-PERSON Language
A person with a disability.
Accessible to people with disabilities.
Persons who use a wheelchair.
Wheelchair user.
Come Camping with OEFA & Ability First Sports
OEFA is currently planning an inclusive camping trip scheduled for this summer 2021. Partnering with Ability First Sports, this three-day camping trip is driven by the opportunity to share the enjoyment and importance of getting outdoors with students who often have barriers to camping. Through team-building exercise, recreation programming, and inclusive outdoor education principles, participants will be introduced to the basics of camping and reap the physical, mental and emotional benefits of being in nature. More detailed information about this event will be available next month.
Ability First Website
Ability First Facebook