Whether you roll, stroll, or wander, there is a place for you here. The outdoors isn’t defined by the steepness of the climb or the speed of the ascent, but by the shared joy of fresh air and open spaces. Here at Outdoor Access Solutions, we believe that nature is a universal language, yet for too long, barriers have kept the conversation closed to many. That is the spirit behind Tales from the Trails: a space where we celebrate the innovations, the advocates, and the everyday moments that are redefining what it means to explore. So, no matter how you move through the world, welcome to a community dedicated to opening the gates to the great outdoors.
We recently had the opportunity to collaborate with Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation on a presentation about universal design. If you have heard Enock speak, you know he doesn’t really like the term “universal,” as nothing is truly one-size-fits-all. He started by saying “I hope I live to see the day when this is just called design and everything is just designed to work for as many people as possible.”
Unique Question
During the session, as always, we did a question and answer session at the very end. Doug Beck, the Outdoor Recreation Program Manager Bureau of Parks and Lands for Maine asked a really unique question. He asked what information we should be sharing with people? Enock started to give the usual answer of trail statistics but then Doug clarified that he meant beyond that. Enock thought for a minute.
The Answer
The answer was the details. We always say that information is the first barrier to accessibility. When you say you have a picnic table is it accessible? If it is accessible then why. If not then why. If you have a bathroom, is it accessible? If it is then why. If not then why. How does a person access these amenities? Is it a trail? If so, is the trail accessible? If it is then why. If it isn’t then why. Is there accessible parking? If so, what kind of accessible parking and why is it accessible? Are there places to eat and are they accessible and why? Essentially describe everything whether it is accessible by the law or not. Having that information allows everyone to decide if something is accessible to them. Just because someone says something is accessible doesn’t mean it works for everyone. Is it accessible for wheelchair users, a person who is blind, or a person with a cognitive disability? There are so many types of accommodations that it can be difficult to know. By giving thorough information you are making it possible for all those people to decide if something is possible for them to do. You wouldn’t tell a person without a disability if they were able to do something or not, so really telling people that something is accessible doesn’t make sense either. Also if you do tell people something is accessible than to whom. Is it wheelchair accessible, vision accessible, cognitive accessible or all of the above? Accessibility can mean a lot of different things to a variety of people.
We at Outdoor Access Solutions would be happy to help you answer those questions. Feel free to reach out and see what we can do together.
Breaking down barriers takes time, but every step forward—and every trail opened—brings us closer to a world where nature is truly accessible to all. At Outdoor Access Solutions, we are proud to be part of that journey with you. Let’s continue to challenge the obstacles and celebrate the freedom of the open air. Nature is waiting, and now, it’s easier than ever to answer the call.
Happy trails to all!