Remove the Fear of the Unknown.
For many visitors—especially those with autism, anxiety, or sensory processing differences—the biggest barrier to the outdoors isn’t a steep trail or a narrow gate. It is the anxiety of the unknown.
“What will it look like?” “Will it be loud?” “Where do I go first?” “What if I need a break?”
At Outdoor Access Solutions, we create professional Social Stories and Sensory Guides that answer these questions before your visitors even leave their homes. We turn “uncertainty” into “preparedness,” allowing families to visit your location with confidence.
What is a Social Story?
A Social Story is not a brochure, and it is not a map. It is a visual, step-by-step narrative that walks a visitor through the experience of visiting your location.
Originally developed for autistic individuals, Social Stories benefit everyone, including first-time visitors, children, and people with anxiety. They use clear, affirmative language and photos to explain social cues and expectations.
A Standard Brochure
- Focuses on marketing and “selling” the view.
- Uses abstract language (“Fun for the whole family!”).
- Highlights only the best features.
An OAS Social Story
- Focuses on logistics and reducing anxiety.
- Uses concrete, descriptive language (“The trail starts at the wooden sign.”).
- Highlights transitions, rules, and potential stressors.
The “Know Before You Go” Service
Led by Alexandria Sukeforth, our team visits your site to view it through the lens of neurodiversity. We document the sensory environment and logistical flow to create a custom resource for your website.
What We Document:
The Arrival: Specific photos of the parking lot, the surface texture, and exactly where to walk to find the entrance.
Sensory Inputs: We identify loud areas (rushing water, hand dryers), bright areas (open fields), and smells (cafeterias, pine woods).
Transitions: Clear photos of ticket booths, gates, or trailheads where visitors must pause or change behavior.
Facilities: detailed photos of bathrooms (including the flush mechanisms and lighting) to reduce bathroom anxiety.
“Quiet Zones”: We identify specific spots where overwhelmed visitors can go to decompress and regulate.
Why Your Organization Needs This
True inclusion means welcoming the mind as well as the body. By adding a Social Story to your website, you send a powerful message: “We have thought about you, and you are safe here.”
The Benefits:
Reduced Anxiety: Visitors arrive calm and prepared, leading to fewer meltdowns and negative experiences.
Increased Visitation: Families who previously avoided your site due to uncertainty will feel empowered to visit.
Educational Tool: Schools and group homes can use your Social Story to prepare students for field trips weeks in advance.
Operational Efficiency: Visitors arrive knowing the rules and the flow, reducing the burden on your staff.
Our Process
1. The Site Audit
We visit your location (trail, nature center, park, or museum) to capture the necessary photography and sensory data. We look for the details others miss—like the hum of a vending machine or the texture of a gravel path.
2. The Narrative Draft
We write the story using specific, supportive language designed to guide behavior and manage expectations. (e.g., “I might hear a loud noise from the river. This is okay. I can cover my ears if it is too loud.”)
3. The Design & Delivery
We provide you with a polished, branded PDF document (and accessible text version) ready for your website. We also provide a “How to Use This Guide” blurb for your marketing team.
Sample Projects
Trail Systems: Explaining trail markers, surface changes, and encounters with dogs/wildlife.
Nature Centers: Detailing the check-in process, taxidermy exhibits (which can be scary for some), and classroom rules.
Events: Preparing visitors for crowds, amplified sound, and schedules.
Make Your Space Neuro-Inclusive
Don’t let anxiety keep visitors away from the beauty you protect. Let’s build a bridge of understanding.