By: Michela Sales, NJSOC Executive Assistant
At the NJ School of Conservation, we strive to provide educational programming that is inclusive and accessible to all who visit our campus. We approach every participant with a mindset of presumed competence, while also recognizing the importance of continually educating ourselves on how to better support and include all individuals. To help fulfill that commitment, our staff participates in a variety of professional development and training sessions focused on accessibility and inclusion.
Recently, the NJSOC staff participated in the Safe and Positive For All training session, which focused on creating safer and more inclusive outdoor recreational experiences for individuals with physical disabilities, spinal cord injuries/disorders, mobility challenges, and other special needs. Presenters Bruckner Chase and Michelle Evans-Chase shared that more than 500,000 New Jersey residents live with spinal cord injuries/disorders or mobility challenges, yet there is little systematic training available for outdoor recreation staff. They emphasized the importance of accessibility and inclusion in outdoor recreation, noting that these experiences can improve physical health, mobility, empowerment, community connection, and overall quality of life.
Bruckner and Michelle structured the training around three key areas: site assessment, emergency planning and response, and safety briefings. These concepts are critical when providing outdoor recreational experiences, as environmental conditions, weather, and safety hazards can impact participants in different ways. The training also highlighted the importance of fostering inclusive, person-first interactions, reducing stigma, planning accessibility ahead of time, communicating openly with participants, and asking individuals what accommodations would improve their experience.
Our staff found this training both valuable and impactful. Opportunities like this help us become more proactive planners and educators while ensuring that all students, teachers, community members, and visitors feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to fully experience all that NJSOC has to offer.
