(by Kimmie Whiteman)
July is Disability Pride Month and we’d like to take a moment to celebrate people with disabilities and share our new accessibility project.
On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law and established a guarantee of equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities in employment, transportation, telecommunications, public accommodations, and other areas of daily life. NH Audubon recognizes that this promise of guaranteed equal rights is an ongoing effort that requires all of us to intentionally build inclusion, challenge stigmas, and advocate for accessibility in nature for ALL people.
NH Audubon is working to do our part, integrating accessible pathways for people with all levels of mobility to experience the outdoors at our most prominent sanctuaries. Last month, a new 0.4 mile long All Persons Trail was completed at our Massabesic Center in Auburn. This is the second All Persons Trail NH Audubon has completed in a 5-year period (the first being at our McLane Center in Concord). The new trail, minutes from downtown Manchester, takes visitors on a journey through gardens, wetlands, and fields to enjoy birds, amphibians, wildflowers, and other wildlife.
Additionally, we have recently installed standing height and wheelchair-accessible raised garden beds to demonstrate pollinator and food gardening options. These structures are also helping us include more perspectives and experiences within our core volunteer team.
We invite you to visit our All Persons Trail locations and become part of our journey as we work to build more accessibility and inclusivity throughout our entire network of sanctuaries, centers, and programming in the state.