3rd Wildlife Viewing & Nature Tourism Academy

Florida Disabled Outdoors Association has been enriching lives through accessible inclusive recreation since 1990. FDOA will provide a background on accessibility and a lively hands-on session where attendees will learn about including people of all abilities into recreation and active leisure. Areas covered will include the difference between “accessibility” and “inclusion” and what this means to recreation providers, agency staff, and wildlife and tourism professionals. FDOA will break down into simple terms how to be welcoming to families and groups that include a person with special needs. Disability etiquette and “People First” language will be addressed. FDOA will explain how to avoid outdated language and instead use words and phrases that will provide an indication to people with a disability that they will have a positive experience. Suggestions for modifying activities will be reviewed. Adaptive equipment and recreation-assistive technology that can be used in an outdoor setting will be explored. FDOA will provide examples of equipment currently being used and talk about trends in the development of adaptations. Potential funding sources for adaptive technology will be noted. The session will close with an open discussion including questions from the audience.