Accessibility and inclusion in the outdoors
Accessibility and inclusion in the outdoors
A guide for outdoor providers and educators
In Aotearoa New Zealand, we are surrounded by an outstanding natural environment. All tamariki and rangatahi should have the opportunity to access these outdoor spaces.
Eleven percent of tamariki and rangatahi under the age of 15 identify as disabled in Aotearoa New Zealand. And we know that disabled young people are less likely to take part in outdoor physical activities than their peers.
Sport NZ, Education Outdoors New Zealand, and Recreation Aotearoa, along with various outdoor recreation and education experts, have worked together to create guidance that ensures disabled tamariki and rangatahi aren't missing out on the many benefits of being active outdoors.
The Accessibility and Inclusion in Outdoor Education and Recreation Guide helps to break down barriers for disabled tamariki and rangatahi by supporting outdoor providers and educators to make outdoor experiences more inclusive and accessible.
The guidance contains:
- an introduction to disability concepts and language
- important considerations for inclusion
- information and advice for outdoor providers
- information and advice for schools and educators
- a wealth of resources for further learning.
The guidance has been informed by frameworks, knowledge and information specific to Aotearoa New Zealand and acknowledges and celebrates the role of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), Te Tiriti o Waitangi and te ao Māori (the Māori world).
Accessible alternate formats of the guidance are being developed and will be available online shortly.
