The URL can be used to link to this page

Mass Audubon Long Pasture APT PresentationAll Persons Trails Welcoming and Accessible Outdoor Trail Experiences Mass Audubon protects 40,000 acres of land throughout Massachusetts. As Massachusetts’ largest nature conservation nonprofit, our Wildlife Sanctuaries include 21 nature centers and welcome over half a million visitors annually. We also get 225,000 kids and adults outdoors every year. Over 135,000 members enjoy our offerings. Mass Audubon strives to create a welcoming presence for a wide range of visitors, including making our sanctuaries and nature centers more accessible. We're working hard to ensure that everyone can enjoy the nature of Massachusetts . •IMLS-Funded Accessible Trails Project In 2010, Mass Audubon was awarded a $102,065 grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to add multi-sensory interpretive content on existing ADA-accessible nature trails at eight wildlife sanctuaries across the state. •In 2014, IMLS provided additional funding to produce a comprehensive guidelines manual for developing and sustaining an accessible interpreted trail. The goal is to share what we have learned with other organizations. The manual provides ideas for collaborative partnerships, developing and testing trail materials with volunteer expert users and resource professionals, and outreach. Accessible Routes vs Accessible Trails •Access Routes:From Parking to building, picnic area, or outdoor facility) Meet Department of Justice ADA standards. •Accessible trails: outdoor trails developed specifically and exclusively to provide access to natural features in the environment. (There are no universally adopted regulations that apply to the development of outdoor trails on state, municipal, and private property in Massachusetts). •MAS follows USFS Trail Accessibility Guidelines https://www.fs.fed.us/t- d/pubs/pdfpubs/pdf15232812/pdf15232812dpi300.pdf •MAS will have APT’s at 20 Sanctuaries by 2025 •Comfortable and safe for all including those with mobility, vision, or other physical, sensory, or brain -based functional limitations. •These trails are designed and constructed to physically meet or exceed anticipated Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance. •Incorporate universally designed interpretive features including educational stops, wildlife viewing boardwalks and platforms, picnic and play areas, and navigation resources including audio directions, guide ropes, curbing, and handrails. Developing An All Persons Trail •Physical planning and design •Fundraising •Permitting and construction •Inclusive planning process All Persons Trails Physical Support •Navigation •Seating •ADA Picnic Tables •Beads All Persons Trails Displays and Trail Features All Persons Trails Trail Materials •Printed tour booklets–regular print, large print, Braille, online •Tactile maps •Audio tours –online, by cell phone, audio players available for loan All Persons Trails We keep learning… Operating 12 All Persons Trails Collecting visitor feedback Developing 6 new trails Networking Sharing information with others Expanding our perception of inclusivity Accessibility includes…. Universal Design Transportation Customer Service Materials in multiple formats Information available in advance Level of independence Outreach All Persons Trail at Long Pasture A Role for the Disability Commission •Refer local contractors and consultants •Help test and finalize planned trail experiences and interpretive materials Identifying local resource professionals •Help review, and proofread all drafted visitor materials (including braille publications and signage) to ensure that trail information (navigational, descriptive, etc.) is accurate, helpful, user-friendly