Nature can be enjoyed by all so even if it may be more difficult for you or your loved one to get out don’t let that detour you. A disability doesn’t lessen one’s need for nature and although it can be a bit of a challenge the benefits make it worth the effort. There are just a few things you will need to consider before making it an enjoyable experience: accessibility, accommodations and adaptive equipment.
Benefits of Being Outdoors
Studies have shown that just the act of being in and observing nature can benefit our mental and physical health. Most of us know that the sun delivers vitamin D, which regulates calcium absorption, lowers your risk of developing soft or fragile bones, and offers a protective effect against cancer, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. But did you know that recent studies have shown a few other noteworthy properties of sunlight that include:
- Pain killing properties
- Increased subcutaneous fat metabolism
- Daytime sun exposure improves evening alertness
Additional benefits of being outdoors include elevated mood, decreased feelings of depression and anxiety, improvements in self-esteem and it just plain feels good!
Accessibility and Accommodations
First you will need to know where to find places with proper accessibility for persons with limited mobility. Look at the website or call ahead if you are unsure of the accommodations. State governments have great resources that provide access to the great outdoors.
For a list of wheelchair accessible trails by state, visit the traillink.com website.
For information about accessibility in parks and historical sites see:
101Mobility.com
tripsavvy.com
A list of outdoor activities including fishing piers and platforms can be found at the Disabled Sports USA website.
There are many places that provide organized outdoor recreation for any ability, search the internet for places in your area.
Adaptive Equipment
Being in the field of Occupational therapy, I know there is no problem that can’t be solved with some kind of special piece of equipment or gadget. Adaptive equipment can range from “reacher” gadgets that can help you play a yard game to adaptive fishing equipment that makes it possible for people with all abilities to fish.
Outdoor Activities Ideas for Disabled Adults
From something as simple as sitting by a waterfall to participating in an outdoor activity, just ten minutes in the outdoors is mind changing. A change of scenery or a new adventure can rejuvenate mind, body and soul.
Visit a pumpkin patch
Go apple picking
Find and enjoy accessible trails
Watch the stars
Sit by a waterfall
Go fishing
Go target shooting (guns/archery)
Find nearby horse riding for the disabled
Visit and learn about the natural history of a place
Get out and feel the breeze and the sun, snow or the rain, nature is a natural high.
By Janet Sander, COTA
theQuizzical 