The Power of Information, Part 1 (Guided Hikes)

By Elanah Sherman

One of Avalonia’s first accessibility efforts was to develop an information template that would inform potential participants of conditions at events, in addition to the basic event description. Knowing what to expect can make the difference between a person trying out a preserve or staying home; it also avoids confusion when arriving on site. 

Some of the information may be on the preserve page of our website. Repeating it on an event announcement makes things easier for everyone. 

For guided hikes, a filled-out template might look like this: 

Parking: An off-street lot offers four spaces, one of which is accessible.  

Trail: A flat, packed trail begins at the lot and leads to a level, 106-foot bridge. A short packed
trail on the far side of the bridge leads to a meadow with relatively flat grassy paths from three
to five feet in width. The woods trail (optional during this event) is rocky with occasional slopes. 

Communication: This hike is amplified. For sign language interpretation, please submit your 
request at least five business days before April 9, 2024. If you need more information about 
the accessibility of this event, please contact [name and contact information].   

We sometimes append photographs or links to photographs for additional information. Maps and diagrams are helpful too. In the future, we hope to provide information about slope dimensions, as well as offer tactile maps for people with visual disabilities. 

One more thing: We tend to simply describe outdoor conditions rather than label one feature or another “accessible” or “ADA-compliant.”  This descriptive approach leaves it up to the individual to decide if a feature is usable or not; it also avoids the technical issue of what laws or codes cover what. 

*Cover photo: Silent Deaf applause at 2023 CT Trails Day Walk