Providing Accessible ReCreation Outdoors-User-Driven Research on Standards: Protocol for Mobile and Web-Based...

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Recreation management
• Disability studies

Background:

• Canadian national parks face accessibility challenges, particularly during winter.
• Limited participation in outdoor activities for people with disabilities due to environmental barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop a novel winter accessibility assessment method for Canadian national parks.
• Inform national park standards to ensure inclusivity for all visitors during winter.

Main Methods:

• Adapted a participatory mixed-methods approach, including objective audits and mobile interviews.
• Focused on the second phase: in-person and web-based interviews with individuals with diverse disabilities across 3 parks in Quebec.
• Modified data collection methods to accommodate extreme winter weather conditions.

Main Results:

• One park assessed in person (n=4) under safer winter conditions.
• Web-based interviews used for two other parks (n=8) assessing winter and summer conditions.
• Data collection and analysis ongoing, with results expected by December 2022.

Conclusions:

• Adapting protocols for winter conditions yields rich data for park access standards.
• Participatory mixed-methods research will inform inclusive park standards for all abilities.
• Enhanced understanding of winter accessibility barriers and solutions for national parks.