Accessibility Information

The Bird Alliance of Oregon has already implemented fantastic accessibility considerations and informational descriptions for their outings. I built upon the previous model to include even more considerations utilizing my experiences of occupational therapy practice, disability justice, and resources operating under the unique occupational lens.

Birding Accessibility Assessment Guidelines

The assessments provide information to prospective participants to better inform and empower them to make the decisions best for them-- including knowing what accessibility devices and supports they may want to bring and how to prepare themselves for the outing expectations. I try to avoid saying that an outing is "wheelchair-accessible" or "not wheelchair-accessible" and instead use descriptive statements. This is because everyone's experiences of access and disability are unique and personal. Below are some general accessibility assessment guidelines that I developed while conducting site visits. It is by no means a comprehensive list and based on my experiences. The tools that I use to complete accessibility assessments are: Merlin app (to record potential birds we might hear/see), Level app (for measuring slopes), Light Meter app, Decibel X app, measuring tape, clipboard, pen, printed CHEC assessments (included below), and extra paper.

• Short blurb about what the accessibility assessment means and why we have it.

• Meeting location: Specific directions and link on meeting location and how participants can identify the outing leaders (i.e. "I will be wearing a bright yellow sweater and holding binoculars by the picnic table!"). If there is anything confusing about this meeting spot, this is where to include that information.

• Public transportation: Bus lines and stop, how far the stop is from the meeting location, and ideally could include information about the route from the bus stop (paved, grade changes, etc.).

• Parking: This includes a variety of information, such as number of accessible and non-accessible parking spots (also can include a reminder to park further away if you do not have mobility needs to leave spots available). Include here if there are accessible drop-off areas and the size of the accessible spots (length & width). Additionally, I try to include bike parking information.

• Entrance: This includes information about whether there are contrasting colors or tactile cues (raised bumps) for transitioning through curb cuts. I include the degree grade, rise distance, and any debris that may be in the entrance.

• Restroom: This includes types of restrooms available and location of restrooms. I also include a variety of measurements from inside and outside of the bathroom, because the variance between "accessible" restrooms is astonishing. The list of measurements can be found in the CHEC Mobility document.

• Shelter/Seating: This includes any relevant seating that may be available throughout the outing. If including picnic tables, I will also complete measurements of the height, width, and depth of the most accessible side.

• Route: Overview of distance, type of path, and any major accessibility details (significant sloping, debris, paved, etc.). More detailed descriptions of width of path (in smallest sections), type of route (loop or out-and-back), degrees of biggest slopes, major obstacles (i.e. roots, poles), railings, stairs, and alternative routes that we could take. This also can include if there are any visual or tactile markers for changes in terrain or for shorelining the path.

• Sensory Experience: This includes an overall description of the entire sensory experience at this site (based on the assessment date, as it can vary widely). I document types of sounds we might here, the average and loudest volume in different sections (using Decibel X app), and what types of accommodations we provide. For lighting, I document lighting (using Light Meter app) in 3 different locations, including the darkest location in an enclosed restroom, brightest location in direct sun (or on the water), and typical shaded lighting. I include additional sensory information as relevant to the outing.