Franke Global Leadership Initiative (GLI) Oral Presentations
Creating Community: Developing an Online Resources for Outdoor Involvement among Children with Disabilities
Presentation Type
Presentation
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Rachel Williamson
Faculty Mentor’s Department
Psychology
Abstract / Artist's Statement
Children with disabilities face more difficulties participating in outdoor recreation compared to their peers due to a variety of barriers, including institutional, social, and physical. Though these children face more challenges with outdoor recreation, it remains vital to child development and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Our project aims to address this issue by creating a website that compiles accessibility resources; organizations are already doing the footwork for inclusion, and our website will enable families to seek these resources on one consolidated platform. We plan to interview organizations that support children and youth with disabilities, including the Child Development Center, Missoula Circle of Parents, Community Children’s, Special Education Program, The Arc, Aware Program, MonTECH, and Wheels Across Montana. The information gained from interviews on what methods best support the engagement of children with disabilities in outdoor activities will be published on our website. Our website's stewardship and long-term legacy will be passed onto these partner organizations, so they have a platform to promote the community support they provide in the future. By spreading awareness of what is available in Missoula, our group hopes not only that families living with disabilities will utilize this information but also that we can promote advocacy amongst the entire community for accessible outdoor recreation.
Category
Franke Global Leadership Initiative
Creating Community: Developing an Online Resources for Outdoor Involvement among Children with Disabilities
UC 333
Children with disabilities face more difficulties participating in outdoor recreation compared to their peers due to a variety of barriers, including institutional, social, and physical. Though these children face more challenges with outdoor recreation, it remains vital to child development and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Our project aims to address this issue by creating a website that compiles accessibility resources; organizations are already doing the footwork for inclusion, and our website will enable families to seek these resources on one consolidated platform. We plan to interview organizations that support children and youth with disabilities, including the Child Development Center, Missoula Circle of Parents, Community Children’s, Special Education Program, The Arc, Aware Program, MonTECH, and Wheels Across Montana. The information gained from interviews on what methods best support the engagement of children with disabilities in outdoor activities will be published on our website. Our website's stewardship and long-term legacy will be passed onto these partner organizations, so they have a platform to promote the community support they provide in the future. By spreading awareness of what is available in Missoula, our group hopes not only that families living with disabilities will utilize this information but also that we can promote advocacy amongst the entire community for accessible outdoor recreation.