Recap: Disability and the outdoors webinar
An Overview of the July 2026 Understanding Ableism Webinar: “Disability & the Outdoors”
By Sara Marshall, AmeriCorps KCDC Coordinator
(Watch the webinar here on our YouTube channel.)
Our July 2026 Understanding Ableism webinar explored disability and the outdoors, examining how access to outdoor recreation is experienced across a wide range of disabilities and environments. While outdoor recreation is often associated with activities like hiking or camping, this discussion challenged participants to think more broadly about what it means to spend time outdoors and who has opportunities to participate.
Panelists emphasized that access is shaped by far more than physical infrastructure. Factors such as social support, adaptive equipment, program design, transportation, confidence, medical needs and representation all influence whether outdoor spaces feel welcoming and accessible. Rather than focusing on a single definition of accessibility, the conversation highlighted that meaningful outdoor experiences look different for everyone and that inclusion often begins with recognizing and responding to diverse access needs.
Background on Panelists
Paris Van Quill is a Recreation Coordinator with the Parks, Arts & Recreation Department for the City of Auburn, where she oversees Specialized Recreation programs designed to expand access to recreation for individuals with disabilities. Her work focuses on developing both dedicated adaptive recreation opportunities and inclusive programming that allows participants with and without disabilities to recreate together. Throughout the discussion, Van Quill emphasized that accessibility is an ongoing process of adapting programs, removing barriers, and intentionally designing recreation opportunities that welcome a broad range of participants.
Jackson Van Quill shared his experiences as a disabled individual who has participated in a variety of outdoor activities throughout his life, including hiking, biking, sailing, sports and camping. Reflecting on these experiences, he emphasized that encouragement and support from friends, coaches and family often made the greatest difference in his ability to participate. Rather than focusing on limitations, Jackson spoke about the importance of being surrounded by people who believed in his abilities, encouraged him to try new activities and helped create environments where he felt included.
Molly Marshall is the Program Manager for the STIX Diabetes Program and the parent of a child with Type 1 diabetes. Drawing on both her professional and personal experiences, she discussed the additional planning often required for individuals with diabetes to safely participate in outdoor activities. She emphasized that thoughtful preparation, including access to supplies, trained staff and supportive communities, can help shift the focus away from managing a medical condition and toward fully participating in outdoor experiences.
Key Takeaways
Throughout the discussion, panelists said that outdoor access extends beyond physical accessibility. While features such as accessible trails and adaptive equipment are important, participation is also shaped by less visible factors, including medical needs, transportation, confidence, social support, financial barriers and the availability of inclusive programming. For many disabled individuals, these considerations influence whether an outdoor activity feels possible long before they arrive at a trailhead or park.
Another recurring theme was the importance of broadening our understanding of outdoor recreation. Panelists noted that conversations about the outdoors often center on physically demanding activities, such as backpacking or mountain climbing. However, outdoor experiences can take many forms, from gardening and birdwatching to kayaking, fishing, neighborhood parks, camping or simply spending time outside with family and friends. Expanding these definitions creates space for more people to see themselves reflected in outdoor recreation.
Panelists also discussed the role organizations can play in improving access. Rather than relying solely on individual accommodations, they described approaches that incorporate accessibility into program planning from the outset through adaptive equipment, flexible programming, trained staff and opportunities for participants with and without disabilities to recreate together. At the same time, they acknowledged that accessibility is not a fixed standard but an ongoing process of listening to participants, adapting programs and recognizing that different individuals will have different access needs.
There is no single disabled experience in the outdoors. What creates access for one individual may differ substantially from what another person needs. Meaningful inclusion requires recognizing this diversity while creating environments where disabled people are supported, welcomed and able to participate in ways that are meaningful to them.
Resources Mentioned During the Webinar
The panelists shared several organizations and tools that can help individuals learn more about accessible outdoor recreation:
Outdoors for All Foundation – Offers adaptive outdoor recreation programs including skiing, cycling, kayaking, paddleboarding and other seasonal activities.
Disabled Hikers – Provides trail reviews, accessibility information and educational resources for disabled hikers. Founder Syren Nagakyrie has also published The Disabled Hiker's Guide to Western Washington and Oregon, which evaluates trails based on accessibility.
Seattle Parks and Recreation – Offers year-round recreation programs specifically designed for people with disabilities, including day programs, camps, fitness classes, adaptive dance and opportunities for individuals who need accommodations to participate in general recreation programs.
City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation – Provides recreational, educational, social and sports opportunities for individuals with developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities. The program includes year-round activities, adaptive sports, community events and scholarship opportunities to increase participation.
Washington Trails Association – Maintains information on trails with accessibility features, including routes that may be suitable for wheelchair users and others with mobility considerations.
Camp STIX – Provides outdoor camp experiences and year-round programming for children and families affected by Type 1 diabetes in Eastern Washington, combining recreation with medical support and community-building.