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Disabled Birding
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Whilst many reserves are sensitive to the needs of some disabled people many more do not. Very, very few have thought through the needs of all disabled birders. There is still a tendency, in the UK at least, to make the assumption that disability access and wheelchair access are one and the same. Clearly there is a need to make hides and walks accessible to people who use wheelchairs… indeed it would be a great start, but this would not help many people whose mobility is limited, nor those who have problems with sight, hearing etc. Until very recently no organisation existed to focus on these problems and bring some pressure and information to bear. I have a stake in the debate having suffered from arthritis for 40 years that can, at times, very severely limit the distance I can walk. A little thought at many reserves and parks would make a huge difference to me and, obviously, a great many other people. The birds must come first of course, but that aside a little effort could make many places more accessible than they are. Furthermore, such improved physical access needs to be combined with greater sensitivity by all birders to those with special needs. The last thing we want to feel is singled out for special treatment. I know of one birder who has great pain when walking who does not take advantage of a policy at a RSPB reserve which would make his birding a much more comfortable experience. He could drive the mile between the car park and the first hide – he doesn`t because he prefers the pain to the other alternatives which are the accusing and disapproving looks of birders who walk the mile or the patronising smiles of those who realise that it is not idleness but disability that allows someone to drive there. Our society, particularly the commercial part of it, tends to cater for the average rather than the range of people who make it up. Such narrow perspectives make life difficult for the majority not just minorities. For example, the majority of people need ramps and wide door access into public buildings but the average person can cope with steps and a narrow entry. The majority is made up of disabled people, overweight people, elderly people, young people, pram pushing parents etc. Why is it that the tall, able-bodied, slim male has everything designed for him… simply because he is the designer! So, disability is an issue that calls for societal change. Society and its provision is the problem, not the person with a hearing aid, wheelchair, crutches or a white stick. After all, if we settled for the average provision in all things most of us would look bizarre; wearing size 12 dresses and size 6 shoes, and this would be the men as well! Birding For All (see below) was set up to combat poor attitudes and provision across the board. It exists to encourage everyone to think about what can be achieved with sensitivity and good design, often for no more money than current provision. It is not just about reserve paths and the design of hides and their access. Optics manufacturers need to think about spectacle wearers, tour companies need to think about whether the hotels they use can offer bathing facilities for people who need to use wheelchairs, the list is endless. Consider, for example, (and it is a real example) the reserve manager who has laid level paths with even dry surfaces so that wheelchair users can get around and has then fitted a kissing gate at the beginning of the path! Consider too the many hides up and down the country that have a ramp up to them but no window at a suitable height for someone using a wheelchair. Consider above all the terrible standard design of hides that cause the majority of people to come away with a crick in the neck or aching back because the average has been applied to the height of viewing slots and benches rather than a range of heights. I urge everyone, disabled or able bodied to visit the Birding For All website and join up (for free) and help make birding truly accessible to all wherever possible. Bo Beolens Aka The Fat Birder; Founder - Birding For All |
This section sponsored by: 
Comfortable Birding for All
Tour OperatorI am a long-time birder who has been married to an active paralyzed veteran for 35 years. Over those years I have developed skills in determining accessibility. I have been designing and leading field trips for birders with physical limitations for quite a few years, and also coordinate the field trip program for a large Audubon Society. This web site is a one-person effort, so please be patient as I gather information. I will update information on a regular basis. If you have information about accessible birding or easy birding trails, I would like to research the information available for these sites, so please contact me...
Birding on wheels
BlogHi, welcome to Birding on Wheels; a blog looking for other disabled Birders….
Birding Without Barriers
BlogI'm a "beginning birder", but long time Arizonan and outdoor enthusiast. Been wheelin' it for over twenty years, and on occasion, even wing'd it (that's a whole other blog). I'm fascinated by birds, and anything else that flies. This blog is to share my experiences as I explore Arizona, looking for great, accessible, birding hot spots...
*Birding For All (formerly the Disabled Birders Association)
WebsiteThe dba started in April 2000, but that date should not lead anyone to believe that the organisation is not serious. As nothing like it seemes to have existed anywhere it is an international association and, whilst the UK chapter has most members, we invite mebership from aoll over the world and would like to see chapters getting together wherever there are birders with special needs. In 2011 we changed our name to 'Birding For All' to better carry our message of inclusivity...
*Disabled Birders
WebsiteThis is a mailing list for members of the Birding For All. To join the dba visit our website at: http://www.birdingforall.com New dba members will automatically be added to the mailing group.
*USA Disabled Birders Association
WebsiteWelcome to the website for the Disabled Birder's Association of America! We are forming as a Chapter of the Disabled Birders Association International, founded by Bo Beolens in the United Kingdom April 1, 2000... Contact through the dba
Accessible Journeys
WebsiteSince 1985, our only job has been designing accessible holidays and escorting groups on accessible vacations exclusively for slow walkers, wheelchair travelers, their families and their friends...
Beneficial Designs Trail Assessment
WebsiteThe Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP) objectively documents the actual conditions in outdoor, natural environments. The UTAP is a tool that land managers, agencies and individuals can utilize to learn about, monitor, improve and use any outdoor path of travel...
Birders Travel
WebsiteSeveral of the feature tour companies have experience of constructing trips for disabled birders...
Comfortable Birding For All
WebsiteWheelchair birding, birding on easy trails, and birding from a vehicle are all included in this site...
Disabled Birding in the Forest of Dean
WebsiteDisabled Birding in the Forest of Dean. Gallery and daily records of a small group of diabled birders in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire...
England - Dorset - Holton Lee
Website...empowering and resourcing people, particularly carers and those with disabilities, through creativity, environmental awareness, personal and spiritual growth. I have visited the site and there is an accessible hide overlooking Poole harbour near Arne - Fatbirder.
Event Mobility
WebsiteA registered Charitable Trust (No. 1074608) established in 1999, with the aims and objectives of providing a facility to assist the Disabled, Elderly and Mobility Impaired achieve easier access to Countryside Events. The number of events we support is growing every year in 2001 we will be at over 25 of the most popular and well attended events in the UK. Use this site to book your scooter for a selection of events, visit our sponsors web sites or just make a note of the events you would like to attend over the next few months...
Fieldsman Trails Access Consultancy
WebsiteFieldsman offers a range of flexible access services. Access is not just a physical thing relating to door widths and gradients but also relates to sensory needs and interpretation. We have responded to access issues for many clients across a wide spectrum of activities including: Live Commentary for events and processions, especially for visually impaired people. Audio Described Theatre. Guided Tours to interpret Museums. Access Audits of Public Buildings. Design Solutions to Access Problems. Audio Cassette Guides - Voice Trails. Tactile Maps. Design of Sensory Gardens. Guided Walks using Tour Guide System. Reminiscence Trails - Smells of the Past in a Bottle. Disability Discrimination Act Consultancy. Garden Design.
Independent Living Research Utilization - US
WebsiteThe ILRU (Independent Living Research Utilization) program is a national center for information, training, research, and technical assistance in independent living. Its goal is to expand the body of knowledge in independent living and to improve utilization of results of research programs and demonstration projects in this field. It is a program of TIRR (The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research); a nationally recognized medical rehabilitation facility for persons with disabilities.
RSPB - Disabled Access
WebsiteMany of the RSPB's nature reserves have facilities suitable for visitors with special needs. Some will have hides that have been adapted to allow access for wheelchairs, and many have special paths and boardwalks installed... go to their site and look under individual reserves for entries.
Tours - Birders Travel
WebsiteThis site is devoted to trips organised by the dba or by Fatbirder. Currently one trip is planned for Hungary September 2003.
Tours - UK Holidays for all
WebsiteIf you are disabled, an older person or carer, Holiday Care can help you take a break. We have information on hundreds of accessible hotels and visitor attractions in the UK and a range of information sheets on overseas destinations.
Waveney Stardust - adapted Norfolk Broads boat
WebsiteWaveney Stardust is a specially adapted broads motor cruiser designed to offer people, who would not otherwise be able to use a traditional boat, the opportunity to use the Norfolk and Suffolk waterways. We offer trips along the river Waveney from Beccles to Oulton Broad, and from Norwich, South Walsham and Stalham. See venues page for more details...
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This site was last updated on Wednesday, 16th May 2012.
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