In the Activity Zone you can meet the Danish Centre for Disability and learn how people with disabilities can get outdoors and experience nature.
By Asger Lind Krebs
Nature has become much more accessible. Previously, it was difficult to find information about which natural areas and outdoor experiences are accessible for people with different types of disabilities. But the project Nature For All has changed that.
In 2021, the Danish Centre for Disability joined forces with the Danish Disability Organisations and the National Association of Youth with Disabilities to map and register accessible nature trails and facilities. The goal was to document 50 accessible routes. Today, information about 270 accessible nature trails is available.
"It has simply exceeded all expectations. And the municipalities keep adding new trails."
— Charlotte Birch-Jessen, project consultant at the Danish Centre for Disability
Searchable information
The information about accessible nature trails has been integrated into the Danish Nature Agency's large digital collection of outdoor experiences in Denmark, udinaturen.dk. It is now possible to search by a number of parameters, for example access to accessible toilets, routes with few people, low noise levels, maximum incline and more.
"Now you have the opportunity to search for all the information you need from home when planning a trip into nature. It provides great reassurance to know what to expect out on the trails, and in this way even more people get the chance to go on outings."
— Charlotte Birch-Jessen
Showcasing the possibilities
The Danish Centre for Disability has a hotspot in the Activity Zone. There, they will show an information video and explain how outdoor experiences have been made more accessible.
"We are looking forward to presenting and showing all the possibilities — both to people with disabilities who stop by, and to everyone working with elderly care, rehabilitation and similar fields, who now have a new tool for using nature. And we'll also be handing out gift cards so you can invite a good friend on an outdoor adventure."
— Charlotte Birch-Jessen
Facts about Nature For All
- Hear about Nature For All at the Danish Centre for Disability's hotspot in the Activity Zone
- The project was developed in collaboration between SUMH, DH, the Danish Ministry of the Environment, GeoDanmark and the Danish Centre for Disability
- Supported by the Danish Outdoor Council's lottery funds and the Aage V. Jensen Nature Foundation
- Search among more than 270 accessible nature trails at udinaturen.dk
Photo credit: Marine Gastineau