Can Inclusion of Individuals with Disabilities Happen in the Outdoors?

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Originally appears in the Winter 2021 issue.

By Karen Lai

Inclusion is such a commonly used term nowadays. Many organizations and programs use it as a promotional tool for their programming and services. They may use it because they want to ensure that their programs or services achieve full registration, or maybe they want to be welcoming and inviting to everyone. But I have to ask: Can this be really done? Can programs or services be inclusive to all people?

One of the kayaking outfitters based in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada offers a Tuesday night drop-in program, and they claim that they welcome people of all abilities and all ages. As a person living with a disability, I often wonder what would happen if I just showed up. Would they be able to accommodate my needs, given that they welcome people of all abilities? Since birth, I have lived with cerebral palsy, which affects my balance, coordination, speech, dexterity, and mobility. As a result, I use a walker to support me in walking and to relieve the spasticity in my legs. Would I be welcomed to the program as well?