Webinar—Celebrating Trails for People with Intellectual Disabilities: Programming, Accessibility and Sensory Guidance from Special Olympics Athletes and Programs
The team at Rails to Trails Conservancy is thrilled to partner with Special Olympics for a Celebrate Trails Day session focused on strategies for creating outdoor spaces that foster inclusive opportunities for physical activity, recreation, and everyday life. This webinar explored strategies to engage people with and without intellectual disabilities (ID) in trail programming, strategies to support accessibility and sensory needs, and featured stories from Special Olympics Programs and athletes using trails to foster connection, independence, and improved health outcomes for people with ID and their supporters. Attendees will also learn how to engage with Special Olympics through trail-based opportunities.
Speakers
- Melissa Otterbein, MPH, CHES, ACSM-PAPHS, Director, Fitness & Healthy Lifestyles, Special Olympics
- Charita Boseman, MS, Senior Health Manager, Special Olympics North America
- Jennifer Hansen, Early Childhood Director, Special Olympics
- Abe Assad, Special Olympics Athlete and Fitness Consultant
- Brandi Horton, Vice President of Communications, Rails to Trails Conservancy
Resources
- Celebrate Trails Day resources
- Center for Nutrition and Health Impact’s Bridges to Belonging Toolkit
- RTC’s Equitable and Inclusive Trails Toolkit
- Become a Community Physical Activity Leader
- Connect with your local Special Olympics chapter
- Review RTC’s Accessibility resources in our Trail-Building Toolbox
- Learn more about Physical Activity Advocacy from an Athlete
- Find more resources on Special Olympics’ E-Learning Platform
Donate
Everyone deserves access to safe ways to walk, bike, and be active outdoors.
