How can you say “We welcome YOU here?”

Written By Robin LeBlanc

April is a time to finally get outside for yard work – and also to start cleaning up the local parks, playgrounds, trails and beaches in our communities.

It is never too late to look at these spaces in terms of welcoming inclusion (I just made that up): are they welcoming people who might not otherwise be able to enjoy these important places? Right now, I am thinking in terms of people with mobility issues, although this could certainly extend to those who live with cognitive, sensory, or other situations that are not “mainstream.”

Almost 10% of people in NH have mobility challenges – only 2% (based on a national stat)are in a wheelchair. For some, steps may be an issue, and/or uneven terrain. Some (even children) cannot walk at all.

With this in mind, take a look at those outdoor spaces that so many enjoy. How can you welcome those who cannot navigate as easily?

  • Are there benches (that are shaded during the heat of the day_)?

  • Do your playgrounds have accessible swings, or merry-go-rounds

  • Are there picnic tables with a space for wheelchairs?

  • Does your beach have a wheelchair ramp?

  • Do your trails have specially-maintained sections for wheelchairs, strollers, and others who cannot scramble or climb or otherwise need a flat path?

How can you say “We welcome YOU here?”

Robin LeBlanc

Robin has years of experience in teaching, marketing, business development, organizational leadership and facilitation. She has worked in municipalities, in universities, in corporations and in non-profits. Most recently, she was Executive Director of Plan NH, which focuses on the impact of the built environment on the fabrics of a community.

Robin is particularly interested in:

  • Facilitating conversations, especially exploratory ones, that might lead to positive change in a team or organization.

  • Guiding Strategic and other planning processes for small to medium organizations.

  • Assisting with workshop and/or conference planning and design so that attendees feel more connected to the topic or theme, to each other, and to the hosting organization.

Robin can be reached at robin@rhlstrategies.com.

https://www.rhlstrategies.com
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