How can you make nature activities accessible for people with disabilities? A mushroom excursion for people with visual impairments at Buitenplaats Elswout in Overveen, located in National Park Zuid-Kennemerland, shows how this can be done. By prioritizing not looking, but feeling, smelling, and tasting, participants discover nature in a different way. An inspiring example for national parks that want to make their range of activities more accessible.
Buitenplaats Elswout has around 700 species of mushrooms. IVN Nature Education organizes various activities to bring people closer to nature. During a special excursion, six participants with visual impairments, guided by a mushroom expert, got to know unique mushrooms.
Experiencing nature with all senses
From the rainbow russula to the elf's bench: participants explored the mushrooms by feeling and smelling them. In this way, they discovered differences in shape, structure, and scent. Where needed, a magnifying glass helped to better view details.
The excursion shows that accessible nature experiences do not always require major adjustments. By organizing existing activities differently and engaging different senses, even people with disabilities can actively participate.
For national parks, this example provides inspiration to consider the diverse possibilities and needs of visitors more in the development of excursions, nature education, and public activities.
More information
Read the article about this excursion on the website of Trouw.