Welcome to Day 2 of the Tennessee Trailheads:This week, every edition of Axios Nashville will examine a unique element of the parks where we enjoy picnics and recreation.
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It’s not unusualfor Chrissy Hood to enter a bathroom and weep upon seeing an adult-sized changing table affixed to the wall.
Why it matters:Alaina, the 22-year-old daughter of Hood, has autism, cerebral palsy, and additional health issues resulting from a rare genetic disorder.
- Adult-sized changing tables are essential for her, and for the Hood family, they have come to represent autonomy and respect.
“Everyone deserves dignity,”Hood says.
- When Hood spots a changing table, she remarks, she understands “I won’t have to place my daughter on that dirty, filthy bathroom floor to change her.”
The big picture:Parks officials are pursuing multiple initiatives simultaneously to enhance access under theAccess 2030 initiative, which seeks to make Tennessee’s parks the most accessible in the nation. Updates are being implemented rapidly.
- This year, Tennessee State Parks appointed Ryan Jolley as its initial accessibility coordinator to manage the continuous initiatives.
What she’s saying:Hood is employed by the advocacy organization Family Voices of Tennessee and is a member of the state’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, providing her with a comprehensive perspective on initiatives aimed at enhancing access to state parks.
- The efforts we’ve made with our state parks and access have truly positioned Tennessee in a favorable light,” she states. “Tennessee is setting the example.
State of play:Tennessee state parks have quickly introduced adult changing tables. Each new site offers a new chance for Alaina and her family.
- “We’re finally going to have the chance to explore areas of our state we’ve never visited before, and we’ll get to experience our parks and natural surroundings,” Hood says to Axios.
- She is out experiencing life.
Zoom out:New at several state parks are all-terrain wheelchairs designed to traverse trails and allow individuals to enjoy scenic viewpoints they may have previously been unable to reach.
- Some parks have also introduced wheelchair-friendly canoe and kayak launch areas.
- Others have installed special viewfindersthat can assist individuals with color vision deficiency in appreciating the vividness of autumn foliage.
By the numbers:The state’s collection now has over 60 off-road wheelchairs.
- Hood recalls witnessing a wheelchair being charged during a recent trip to Red Clay State Historic Park.
- “I was very excited because the tires were muddy, indicating they’ve been in use,” she says.
Reality check:Thirty-five years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted, obstacles remain widespread. Inclusive playgrounds thataccommodate childrenwith varying capabilities, for example,can be difficult to locate.
“There’s no rose-colored glasses“Indeed, that’s certain,” Jolley says regarding the work that still remains to be done.
- He points out that numerous older structures and facilities within the state’s park system are outdated.
- Teams perform evaluations to identify priorities and establish plans for enhancements.
The bottom line:Jolley, who is legally blind, says to Axios that his role involves listening to people in Tennessee, recognizing ongoing issues with parks, and advocating for new solutions to address them.
- “It’s more than just the correct action; it’s an active approach to maintaining the well-being of Tennessee’s population — in every aspect, including mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health,” he states.
- These parks are owned by all Tennessee residents.
More details regarding accessibility initiatives in Tennessee state parks
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