We All Belong in Nature: Inclusive Nature Education for Persons with Developmental Disabilities

Doesn’t the world just feel better when you’re outside on a sunny day? Everyone from Indigenous Elders to behavioural psychologists continue to confirm that our mental and physical health is entwined with our connection to nature. Unfortunately, not all Calgarians have access to the benefits of nature. Calgarians from equity deserving communities, including those with disabilities, face numerous physical, financial, and social barriers to outdoor connection.

CPAWS Southern Alberta (SA) is a leader in environmental education. Since 1997, they have successfully delivered experiential education focusing on nature connection and local stewardship, reaching 182,500 Albertans. CPAWS SA is focused on increasing inclusivity and accessibility to environmental education and nature connection, for all Calgarians. “We All Belong in Nature – Inclusive Nature Experiences for Persons with Developmental Disabilities” will create this nature connection with clients of the Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary (DDRC).

The DDRC is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with developmental disabilities experience inclusion in real and meaningful ways. CPAWS SA and DDRC formed a partnership in 2023 to co-host environmental education and nature experience for DDRC clients. The partnership has been incredibly collaborative and impactful.

In 2023, the DDRC honoured CPAWS SA with an Inclusion Award as part of their everyone belongs™ initiative. CPAWS SA is incredibly grateful and acknowledges that they wouldn't be successful without the phenomenal support of DDRC staff and clients.

Based on this solid foundation, we are ready to level up our partnership. Unfortunately, in-person, nature-based programming is costly to run. CPAWS SA has provided programs free of charge for the DDRC over the last three years, but dedicated funding is needed to elevate this work in 2026. Our Idea is to provide DDRC clients with four workshops (indoor and outdoor), three guided hikes, and one Indigenous-led nature walk in 2026. Through the Field Law Community Fund Program, we can help create inclusion in the outdoors for Calgarians with disabilities, which is essential to everyone’s physical and mental wellbeing.

Having the opportunity to connect with green spaces is not a privilege — it’s a fundamental human right. Wisdom and data from Indigenous Elders, psychologists, social scientists, and our own 28 years of outdoor education experience at CPAWS Southern Alberta (SA), consistently affirm the deep link between nature and our physical and mental wellbeing.

“We All Belong in Nature – Inclusive Nature Experiences for Persons with Developmental Disabilities” will therefore directly contribute to the wellbeing of clients, staff, caregivers, and families of the Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary (DDRC). Together, CPAWS SA and the DDRC will work to build bridges to environmental education and outdoor recreation for persons with developmental disabilities. In line with this goal, all CPAWS SA programming will be free to the DDRC and their clients, removing financial barriers to participation. 

To further break down barriers to participation, we will host the workshops and walks at the Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre where DDRC clients regularly attend. We will walk from the DDRC to local parks, as well as provide day hikes in areas that are accessible via public transit and have ample free parking and accessible washrooms. These day hikes may include Fish Creek Provincial Park and Nose Hill Park. We will offer local walks and day hikes that are wheelchair and mobility aid friendly.    Prioritizing accessibility and highlighting local green spaces empowers DDRC families and clients to carry this relationship to nature forward. In this way, these programs continue to enhance the wellbeing of participants long after they conclude.

In addition to the 120 Calgarians with disabilities who will directly benefit from our Idea, we know that our programs have a ripple effect in the community. On average, we estimate that each participant will share their experience with at least two other people in their lives who do not attend the program – families, caregivers, and support workers. We provide suggestions and tips for folks to continue their nature experience post-program and to share their learning with others. Our Idea will help improve the confidence, skill, and interest of folks in the disability community to spend time together outdoors for recreation and mental health.