Making National Parks In Canada Accessible

The Accessible Parks Canada project is an interdisciplinary research project being conducted by the Engineering Health Lab (part of The KITE Research Institute) and affiliated researchers. Our goal is to revise guidelines for making Canada's national parks more accessible. Our research is supported by funding from Accessibility Standards Canada.

TrailRider being used at Elfin Lakes, British Columbia. Picture Credits: Disability Foundation

Our Research

National parks are becoming more accessible every year, but we are far from accomplishing true park accessibility for all. From our experience and consultations, we have identified key areas which require further exploration. We will be conducting research in these areas in the upcoming months. Stay tuned!

This icon describes the concept of mobility adaptions, using an individual pushed on a wheelchair.

Mobility Adaptations

This icon describes the concept of sensory adaptions using American Sign Language.

Sensory Adaptations

This icon describes the concept of cognitive adaptions using a photo of a brain within a skull.

Cognitive Adaptations

Accessibility Matrix

One of the main deliverables of this project is a matrix of accessibility solutions. This table will be populated with solutions and design standards to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities that want to visit national parks and participate in activities there. A snapshot of this preliminary matrix can be seen below.

Click Matrix To Zoom In

Our Blog

One of the main deliverables of this project is a matrix of accessibility solutions. This table will be populated with solutions and design standards to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities that want to visit national parks and participate in activities there. A snapshot of this preliminary matrix can be seen below.