#universaldesign — Public Fediverse posts on home.social

DoomsdaysCW @[email protected] · 2026-07-12 · 15:32 UTC

Rethinking #CommunityGardens for Accessibility

By Kim Ousley, April 22, 2026

"The summer after my amputation, I secured a small plot in a community garden. A dear friend paid the $15 seasonal fee—her way of helping me get outside and moving with my fairly new prosthetic leg.

"Her youngest son was five at the time and eager to help. We called it our 'experimental' garden, since neither of us really knew what we were doing. What we didn’t expect was how much it would give back to us. It became a social experiment of sorts—and a powerful boost to both my mental and physical health.

"We kept that garden going for several years. He learned how to plant, pull weeds, and harvest right alongside me—and even developed a taste for fresh salad ingredients.

"As we celebrate Earth Day, it’s a reminder that access to #GreenSpaces should be something everyone can experience.

"So why should communities consider making their gardens fully accessible, regardless of physical ability?

"#Gardening is a simple, healthy way to create a safe and welcoming environment for people of all skill levels and abilities. For those using #wheelchairs or electric #scooters, traditional gardens can be limiting—bending down or standing for long periods isn’t always possible. But something as simple as raised beds at the right height can make participation possible again.

"The term '#HorticulturalTherapy' (HT) refers to a professional, evidence-based practice that uses plants and gardening activities to achieve specific therapeutic goals for physical, mental, and social health. Led by credentialed therapists, it has been shown to improve memory, motor skills, and emotional well-being—especially in community settings.

"Communities that have incorporated #DisabilityFriendly design into their gardens are seeing the impact: increased participation, stronger connections, and a shared sense of purpose.

"My own garden wasn’t in an #ADAFriendly space, but with the help of my little buddy, I made it work. Since then, I’ve spoken with many people in my city about creating more inclusive gardening spaces for those who want to participate but face physical barriers.

"I’m starting to see that shift happen—and I hope to be part of growing it.

"So what should you consider when planning a more inclusive garden?

"#UniversalDesign is the foundation. It means creating a space that is usable by everyone, regardless of ability. This can include:

- Raised beds at wheelchair or standing height, so no one has to bend or risk falling
- Adaptive gardening tools with rubber grips, extended handles, and accessible water sources
- Wide, flat, and smooth pathways—at least 36 to 48 inches—to allow wheelchairs to turn comfortably (using pavement or compacted gravel)
- Volunteers who are willing to lend a hand and support inclusive participation

"Getting involved in a local community garden can have lasting benefits. Gardening supports mobility, coordination, strength, balance, endurance, social connection, and memory.

"With a few thoughtful adaptations, it can be part of a healthy, active lifestyle—for everyone."

Source:
https://livingwithamplitude.com/accessible-community-gardens-disability-inclusion/

#SolarPunkSunday #CommunityGardening #AccessibleGardens #Inclusivity #Accessibility #BuildingCommunity
#SensoryPlants #SpendTimeInNature

#communitygardens #greenspaces #gardening #wheelchairs #scooters #horticulturaltherapy

DoomsdaysCW @[email protected] · 2026-07-12 · 15:09 UTC

A Guide for Making #CommunityGardens #Accessible for all Members

"This guide uses #UniversalDesign to improve community garden accessibility for all members. It focuses on providing #AccessiblePathways, tools, and planting options, creating opportunities for education, fresh produce, and therapeutic stress relief for people of all abilities.

This guide, created by Melissa Bravo, aims to enhance community garden accessibility for all members using Universal Design principles. It provides guidance on alterations community gardeners can make, focusing on #AccessibleWalkways (entrances, width, safety, materials), accessories (#ramps, #railings, #signage), water access, planters (raised beds, vertical gardening), #AccessibleTools, and #SensoryGardenPlants. By building accessible gardens, the guide emphasizes providing opportunities for agricultural education, access to locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, and therapeutic stress relief for people of all abilities through therapeutic horticulture.

The guide promotes the principles of Universal Design to create environments of #inclusion in community gardens, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from garden participation. It highlights specific design considerations like operable gate handles, appropriate path widths, and stable surfaces to enable access for people with limited mobility. Appendices offer detailed instructions on accessible features, tools, and sensory garden plants. Ultimately, the guide serves as a resource for gardeners seeking to create inclusive spaces that capture the diversity of their communities."

Source:
https://rootinnature.ca/research/a-guide-for-making-community-gardens-accessible-for-all-members/

Link to PDF [link at source is 404]:
https://www.ppgbuffalo.org/files/documents/environment/a_guide_for_making_community_gardens_accessible_for_all_members_and_checklist.pdf

#SolarPunkSunday #CommunityGardening #AccessibleGardens #Inclusivity #Accessibility #BuildingCommunity #SensoryPlants #SpendTimeInNature

#communitygardens #accessible #universaldesign #accessiblepathways #accessiblewalkways #ramps

notes @[email protected] · 2025-07-23 · 12:00 UTC

Project 2025 as a last gasp of a dying system of “power-over,” one that fears the regenerative, relational force of the people, the Earth, and the sacred.

#USPol #Project2025 #Tiamat #PowerWith #NoKings #ReclaimTheWeb #TiamatLives #ManyCurrents #KinNotCrowns #FromStoneToSong #Biophilia #Wilderness #Rewild #Rewilding #Regenerative #RegenerativeDesign #UniversalDesign #RegenerativeAg #RegenAg #AppropriateTechnology
#Ancestors #Compassion #SocialJustice #Humanrights #SystemsChange #Food #Health