A look at accessibility in outdoor and adventure apps

There’s so much to explore in this world, and everyone deserves the opportunity to experience it through outdoor and adventure activities. Outdoor spaces and adventure activities have traditionally been limited for people with disabilities due to lack of accessibility, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

In recent years, technological advancements have started to address these challenges, with outdoor and adventure apps playing a major role in improving accessibility.

Here’s how technology is making the outdoors more accessible for all, with a few options to add to your adventure app lineup.

Ways outdoor adventure apps enhance accessibility in the outdoors 

Navigational assistance

Outdoor environments can present navigation challenges for individuals with disabilities, but apps are addressing this issue by providing features, like:

• Voice-guided navigation – BlindSquare features voice-guided navigation tailored for visually impaired users, using GPS and location-based data to provide real-time guidance.
  
  
• Detailed accessibility information – Wheelmap, a crowdsourced platform, provides detailed accessibility information for outdoor spaces, including trails, parks, and recreational areas, helping outdoor enthusiasts plan their activities based on their accessibility needs.

Adaptive equipment recommendations

Many outdoor activities require specific equipment, which can create barriers for individuals with disabilities. Outdoor apps are addressing this challenge by offering:

• Equipment recommendations – Trailforks includes features to filter trails based on difficulty level and accessibility, recommending suitable equipment for users with disabilities.
  
  
• Community forums – Platforms like Access Trax integrate community forums where users can share adaptive equipment recommendations and experiences, fostering a supportive community for individuals with disabilities in outdoor activities.

Safety alerts and assistance

Safety can be a major concern when it comes to outdoor and adventure activities, particularly for individuals with disabilities who may require additional support. Outdoor apps are enhancing safety through:

• Emergency alerts – AdventureSmart sends emergency alerts with location information to designated contacts in case of emergencies, ensuring timely assistance for users with disabilities.
  
  
• Community support – Be My Eyes connects users with volunteers who can provide visual assistance in real-time during outdoor activities, enhancing safety for visually impaired individuals.

Accessible trail mapping

Traditional trail maps may not adequately represent the accessibility of outdoor trails, leading to challenges for people with disabilities. Outdoor apps are improving accessibility through:

• Detailed trail maps – AllTrails provides detailed trail maps with accessibility ratings and highlights features like wheelchair accessibility, terrain type, and elevation changes.
  
  
• User-generated content (UGC) – Wheelmap allows users to contribute accessibility information and reviews for outdoor trails, ensuring that information remains up-to-date and relevant for individuals with disabilities.

Inclusive event planning

Organizing outdoor events that accommodate individuals with disabilities requires careful planning and consideration. Outdoor apps are facilitating inclusive event planning through:

• Accessibility filters –  Eventbrite offers accessibility filters for event organizers to specify accessibility features such as wheelchair access, sign language interpretation, and sensory-friendly environments.
  
  
• Virtual event options –  Meetup provides options for hosting virtual outdoor events, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can participate in outdoor activities remotely.

More outdoor adventure apps with accessible features

TrailLink

TrailLink is a popular outdoor app that provides detailed trail maps and information for various outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and walking. The app includes accessibility filters to help users find trails suitable for their needs, including wheelchair accessibility and surface types. It also encourages users to contribute accessibility reviews and updates, fostering a community-driven approach to enhancing accessibility.

AXS Map

AXS Map is a crowdsourced platform that maps the accessibility of various public places, including outdoor spaces, restaurants, and stores. Users can search for outdoor spaces based on specific accessibility features, such as ramps, accessible parking, and restroom facilities. The app provided real-time updates by allowing users to submit accessibility features, ensuring that information remains accurate and helpful for individuals with disabilities

Conclusion

Outdoor and adventure apps are playing a pivotal role in enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities, making outdoor activities more inclusive and enjoyable.