Swinging in the Swamp

Diane RobainaTessa Sheridan

Diana BurichAngela Giles-MoultonNancy Zawada-ClairSusan Marie Terra

MarshAccess Model of Program Accessibility

MarshAccess Model of Program Accessibility

• Name tags• Sound field• 20 Minute rule• Consistency of visuals• Powerpoint• Schedule review prior to program• Debrief

What are we going to do?

• What is a habitat?• What is a swamp?• What are the common plants

& animals in the swamp?• Create a bio-craft• “Swampo”• Conclusions

Habitat

Woody

vegetation

Mud

Fresh water

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Plants of the Great Swamp

Animals - Mammals

Birds

Biodegradable Focus Scopes

MarshAccess Model of Program Accessibility

BarriersVisually impaired

• Difficulty seeing things to identify in the swamp– Portable magnifiers– Biofacts with textures i.e. bark, pelts, leaves,

models of organisms – Things to smell – white cedar balls, skunk cabbage

• Difficulty moving from place to place– Assisting movement

• Can’t use focus scopes – make audio scopes

Barriers Age related difficulties

• Mobility issues– Assistance while traveling

• Visual issues– Magnifiers– Large text & pictures on field guides

• Hearing issues– Recorders for e-journaling– Digital cameras for photojournal

MarshAccess Model of Program Accessibility

BarriersIntellectual disability

• Difficulty understanding concepts

– Shorten walk– Fewer activities conducted– Simplified field guides– Stickers & pictures as reference materials– Participants look for general named items i.e.

rock, bird, tree

BarriersVisually impaired

• Difficulty seeing things to identify in the swamp– Bring specimens and artifacts inside for viewing– Biofacts with textures i.e. bark, pelts, leaves,

models of organisms – Things to smell – white cedar balls, skunk cabbage

• Difficulty moving from place to place– Shorter trails– Level ground areas for moving around

Barriers Age related difficulties

• Mobility issues– Shorter trails– Level ground areas for moving around

MarshAccess Model of Program Accessibility

Special Programs

• Shorten walk• One animal and one plant will be covered • Simplified field guides• “Swampo” – larger pictures• Focus scope pre-made; participants just

decorate them

Special Thanks to…

Vicki Madden