Bringing opportunities to connect people and groups with disabilities with natural protected areas

By project GREENHEALTH

Published on 26 November 2024

Spain

Región de Murcia

About this good practice

Persons with disabilities or reduced mobility often face significant challenges when trying to access and enjoy natural protected areas. This lack of accessibility limits their opportunities to participate in recreational and sporting activities, denying them the same experiences in nature that others enjoy. The non-profit organization Zancadas sobre Ruedas, based in the Region of Murcia is working to change that. Comprised of dedicated volunteers, the organization devotes its time and effort to ensuring that people with disabilities can take part in outdoor activities in protected natural spaces.
The services they provide include accessible routes within natural protected areas, giving individuals with disabilities the chance to experience nature up close. They also help users participate in popular events such as races, hikes, and walks organized by other groups, fostering inclusion in community activities. Additionally, the organization supports students with disabilities, accompanying them on school-organized outdoor trips to ensure they can fully engage with nature. In more challenging situations, the team collaborates with ambulance services to assist individuals who wish to visit areas with difficult accessibility.
They have the support of the General Directorate on Natural Environment of the Region of Murcia, which facilitates obtaining permits in those cases where they are needed.

Resources needed

Financial: from donations and public grants.
Human: 350 volunteers (2024). 8-10 volunteers per user and activity. 10 board members and 1 administrative staff.
Technical: adapted equipment: Joëlette monowheel chair, Joëlette Finisher, SOFAO sea bathing wheelchair, adapted kayak…

Evidence of success

1,137 activities since 2018. (122 in Natural Protected Areas).
256 activities in 2023. Average: 4,9 activities/week.
350 volunteer members in 6 years. 257 active during 2023.
314 users as Sept 2024 (164 attended in 2023).
Positive feedback on online health and well-being assessment questionnaires after activities for: the user or caregiver (in case the user cannot do it by themselves); volunteers; and currently working on users’ doctor questionnaires.

Potential for learning or transfer

This initiative can be replicated in other European regions by public authorities, non-governmental organizations, or even individuals who wish to follow this example, helping to provide new or improved accessibility services where they are currently lacking. A key factor for successful replication is establishing or building a network of volunteers, alongside a motivated leadership team that believes in the project and is committed to investing time and effort.
While it may seem challenging, the experience of “Zancadas sobre Ruedas” has shown that there are many people from diverse backgrounds who are eager to get involved and contribute their time to such initiatives. Additionally, one of the strengths of this model is the ability to collaborate with a wide range of entities, including sports clubs, public administrations, and other associations. These partnerships help facilitate the transfer of the approach, making it more adaptable and sustainable in different regions.