Commission Agenda Item 11
January 23, 2025
- Item Type: Briefing
- Presenter: Jessica Burke
Accessibility Accomplishments and Program Updates
I. Executive Summary:
Staff will update the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (Commission) on the achievements and ongoing initiatives of the Accessibility Office at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Over the past few years, TPWD has made significant strides in ensuring its facilities, programs, and services are accessible to all. These accomplishments include the completion of the department-wide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan; the formation of the Commission-appointed Accessibility Advisory Committee; the launch of an Accessibility website; the significant expansion of adaptive equipment for use by visitors; internal trainings; presentations at state and national events; and robust community outreach initiatives. This briefing will highlight the importance of accessibility efforts, share success stories from TPWD’s partnerships, and outline future initiatives to ensure that Texans with disabilities are able to fully experience the state’s precious public lands.
II. Discussion:
The TPWD Accessibility Office in the Support Resources Division has achieved a major milestone with the completion of TPWD’s ADA Transition Plan, a comprehensive document providing a clear roadmap for improving accessibility across more than 200 TPWD sites statewide. This extensive effort included detailed assessments of facilities, programs, and policies to identify barriers and establish priorities for addressing them. As a result, the department has implemented numerous infrastructure improvements, removed barriers, and enhanced visitor experiences for people of all abilities. The transition plan not only meets federal requirements but also reflects TPWD’s commitment to going beyond compliance requirements to ensure that all Texans have the opportunity to participate in outdoor recreation to the fullest extent possible.
One of the Accessibility Office’s most notable accomplishments is the launch of a dedicated Accessibility website. Designed with input from the disability community, the site serves as a user-friendly hub for information on accessible facilities, programs, and resources. It provides detailed maps and descriptions of accessibility features at state parks, planning tools for visitors, and testimonials that share the experiences of those benefiting from TPWD’s efforts. This initiative has received recognition for its innovative and community-centered design, demonstrating how a collaborative approach can lead to meaningful outcomes.
The Accessibility Office has also actively shared TPWD’s successes and innovation at multiple state and national events. Highlights include presentations at the National Recreation and Park Association Conference and the American Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference, as well as guest appearances on the Texas Talking Books Project podcast and several podcasts hosted by Texans with disabilities. The program’s efforts have also been spotlighted in various media outlets, including local news stations and newspapers and the Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine. These platforms have allowed TPWD to share its commitment to accessibility and inspire others to enhance their own programs.
Another highlight is the expansion of an adaptive equipment program, featuring a fleet of all-terrain and water-access wheelchairs and a pilot adaptive fishing gear program in partnership with the Texas Technology Access Program at the University of Texas. These resources allow visitors to fully engage with the natural world. The program has received overwhelmingly positive feedback and continues to grow in popularity, ensuring that outdoor recreation is accessible to everyone.
The Accessibility Office has also deepened its engagement with the disability community through partnerships and outreach activities. Working with the Commission-appointed Accessibility Advisory Committee and organizations such as the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Texas Parent to Parent, Texas Council on Aging, Texas Advocates, Texas Department of Health and Human Services — Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Lone Star Paralysis, National Federation for the Blind, Texas Parasports, Texas Special Olympics, Texas State University Recreational Therapy program, the Epilepsy Foundation, and more, TPWD has strengthened relationships, enhanced programming, and developed innovative solutions to accessibility challenges. Events like Texas Deaf Outdoors Day exemplify this commitment, offering outdoor opportunities tailored to the needs of underrepresented groups. These partnerships underscore the value of listening to and working alongside the community to create welcoming spaces and programs.
The Accessibility Office has also prioritized staff training to ensure that all TPWD employees are equipped to provide exceptional service to all Texans, including those with disabilities. Over the past few years, the office has developed and delivered a comprehensive suite of accessibility-focused training sessions, reaching hundreds of staff members across the state. These sessions cover topics such as best practices for accessible communication, adaptive recreation programming, and facility design considerations, empowering employees to meet the needs of visitors of all abilities.
Through these initiatives, TPWD has established itself as a national leader in creating accessible outdoor experiences. These efforts are a testament to the department’s ongoing commitment to fostering a welcoming environment, providing all Texans with the opportunity to connect with the state’s natural resources and public lands.