Universally Accessible Interpretation in South African National Parks

In this webinar, VISSA chats to Chris Patton from SANParks about how their national parks are addressing universal accessibility. Chris has been working at SANParks for almost 30 years and has a Master’s Degree in Environmental and Geographical Science. As a paraplegic using a wheelchair himself, he speaks from experience and is passionate about making SANParks’ visitor experiences accessible to all.

In his presentation, Chris explores the innovative steps taken to make SANParks’ facilities, exhibits, and programmes accessible to visitors in wheelchairs, those with visual and hearing impairments, and those with cognitive disabilities, such as Down Syndrome. Measures taken include special attention to the design of ramps, trails and exhibitions; Brail translations; audio recordings; and specialised training for SANParks rangers to engage with people living with disabilities. Examples highlighted in the presentation include measures taken in the Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant Park, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Mapangupwe National Park and the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre.

Visit our YouTube channel to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8340AEg-E-Q&feature=youtu.be