birding...

dba Canada Trip http://www.disabledbirdersassociation.co.uk

Whilst many reserves are sensitive to the needs of some disabled people many more do not. Very, very few have thought through the needs of all disabled birders. There is still a tendency, in the UK at least, to make the assumption that disability access and wheelchair access are one and the same.

Clearly there is a need to make hides and walks accessible to people who use wheelchairs… indeed it would be a great start, but this would not help many people whose mobility is limited, nor those who have problems with sight, hearing etc. Until very recently no organisation existed to focus on these problems and bring some pressure and information to bear.

I have a stake in the debate having suffered from arthritis for 30 years that can, at times, very severely limit the distance I can walk. A little thought at many reserves and parks would make a huge difference to me and, obviously, a great many other people.

The birds must come first of course, but that aside a little effort could make many places more accessible than they are. Furthermore, such improved physical access needs to be combined with greater sensitivity by all birders to those with special needs. The last thing we want to feel is singled out for special treatment. I know of one birder who has great pain when walking who does not take advantage of a policy at a RSPB reserve which would make his birding a much more comfortable experience. He could drive the mile between the car park and the first hide – he doesn`t because he prefers the pain to the other alternatives which are the accusing and disapproving looks of birders who walk the mile or the patronising smiles of those who realise that it is not idleness but disability that allows someone to drive there.

Our society, particularly the commercial part of it, tends to cater for the average rather than the range of people who make it up. Such narrow perspectives make life difficult for the majority not just minorities. For example, the majority of people need ramps and wide door access into public buildings but the average person can cope with steps and a narrow entry. The majority is made up of disabled people, overweight people, elderly people, young people, pram pushing parents etc. Why is it that the tall, able-bodied, slim male has everything designed for him… simply because he is the designer!

So, disability is an issue that calls for societal change. Society and its provision is the problem, not the person with a hearing aid, wheelchair, crutches or a white stick. After all, if we settled for the average provision in all things most of us would look bizarre; wearing size 12 dresses and size 6 shoes, and this would be the men as well!

The Disabled Birders Association (see below) was set up to combat poor attitudes and provision across the board. It exists to encourage everyone to think about what can be achieved with sensitivity and good design, often for no more money than current provision. It is not just about reserve paths and the design of hides and their access. Optics manufacturers need to think about spectacle wearers, tour companies need to think about whether the hotels they use can offer bathing facilities for people who need to use wheelchairs, the list is endless.

Consider, for example, (and it is a real example) the reserve manager who has laid level paths with even dry surfaces so that wheelchair users can get around and has then fitted a kissing gate at the beginning of the path! Consider too the many hides up and down the country that have a ramp up to them but no window at a suitable height for someone using a wheelchair. Consider above all the terrible standard design of hides that cause the majority of people to come away with a crick in the neck or aching back because the average has been applied to the height of viewing slots and benches rather than a range of heights.

I urge everyone, disabled or able bodied to visit the DBA website and join up (for free) and help make birding truly accessible to all wherever possible.

Bo Beolens Aka The Fat Birder; Founder - The Disabled Birders Association