Innovative trail guide improving accessibility to national parks

Avid bushwalker and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) volunteer Patrick Saunders has developed an all-ages guide for the Ridge Trail in Mount George Conservation Park to support autistic people and their supports understand what to expect before setting out on the walk.

The 17-year-old is the youngest member and the first non-speaking autistic person appointed to South Australia's Disability Minister's Advisory Council.

Drawing on his lived experience, Patrick worked closely with NPWS staff, to develop a social story so autistic people can make informed decisions before they head out to the trail. Social stories are designed to reduce anxiety and support people to build confidence in new situations.

The new Ridge Trail guide describes what people may experience through their senses, and features photos and written descriptions of the trail. It also includes a suggested packing list to stay safe on a day hike, developed through consultation with Walking SA.

Patrick’s social story is just one of numerous initiatives NPWS is delivering to make South Australia’s parks more accessible and inclusive for everyone to enjoy.

This includes the recently installed changing places facility with a height-adjustable adult-sized change table and a communication board for playground users at Belair National Park.

The Mount George Conservation Park Ridge Trail social story is available on the NPWS website.

For more information about South Australia’s parks, visit: http://www.parks.sa.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Patrick Saunders 

I believe that everyone belongs on our trails, and I have developed this guide for all ages and supports.

This guide is quite different to social stories developed by parents, therapists, teachers and people who speak to communicate. It will help people make informed decisions about what they need to know before heading out on the trail, keeping them safe and supporting them to have an enjoyable bushwalk.

For years, people believed I didn't understand anything. For too long, autistic people have been infantilised, and it's been assumed they didn’t understand difficult concepts.

If we start from a position that all autistic people are capable and develop resources that provide all the information, they can make their own informed decisions.

Quotes attributable to Yvie Eglington, Access for All Coordinator, NPWS 

National Parks and Wildlife Service is so excited to launch this project, as what we believe is a world-first trail guide developed by a non-speaking autistic person.

Patrick's attention to detail and unique perspective have helped create a guide that offers genuine insight into the trail experience and will benefit many visitors.

Accessibility is about ensuring people have the information and support they need to participate, and this guide is a great example of that in action.