CLEARFIELD – With support from the CVS Foundation, Nature Abounds will design a “Watch the Wild” package specifically for children with disabilities. “Watch the Wild”, a citizen-science volunteer opportunity of Nature Abounds where volunteers report back on wildlife, weather and seasonal changes, is a relatively-unstructured way to get children with disabilities outside using their senses, learning about nature, and building their self-esteem. First, Nature Abounds will survey leaders and caretakers of disabled children on what they see as being most useful in getting the children outside, what activities they would like to do while also maintaining the time outdoors as relatively unstructured, as well as what type of reporting system works best for them. Additionally, input will be gathered from parents or other caregivers of children with disabilities.
Next, Nature Abounds will design materials for the children as well as for the caregivers. In doing so, the staff will concentrate on incorporating the senses – like sight, sound, and smell. Likewise, basic language will be used, making the text easy to understand. After a draft package is ready, Nature Abounds will offer the draft package to the surveyed caretakers to review it and make suggestions for betterment and provide. This caregiver group will also become an advisory board that Nature Abounds can call on in the future when looking for new ways to make our programs inclusive for children with disabilities. Finally, Nature Abounds will also offer the package to groups that work with children with disabilities.
For more information, please contact Nature Abounds at 814-765-1453, email info@natureabounds.org, or see Nature Abounds’ website at www.natureabounds.org. Nature Abounds is a 501c3 national non-profit organization, located in Clearfield, bringing people together for a healthy planet.