Non-Disabled Privilege Checklist (free pdf)
Estimated reading time: 7 - 14 minutes
Post summary:
This post includes a link to download the checklist which focuses on nature based spaces, events, and activities, information about the purpose of the checklist, a disclaimer, defines terms used in the checklist, reviews information about community contributions, and info about the creator and who they were inspired by.
This post includes the 31 non-disabled privilege checklist statements
This is a checklist focusing on privilege within nature based spaces and nature based events and activities. You can download this checklist for free.
Purpose: This checklist can be used in a variety of ways. 1) As an education tool to bring awareness to some of the experiences disabled people have in nature spaces or when participating in nature based activities 2) As an educational tool for self-reflection on your personal privilege and 3) As an educational tool to identify areas that can be improved in the nature space or nature activities you are a part of
Disclaimer: This tool is not intended to capture every disabled person’s experience in a nature space or when participating in nature based activities or events, to be used as a diagnostic tool, or criticize anyone’s privilege.
Term definitions:
Non-disabled refers to a person who is not disabled.
Bodymind refers to the inseparable relationship between the body and mind. This term was coined by Margaret Price. You can learn more about this term and its use on the Stimpunks Foundation’s glossary page.
Nature space refers to any space that has natural elements and is often used to appreciate those elements. This includes parks, gardens, piers, beaches, etc.
Nature based activity refers to any activity that primarily involves participating in natural elements. This might include walking on a trail, gardening, or herbalism.
Nature event or nature based event refers to any event that is facilitated by an organization or community where participating in nature is the goal. This can include a town festival, like a cherry blossom festival or a community picnic.
Anyone can contribute to this list
This is a living document and will be updated periodically. Anyone can contribute to this checklist. Submitted contributions will be added in a section titled “Contribution statements From the Community.” If you would like to add a statement to this checklist, please email Kristie at Kristiecab@gmail.com and write “Checklist Contribution” in the subject section of the email.
If you would like to request any changes (ex: language) to be made to this checklist, please email Kristie at Kristiecab@gmail.com and write “Checklist Change” in the subject section of the email.
Creator: Kristie (they/them) is an accessibility and inclusivity consultant with a background in occupational therapy. They support nature and food spaces, such as farms, gardens, parks, etc. by helping them improve their accessibility and inclusivity practices. They believe that everyone should have access to nature spaces where they can feel safe and engage in healing, recreation, rest as well as cultural, ancestral, and traditional practices. You can contact Kristie at KristieCab@gmail.com or visit their website at KristieCabrera.com.
Inspired by: This checklist was inspired by the countless disabled creators and allies who have shared their checklists with the public. This includes Lydia X. Z. Brown, Melissa Graham, Cara Liebowitz, and Michael Szporluk.
Non-Disabled Privilege Checklist: Nature Spaces and Nature Based Events and Activities
I can easily visit a nature space or nature based event whenever I have the time.
I am able to visit a nature space alone.
I can easily navigate the nature spaces around me without difficulty.
Any essentials I need to bring to a nature based space or event are lightweight and easy to carry.
I can easily find nature spaces, nature based events and activities that meet my needs, interests, and ability levels.
People do not tell me I should not or cannot participate in a nature space, nature based event or activity because of my bodymind.
I feel confident that organizations create nature spaces, nature based events and activities for people with my bodymind.
I can easily figure out if I am able to participate in a nature space, nature based event or activity by reading the event listing or description
I have access to reliable transportation options that will take me to a nature space or nature based event.
I can be reasonably assured that I won’t be late to a nature space or nature based event or activity due to access barriers.
I do not have to prepare for worst case scenarios, such as getting lost or not having access to a bathroom when I visit a nature space or attend a nature based event or activity.
I can go to a natue space or nature based event or activity and be around other people who have similar experiences as me or who look like me.
I do not expect or experience being stared at, asked rude questions, or have rude comments made towards me when I participate in a nature space or nature based event or activity.
I never feel as if my bodymind makes people uncomfortable when I am in a nature space or participating in a nature based event or activity.
I can engage in a nature space or nature based event or activity in whatever way feels natural to me without worrying that I will be perceived as a threat.
When I visit a nature space or nature based event or activity, I feel confident that I will be able to communicate with others and be understood.
If I am unable to participate in a nature space or nature based event or activity, I can express this without being perceived as a burden.
I can attend a nature space or nature based event or activity and not be perceived as an inspiration.
I do not feel I am at risk of being tokenized in a nature space or at a nature based event or activity.
I feel confident that if a nature space or nature based event has activities, I will be able to participate in them without assistance.
I feel confident that I will not be pitied or treated like a child if I need support in order to engage in a nature space or nature based event or activity.
I don’t need special equipment or assistive technology to participate in a nature space or nature based event or activity.
I am able to find affordable clothes, accessories, tools, equipment, and assistive technology to participate in nature spaces or nature based events or activities that are designed for my bodymind (ex: gardening tools).
If there are staff or facilitators at a nature space or nature based event, I feel confident that they will communicate directly to me, not to the people who are with me.
If a nature space or nature based event has food or refreshments, I can assume my diet will be represented.
When I attend a nature space or nature based event or activity, I am not impacted if the people there wear chemically based products (ex: perfume) or if there is only fragranced hand soap available.
If a nature space or nature based event or activity makes me feel uncomfortable, I can easily leave.
I can easily find leaders in nature based spaces who have similar experiences as me.
People who receive formal training to facilitate nature based experiences or activities (ex: forest therapy guides) have opportunities to learn about people like me during their training.
I can share my knowledge about nature or nature based activities without having my knowledge on the subject questioned because of my bodymind.
I can easily find housing that will allow me access to a nature space within close distance (ex: backyard).