Opening the Outdoors – Discover Parks Activities Now in American Sign Language

Nature’s beauty is universal, but for many, its deeper lessons are not as easily accessible.

Hearing children may learn about the names of trees, the habits of animals, or the importance of conservation simply by overhearing conversations during a family outing. Deaf children, especially those in families who do not sign, often miss out on this vicarious learning. Now, thanks to Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre (IDHHC), more people will have the opportunity to fully experience and connect with the wonders of the natural world.

IDHHC’s recent project with BC Parks and BC Parks Foundation brings American Sign Language (ASL) to five parks through ASL videos of self-guided nature walks, park tours, and even a sunset photography lesson. This initiative is breaking barriers and opening doors for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community to engage deeply with nature and marks one of the many ways that BC Parks and the BC Parks Foundation are collaborating on bringing the BC Parks' Commitment to Inclusion to life.

For Monika, a Deaf outdoor enthusiast, a daily connection to nature has changed her life for the better. When she first moved from Edmonton to Vancouver Island, she was struck by the beauty around her: “So many beautiful landscapes, tall trees, huge leaves, rivers, the beach on a warm fall day...It is so calming. I feel grounded when I’m in nature.”

Her favourite place is Cape Scott Park, particularly Mt. St. Patrick and San Josef Bay. These spots are deeply personal to her: “That’s where my husband proposed to me. We were looking for shells, and he hid the ring inside one. Later, we got married there, and I bring my children and my dog back to that special place all the time.”

Monika shares the unique challenges Deaf individuals face in nature, particularly regarding safety. Several times, while hiking a trail, people approached Monika about a nearby bear, but they didn’t have the ability to sign their warning. “Another time, I saw a wolf near my campsite, and I worried—what if it came near my tent, and I couldn’t hear it?”

Monika emphasizes that solutions like vibrational alerts or sound-activated light systems would help make parks safer and more inclusive for Deaf visitors. She’s happy that ASL-guided videos are now available for five BC Parks.

"Bringing nature closer to the Deaf community can foster awareness, understanding, and access—and help other people feel safe and welcome in our beautiful natural spaces."

Kristi Falconer, Communications Services Manager for IDHHC, shares a similar passion for accessibility. She explains that many Deaf individuals grow up in environments where their families do not sign, so a lot of vicarious and incidental learning is missed. She says access to ASL interpretation and translations can level the playing field and share information that might have been missed.

Thanks to her leadership, last year’s collaboration among IDHHC, BC Parks, and BC Parks Foundation launched the first ASL self-guided walking tour at Goldstream Provincial Park, accessible via QR codes and DiscoverParks.ca.

Today, that partnership continues with the development of ASL translation for guided tour videos in five BC Parks translation of guided tour videos in five BC Parks.

"Nature is one of the places where the barriers to the Deaf community are lessened,” she says. “We can all see the beautiful trees, breathe the fresh air, and touch the mossy rocks. But when it comes to actually learning about nature, a lot of that happens vicariously. So having the ability to experience nature—its peace and relaxation—while also learning about it is amazing.”

These efforts to create inclusive, welcoming spaces depend on the support of passionate individuals. By supporting initiatives like ASL-guided nature walks and educational videos, you can help break barriers and build a more inclusive world.

Donate today to support BC Parks Foundation’s efforts and visit DiscoverParks.ca to explore programs making BC’s parks accessible to all. Together, we can ensure that nature’s beauty and lessons are within everyone’s reach.