Sensory gardens as places for outdoor recreation adapted to the needs of people with visual impairments

Abstract

The article addresses the question of adapting public spaces, including parks and gardens, to the needs of people with disabilities for the purpose of outdoor recreation. According to the principles of universal design, public spaces should enable social inclusion, which implies respect for current needs of diverse populations. The study described in the article focuses on the needs of people with vision impairment regarding outdoor recreation and adjustments that need to be made in the infrastructure of parks and gardens. The aim of the study was to answer three key questions: (1) How can outdoor experiences be made accessible to people with visual impairments? (2) How can outdoor experiences be encouraged, rethought and redesigned for people with visual impairments? (3) What barriers stop people with visual disabilities from participating in outdoor leisure in sensory gardens? These questions are answered using insights from desk research, data from an inventory of selected sensory gardens and interviews with blind and partially sighted respondents. The study, conducted between June and August 201, covered 15 gardens located in various parts in Poland: in cities, rural areas and areas of natural value. The interviews, involving 32 respondents, were held directly in the gardens in cooperation with the Polish Association for the Blind. The results were used to formulate recommendations for good practice in the field of universal garden design, which can provide sensory experiences for everyone, including people with visual impairments. The observed development of sensory gardens seems to reflects a great interest in this type of outdoor sites, which are conducive to recreation, education, integration, and social inclusion. Solutions applied in sensory gardens should provide inspiration for creating universal gardens, accessible to everyone.