The Joy and Empowerment of Birding

During this presentation, participants will learn exactly who this audience is and how to find them. They will learn about specific access considerations and get instructions on using the amazing Birdability Map. They will learn the steps to implement Birdability in their locales and learn ways to be a more welcoming and inclusive birder. Finally, they will learn about resources for birders with accessibility challenges because birding is for everybody and *every* body!

About the speaker:

Virginia Rose was paralyzed in a horseback-riding accident at age 14, 50 years ago. She has used a manual wheelchair ever since. She began birding 20 years ago and saw no other disabled birders on the trails. Per Virginia, “Birding brought me a serious, joyful, and meaningful experience complete with a community willing to include me on every level.”

She founded Birdability nearly five years ago to share the joys of birding with people who have disabilities and other health concerns and to help make birding locations physically accessible and birding communities welcoming and inclusive. Birdability became a 501c3 in early 2022 and is based in the US but with a global reach.

This is a virtual event, zoom information will be sent via email prior to the event.

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the Chicago Ornithological Society, and the Chicago Audubon Society are proud to present the Compelling Voices in Birding and Conservation series.

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More about this series:

Compelling Voices in Birding and Conservation

Join us for energizing and engaging presentations focused around birding and conservation. This special series features four unique speakers with very different backgrounds and experiences in the birding community.