Adelaide, South Australia — South Australian Travis Saunders is calling for policymakers to lead the way in implementing changes to enable more Autistic people to access and enjoy bushwalking, following the release of his Churchill Fellowship Report.
Travis Saunders explored trail creation, accessibility strategies, and skill development programs across North America for his Churchill fellowship investigating models of support to enable Autistic people to bushwalk.
Travis is a passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals and loves exploring the trails around Adelaide with his non-speaking autistic teenage son.
His research includes 16 detailed case studies and innovative recommendations aimed at improving infrastructure, resources, and setting standards to support Autistic hikers. His findings address the needs of Autistic individuals, their caregivers, hiking guides, allied health professionals, and land management agencies, offering practical solutions for inclusive outdoor experiences.
The Fellowship report includes three free toolkits:
- Strategies for Individuals and Support Networks: Techniques and practical ideas to help Autistic people explore trail walking.
- Framework for Bushwalking Organisations: Guidelines for best practices to accommodate neurodivergent hikers.
- Standards for Land Management Agencies: Recommendations for delivering appropriate facilities and Autism specific trail experiences.
“Bushwalking has a transformative effect on mental and physical well-being. I hope these resources empower Autistic individuals and trail creators to embrace and enjoy the beauty of nature,” said Travis Saunders.
Travis hopes his report will encourage more organisations and policymakers to prioritise inclusion in outdoor activities.
How Can Governments Help?
Travis’ Churchill report calls on Governments at all levels to provide specific, targeted interventions (functional supports) to address the immediate needs of Autistic individuals. In the context of bushwalking, functional supports could be funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to include:
- Guided Hikes: Offering guided hikes with trained professionals who understand the needs of Autistic individuals and can provide appropriate support. Currently there is no pay scale in the NDIS that supports hiking guides to grow their businesses in this area. Support Worker style rates of pay do not cover the detailed experience, knowledge and training along with risk management and insurance required to run an operational business in this area.
Provide foundational supports (broader, systemic changes aimed at creating an inclusive environment that supports the long-term well-being of Autistic individuals). In this context local, state and federal governments could fund organisations to:
- Develop training programs for hiking guides, allied health professionals, and disability service providers to better understand and support Autistic individuals in the great outdoors.
- Invest in inclusive Infrastructure – design and maintain trails and outdoor spaces that are accessible and accommodating to the unique needs of Autistic individuals in nature.
- Incentivise groups to establish ‘community hiking networks’ that include Autistic individuals, their families, and carers to foster a sense of belonging and acceptance.
By securing government funding for both functional and foundational supports, we can create a comprehensive and sustainable approach to enhancing the bushwalking experience for Autistic individuals.
This dual approach would ensure that the immediate needs are met while also promoting long-term inclusivity and accessibility.
This project has successfully achieved its aims by providing a comprehensive understanding of the barriers faced by Autistic people in bushwalking and developing strategies to overcome these challenges, promoting inclusivity and enhancing their outdoor experiences.
“I can’t wait to see more Autistic people on the trails feeling supported and empowered,” said Travis Saunders.
To read the case studies, findings, toolkits and recommendations in detail visit The Churchill Trust.