Celebrating the Accessibility Internship (formerly Birdability Internship) Program's Recognition as 2025 Project of the Year
Image Description: A young woman in an outdoor setting is holding binoculars up to her eyes, looking intently at something in the treetops. She is wearing a light-colored button-up shirt and a cap. Behind her, a man wearing glasses, a light NPS uniform shirt, and a cap is also gazing upwards. The surrounding environment is lush and green, filled with tall trees and dense foliage.
We are thrilled to announce that the Accessible Birding Internship (formerly the Birdability Internship) developed by Birdability, in partnership with Environment for the Americas (EFTA) and the National Park Service (NPS), has been honored as a 2025 Project of the Year by The Corps Network.
This groundbreaking initiative is dedicated to creating inclusive outdoor experiences for individuals with disabilities while fostering professional development in conservation. Launched in 2024, the program engaged six interns with lived experiences of disability, including mobility challenges, legal blindness, neurodivergence, and Deafness/hearing loss. These interns worked across four national parks—Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Saguaro National Park, Salem Maritime and Saugus Iron Works National Historic Sites, and George Washington Memorial Parkway—to design and implement accessible birding events.
Image description: An intern wearing a light colored shirt is holding a 3D bird model as he speaks with participants from the Carroll Center for the Blind at an accessible event.
Their efforts included partnering with organizations like the Carroll Center for the Blind and leading inclusive activities such as field trips and birding sessions. The interns' firsthand perspectives were crucial in identifying barriers and proposing solutions to make natural spaces accessible to all. Notably, the program provided career pathways for individuals with disabilities, with interns gaining certifications such as the Public Land Corps Authority certification, opening doors to careers in conservation.
The program's impact extended beyond its participants, influencing communities and fostering partnerships. Events designed by the interns brought together individuals who had previously faced barriers to outdoor activities, creating lasting connections and increasing outdoor accessibility. Collaborations with institutions like Gallaudet University and the Carroll Center for the Blind underscored its commitment to building a network of support for disabled individuals.
Looking ahead, the Accessibility Internship Program aims to expand, doubling the number of interns and increasing its reach to six national parks in 2025 with support from the NPS. With plans to develop a comprehensive guidebook for accessible birding activities, the program aspires to redefine inclusivity in conservation and inspire similar initiatives nationwide.
Image description: A woman leading a bird outing uses ASL while a man using a power wheelchair looks into the woods while following her on a path with a number of other individuals, some using mobility devices and some walking.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to EFTA and NPS, as well as all of the fantastic 2024 interns involved in this remarkable achievement. This recognition underscores the importance of access and inclusion in conservation and the power of inclusive initiatives to make nature welcoming for everyone. As EFTA shared on their blog, “This program represents a powerful step forward in bridging disability justice and environmental education. We’re proving that the outdoors is for everyone, and we’re just getting started.”
We are seeking applicants for the 2025 Accessible Birding Internship now - please apply here and join us in making birding and natural spaces more accessible and inclusive!
An EFTA staff person and an Accessible Birding Intern pose in their light-colored uniforms in front of the Saguaro National Park sign in summer 2024.
