Accessibility and therapeutic gardening
Picture: Toronto Rehab Centre garden
Accessibility and therapeutic gardening are two distinct but intertwined concepts.
Gardening can be very healing for people who face physical or mental illness, or are experiencing the effects of poverty, marginalization and other stressors. However garden accessibility is not limited to spaces meant for healing. It’s also for healthy people who have mobility or sensory restrictions and removing barriers within public spaces, work places and homes.
The strategies for increasing all kinds of access and creating welcoming spaces often overlap, so we have included links for both on one page.
Provincial accessibility laws
Note: Ontario is the first Canadian province to pass a law to improve accessibility - the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Requirements vary according to size and type of organization, but don't assume it doesn't apply to you! Find out more about expectations for private businesses, non-profit organizations and government bodies at the provincial government site.
A google search will turn up many consultants who will help you comply with AODA (for a fee).
Enabling gardening
Waterloo's Guide to Barrier-free Community Gardening
Articles and links on accessibility & gardening compiled by a gardener who uses a wheelchair.
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation have a page on Gardening from a Wheelchair.
Therapeutic gardening
Let's Grow: Gardening Activities to Promote Mental Health, Healthy Eating and Physical Activity - a manual put out by Central Toronto Community Health Centres. Includes a section on cultivating therapeutic spaces.