Kerri Jack
"My takeaway is that helping the blind with hiking is 90% communication skills and 10% hiking" - Hiking Buddies Workshop Participant
Hike Nova Scotia is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting a culture of hiking throughout the province. They advocate for people and organizations who enjoy hiking, walking, and snowshoeing. This month, Recreation Nova Scotia is highlighting Hike Nova Scotia’s Hiking Buddies program, a workshop designed to help blind and partially sighted hikers enjoy the trails.
The program includes a workshop that trains volunteers on how to assist blind and partially sighted individuals safely and effectively while hiking. The ultimate goal is to create a network of volunteers who can help blind or partially sighted hikers not just individually, but also during organized hiking events, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to explore the outdoors. The concept for the Hiking Buddies workshop originated from Milena Khazanavicius, a blind hiker who wanted to share her passion for hiking with others facing similar challenges. Milena, a well-respected advocate for the blind and partially sighted community in Halifax, has extensive experience teaching workshops and volunteering with organizations like ReachAbility and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). Hike Nova Scotia applied for and utilized funding through the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage to create the workshop.
During the workshop, sighted participants were given the chance to experience hiking from a blind or partially sighted person’s perspective. This hands-on approach teaches them the skills needed to guide someone safely on various types of trails. The initial workshop was met with enthusiasm, generating interest and media coverage prompting Hike Nova Scotia to organize a follow-up workshop. Feedback from participants highlighted the impact of the workshop. Many praised Milena’s passionate facilitation, emphasizing the importance of communication in assisting blind hikers. Participants appreciated the unique opportunity to understand the experience of needing guidance while hiking, helping to break down barriers and stigmas associated with sight loss.
With a growing number of trained volunteers, Hike Nova Scotia now faces the challenge of securing funding to help blind and partially sighted hikers access trails regularly. Transportation remains a significant barrier, and finding resources to support these efforts is crucial. Hike Nova Scotia is committed to collaborating with community groups that serve individuals with sight loss to expand their outreach. So far, the organization has hosted two Hiking Buddies workshops and is hosting it’s first ever “Escape to the Trails” event on November 30th.
Their hope is to continue offering more Hiking Buddies workshops and create enjoyable hiking experiences specifically catered to blind and partially sighted hikers. Through the dedication of volunteers and advocates like Milena Khazanavicius, Hike Nova Scotia is working to ensure that the great outdoors is accessible for everyone, fostering inclusivity and love for across the province.
Learn more about the Hiking buddies Program on the Hike Nova Scotia website https://www.hikenovascotia.ca/courses-hiking-buddies/ and watch their story on Global News https://globalnews.ca/video/11249299/workshop-teaches-how-to-assist-blind-hikers-on-the-trail and the CBC https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6807462.