New York State
Inclusive Recreation Resource Center

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Now Featuring.... Carole Fraser

Because of her outstanding dedication to ensuring that the outdoors are accessible to people of all abilities, the NYS IRRC has chosen to feature Carole Fraser as our Summer 2008 Inclusivity Hero. As Universal Access Coordinator for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), Carole’s work as an advocate, educator and mentor is helping to make the natural environment accessible throughout the state of New York. Carole has also been invaluable to us here at Cortland for both her knowledge and support of the NYS IRRC.

NYS IRRC Intern Shane Brown recently interviewed Carole at the Schenectady Access Festival. Carole first began her position as the Universal Access Coordinator seven years ago when the DEC was looking for a “spark” to organize staff training on disability awareness, oversee the effort of building accessible sites, to conduct service meetings and to write publications. Carole became the “spark plug” the DEC was looking for. Carole noted that since the DEC now has over 200 accessible sites, her role has shifted to getting the word out about all the wonderful opportunities the DEC has to offer and making sure that programs and services continue to be accessible.

When asked about what she feels is the most rewarding aspect of her job, Carole responded with a story about a woman who uses a wheelchair that she met earlier that day. “Days like today when this woman says how much she loves camping and I inform her about all of the Accessible DEC sites…the woman was so excited.” Carole went on to say how gratifying it is to hear from people who use DEC sites and find that connection with nature or discover a new activity such as bird-watching. Carole also enjoys running events that bring people together and watching the stereotypes just drop away… “I think that inclusion is the key that unlocks the door to understanding ourselves and one another.”

Of course there are also challenges that are part of the job. It is important that designers and builders of accessible sites create universal access while protecting the natural setting. The new challenge, Carole says, is to “…reach people and encourage them to put down the remote, get away from the computer for awhile and find a natural area to download some peace and quiet.”

There are many DEC sites that Carole is proud of, including the 300ft long fishing pier on the South Bay of Lake Champlain. Carole is also very proud of the DEC staff who now understand the need for access and are designing and planning accessible sites with little input from her. “Scaroon Manor has many accessible features and offers something for everyone.” When asked if there is one site she recommends, Carole smiled and said, “It’s hard to choose just one site. I would say any place where people can sit around a campfire at night and share their experiences.” Some of her own favorite activities include anything that exposes her to woods and water, especially fishing. “To catch a fish on a fly that you’ve tied is a great feeling!”

We are very grateful for all the assistance Carole has given to promote the NYS IRRC. Earlier this year, Carole provided a Trails Workshop to staff and students to increase awareness about accessible trail design. Carole has also encouraged DEC staff to attend Inclusion U and assess their own DEC sites so that people with disabilities can learn more about the great work being done by the DEC and its staff. As we travel the state and meet with DEC staff, people constantly remark about Carole’s commitment and passion to making sure that everyone can enjoy the outdoors.  Thank you Carole!

The DEC manages 4.5 million acres of land and is committed to enabling people of all abilities to access fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and other activities on state lands. For more information about outdoor recreation opportunities, visit the DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov.

Written by Shane Brown, TR intern