Creating Inclusive Spaces: Disability Advocacy, Outdoor Access, and Inclusion in Your Community Artwork

Outdoor Adventure Series

The Outdoor Adventure Series is an award-winning podcast produced by Fox Coaching, Inc. It celebrates individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and organizations that seek out and promote the exploration, conservation, stewardship, access, and enjoyment of the outdoors. We are also profoundly interested in the connection between Nature and mental Health.

Please enjoy our episodes, and don't forget to like, comment, and share.

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RADIO/PODCAST Excellence in Craft Awards from the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA):

2024 CONSERVATION or NATURE (Sponsored by The Pew Charitable Trusts)

Second Place: Protecting Coastlines and Waterways: Dr. Chad Nelsen on the Surfrider Foundation’s Mission.

2024 FAMILY PARTICIPATION/YOUTH OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Third Place: Jackie McGonigal – Artful Adventures: Kayaking, Painting, and Connecting with Nature at the Orange Beach Wind and Water Learning Center

2023 - FAMILY PARTICIPATION/YOUTH OUTDOOR EDUCATION
(Sponsored by Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation)

Second Place: Jeff Gray, Superintendent at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Third Place: Tracy Hajduk, National Education Coordinator for the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

2022 CONSERVATION or NATURE
(Sponsored by Pew Charitable Trusts)

First Place: Kris Millgate, Outdoor Journalist
Third Place: Matthew Dickerson, Outdoor Enthusiast

2022 FAMILY PARTICIPATION/YOUTH OUTDOOR EDUCATION

(Sponsored by Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation)

First Place: Isabelle (Izzy) Edwards, Wildlife & Nature Photographer, Artist, and Conservationist

2022 OUTDOOR FUN & ADVENTURE

First Place: Travis Puglisi – Wandering Mojave Hiking Services

2022 PRESIDENT’S CHOICE AWARDS

Isabelle (Izzy) Edwards: Wildlife and Nature Photographer, Artist, and Conservationist

All Episodes

Outdoor Adventure Series

Creating Inclusive Spaces: Disability Advocacy, Outdoor Access, and Inclusion in Your Community

May 15, 2025 • Howard A Fox, Jenna Udenberg • Episode 7038

Creating Inclusive Spaces: Disability Advocacy, Outdoor Access, and Inclusion in Your Community.

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series. In today's episode, we sit down with Jenna Udenberg, an inspiring disability advocate, accessibility educator, and author of the book Within My Spokes.

Growing up in the rugged beauty of northern Minnesota, Jenna’s journey has been shaped by her early diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and a lifetime of navigating—and working to improve—accessibility in her community.

Jenna shares how her love of the outdoors, music, and resilient spirit led her from being a band director to founding her nonprofit, Above and Beyond with You. She opens up about the challenges and triumphs she faced as a wheelchair user in a rural setting, the evolution of accessibility in her hometown of Two Harbors, and her drive to ensure everyone can enjoy nature’s wonders.

DISCUSSION

00:00 "Introductions"

03:22 Overcoming Trauma Through Music

09:25 "Supportive Band Teachers' Impact"

10:02 Adaptation Challenges in Education

14:12 Improving Accessibility Conversations

17:28 Adaptive Outdoor Exploration

22:15 Community Connection Through Stories

24:13 "True Accessibility Needs Better Communication"

27:55 Embracing the Book Writing Journey

33:04 Enhancing Accessibility in Storytelling

37:21 "Embrace Curiosity and Overcome Labels"

LEARN MORE

To learn more about Jenna and her work, visit her website at https://www.aboveandbeyondwithu.org/ and follow her on these social sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091881005060

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aboveandbeyondwithu/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/above-beyond-with-u/

Click here to pick up a copy of Jenna's book, " Within My Spokes: A Tapestry of Pain, Growth & Freedom.

NEXT STEPS

If you enjoy podcasts devoted to outdoor adventure, find us online at https://outdooradventureseries.com. We welcome likes, comments, and shares.

KEYWORDS

Jenna Udenberg, Accessibility, Disability, Diversity & Inclusion, Author, Two Harbors, Howard Fox, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast, PodMatch

#JennaUdenberg #OutdoorAccessibility #Disability #DiversityAndInclusion #Author #TwoHarborsMN #OutdoorAdventureSeries #Podcast #PodMatch

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