Almost 15% of the United States population is over the age of 65 years old. This is projected to increase to 20% by 2029. The demand for interpretive educational programming, beyond school aged children, is increasing dramatically each year.
Distance Learning is a fantastic tool that interpreters can use to reach this new audience, of both Senior Citizens, and people isolated at home due to illness or disability. Distance learning allows you to expand your interpretive reach way beyond the borders of your park, museum or aquarium. Imagine taking a senior community on an interpretive hike, that otherwise wouldn't be accessible to them due to trail conditions, stairs, slope, etc. Think of the value of engaging with people from across the country, and the world, that simply don't have the luxury of leaving their home, due to their physical condition.
This presentation will introduce you to Virtual Photo Walks (VPW), a worldwide online community of people isolated with illness or disability, that are unable to "visit" in person, but who benefit dramatically from the opportuntiy to visit places virtually. Hear from the founder of VPW, John Butterill, about why these programs are so meaningful, and how you can "walk the walk for those that can't" at your park setting, by becoming a presenter. Find out what these programs are like from the presenter's standpoint, and how they differ from a normal interpretive presentation, by talking with Erin Gates, CA State Parks, who has been working with VPW since 2016.