Virtual Program

Join us for the third lecture of the 2023 Compelling Voices season!

Virginia Rose was paralyzed in a horseback-riding accident at age 14, 50 years ago. She has used a manual wheelchair ever since. She began birding 20 years ago and saw no other disabled birders on the trails. Per Virginia, "Birding brought me a serious, joyful, and meaningful experience complete with a community willing to include me on every level."

She founded Birdability nearly five years ago to share the joys of birding with people who have disabilities and other health concerns and to help make birding locations physically accessible and birding communities welcoming and inclusive.

During this presentation, participants will learn exactly who this audience is and how to find them. They will learn about specific access considerations and get instructions on using the amazing Birdability Map. They will learn the steps to implement Birdability in their locales and learn ways to be a more welcoming and inclusive birder. Finally, they will learn about resources for birders with accessibility challenges because birding is for everybody and *every* body!

All are welcome to attend this free event but RSVP is required.

About the series:

Compelling Voices in Birding and Conservation is a joint program series from Chicago Ornithological Society, Chicago Audubon Society, and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Now in it’s sixth year, this special series features unique speakers with very different backgrounds and often under-represented voices. Join us for energizing and engaging presentations from speakers from across the country and spanning expertise throughout the world of bird watching, conservation, and environmental issues.