Live / Designing Accessible Environments Where Everyone Belongs
Includes a Live Web Event on 11/11/2026 at 2:00 PM (EST)
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Beyond the Minimums Series Part 4: Designing Accessible Environments Where Everyone Belongs
Virginia Burt, FCSLA, FASLA, will explore how accessible landscape architecture can move beyond baseline compliance to create outdoor environments where people of all abilities feel welcomed, supported, and able to participate fully. Through a practical, people-centered lens, Virginia will examine how site planning, sensory-rich design, material selection, circulation, and maintenance can work together to foster belonging across parks, playgrounds, public spaces, and community landscapes.
This presentation is brought to you in partnership with the Landscape Architecture Foundation.
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify the difference between minimum accessibility requirements and biopsychosocial approaches to landscape architecture.
- Describe practical design strategies that support inclusive participation in parks, playgrounds, public spaces, and community landscapes.
- Recognize how site planning, circulation, sensory experience, materials, and long-term maintenance contribute to more accessible and welcoming outdoor environments.
- Analyze projects to understand design strategies that broaden accessibility and inclusivity.
William (Bill) Botten
Accessibility Consultant
PlayCore
Botten who currently works as an accessibility consultant joined the U.S. Access Board in 2000 and served for 22 years (retired in 2022) in several capacities while on staff including as a senior accessibility specialist, technical assistance coordinator, and the training coordinator. He was part of a team that developed the combined guidelines for the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Architectural Barriers Act and was the lead staff for the development of guidelines and technical assistance materials for the rulemaking on outdoor developed areas. Bill specializes in accessibility issues related to recreation facilities and outdoor developed areas.
Virginia Burt
Virginia Burt Designs
Virginia T. Burt, FCSLA, FASLA, founded Virginia Burt Designs in 1996. A landscape architect and creator of gardens and landscapes of meaning, she is the recipient of numerous honors for her work, including national awards from both the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects. She is one of seven women in the world with fellowships from both societies for outstanding contributions to the profession.
Jennie Sumrell (Moderator)
CORE Community Outreach Director
PlayCore
Jennie worked in the field of childhood development and exceptional learning for nearly fifteen years. She has a Master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Jennie joined PlayCore in 2008 and serves as the Community Outreach Director within PlayCore’s Center for Outreach, Research and Education. Deeply passionate about inclusive, intergenerational play, Jennie utilizes her expertise and personal experiences as an educator to positively impact the development of innovative play and recreation destinations that focus on community health and wellness.
This session will offer the following credits:
 |  |  |
| 0.1 IACET CEU | 1.0 AIA LU | 1.0 LA CES PDH |
CEUs for a total of 1.0 Professional Development Hours (0.1 IACET CEU / 1.0 AIA HSW LU / 1.0 LA CES HSW PDH) will be provided to learners meeting the following requirements:
- Be present for 95% of the duration of the learning event;
- Participate in activities and discussion throughout;
- Complete assessment with 80% mastery of learning outcome;
- Complete feedback/evaluation survey.
CEUs can be applied toward NRPA CPRP/CPRE renewal. To obtain your CEU, please visit the "Event Details" tab above to complete the associated components for this event.
Instructor(s) Disclosures:
The instructors of this training webinar are employed by PlayCore and disclose an interest in attendees partnering with PlayCore on their play and recreation initiatives.
Speakers Disclosures:
The opinions of the speakers in these events do not necessarily reflect the views of PlayCore and its brands.
Notes:
For any questions or to request a copy of the written transcript for this session, please contact [email protected]
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