Keynote Speakers
Melanie Thornton: 10 Simple Steps Toward More Accessible Interpretive Programming
Providing accessible programs requires the ability to anticipate the diversity of one’s potential audience and design with that diversity in mind. We will consider ten ways you can begin to incorporate accessibility into the design of your programming in order to reach a broader audience and create a more inclusive park.
About our speaker:
Melanie has over 30 years of experience working at the intersection of disability, access, and design. Having worked for five years as a park interpreter with Arkansas State Parks, she enjoys bringing these experiences together to assist park and museum professionals in creating more accessible and inclusive environments.
Melanie currently serves as the Coordinator of Access and Equity Outreach at the University of Arkansas Partners for Inclusive Communities. She has presented and consulted internationally.
Carin Channing: Creative Play for Growing Through the Pandemic
Blow off steam. Do something different. Play. And don't let the whimsy fool you! Professional Rest & Creativity Encourager Carin Channing, LCSW, will lead simple creative exercises to process this strange and ever-changing time we're all living. You've been working super hard. Now it's your chance to relax and have some fun.
Who can attend this program: Any park professional who can draw a crooked line. Supplies: Bring something to doodle on and with (any paper and pen/pencil/crayons will do). Come as you are.
About our speaker:
Carin Channing, LCSW is a positively-influencing counselor, coach, and author. Combining mindfulness, neuroscience, and creativity, she encourages and teaches rest and creativity for all beings; not only as hobbies, but as necessities for a life of inspiration, vision, and fulfillment.
Carin is the author of 365 Days of Doodling: Discovering the Joys of Being Creative Every Day and Doodle Book Junior -- 101 Creative Prompts for Kids.