And still in Jupiter, North Jupiter Flatwoods is the first natural area in the state of Florida to be certified as an ‘Autism-friendly’ site by FAU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. The natural area features a half-mile of accessible paved nature trails, a boardwalk, and a fishing pier. There’s also a mile-and-a-half sandy hiking trail leading to a covered observation platform. Sensory touch stations, benches for resting and viewing nature, a swing seat, enhanced signage with iconography, and fencing to help guide individuals along the walkway and away from water are all part of its accessible offering, many of which can be helpful and calming to those with sensory sensitivities.
Hikers move between 160 acres of flatwoods, wet flatwoods, depression marsh, and swamp ecosystems preserved here. North Jupiter Flatwoods is home to several populations of rare plants including Atlantic St. John’s-wort, trumpet creeper, and yellow jessamine. Additionally, this natural area is within a short drive to Ernie Els’ Els for Autism, a center offering evidence-based programs for thousands of families and individuals impacted by autism.
As I sway in the park’s swing as the sun begins its quiet descent, I acknowledge that the world too is slowly starting to swing in the right direction, and that people with visible and invisible disabilities should also be accommodate for to explore our beautiful planet. I have at times felt invisible in the world as a traveler with unseen symptoms, and since TBIs are so little understood and often not believed, I usually don’t bring it up while traveling. But right now, I feel grateful for those who are starting to see, validate and cater to us—some pretty amazing folks who are out here living in spite of it all.