Choose to be Curious Ep. #301: Birdability & Making Curiosity Accessible, with Cat Fribley
Oct 16, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Cat Fribley, the Executive Director of Birdability and an accessibility advocate, dives into making birding inclusive for all. She highlights Birdability Week's virtual events and accessible outings designed for individuals with disabilities. Cat emphasizes the importance of curiosity, sharing practical ways to connect with nature while respecting personal limits. Discover how birdsong promotes well-being and mindfulness, and learn about the BirdAbility map that helps assess accessibility at birding sites.
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Access Is Individual And Environmental
- Accessibility is defined differently by each person and the environment often creates disability.
- Cat Fribley urges curiosity to find what access means for individuals so they can decide if a place works for them.
Run Accessible Events And Recruit Volunteers
- Host accessible virtual and in-person events during Birdability Week to center disabled birders.
- Recruit volunteer BirdAbility captains and partner groups to lead accessible outings and grow participation.
Both/And Mindset For Accessible Exploration
- Hold a both/and mindset: try things while also gathering access info ahead of time.
- Curiosity combined with pre-trip information helps people choose sites that match their access needs.