Our Story

Founder Brittany Francis is happiest when she’s in nature. She also knows firsthand what it feels like to be excluded from outdoor spaces simply for living in a marginalized body.

As she scrolled on her phone in a doctor’s waiting room, she came across a Shark Tank–style competition at Bridgewater State University that was open to all students. All she needed was an idea.

Brittany had to change the narrative of who sees themselves represented outdoors. She wanted to create a safe environment for them to enjoy the outdoors and to find community. She filled out the application in the waiting room on her phone. A few weeks later, she won the competition. Ample Access Outdoors was born.

Ample Access Outdoors offers guided recreational activities for people of diverse sizes and abilities. Safety, inclusivity, and joy are our priorities: Everyone is welcome and no one is ever rushed or left behind. We offer courses to help you reach your goals, whether you want to hit the trails for the first time or summit a new height.

If you’ve ever asked, “Are outdoor activities just not for me?”
Ample Access Outdoors is here to say, “They absolutely are. Come join us!”

Our Purpose

Ample Access Outdoors exists to make nature accessible and enjoyable for people living in marginalized bodies. Our mission is to break down barriers so that everyone can experience the power and beauty of the natural world. We achieve this through community-building events that are inclusive, adaptive, and positive. No one is judged. No one is rushed. No one is ever left behind.

Safety comes first: All Ample Access Outdoors programming includes ratings for accessibility and trail descriptions so you can choose the activity that is safe for you. We have two co-leaders on every hike and limit group size to provide individualized support.
Come as you are: We honor and respect all intersectional identities, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, body size, ability, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background. All voices are valued. Discrimination of any kind is not acceptable.
No diet talk: We believe your health journey is private and should be discussed with medical professionals. No body talk, including discussions of weight, is acceptable in the AAO community.
Go slow, make friends, have fun: We hike at a pace that is comfortable for everyone in the group. There will be lots of opportunities to take breaks, take pictures, and enjoy the scenery. Having fun is our only goal!

Got questions? We have answers! Check out our frequently asked questions page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meet the Team

Brittany Francis

she/her

is your outdoor bestie! She loves sharing her passion for nature with others. As a special education teacher, Brittany has devoted her career to championing the needs of individuals with diverse abilities. She founded Ample Access Outdoors to make outdoor recreation inclusive, adaptable, and safe for people of all abilities and backgrounds. Through Ample Access Outdoors, she aims to foster an environment where the natural world is open and enjoyable for all.

Mike Francis

he/him

is passionate about community engagement and the outdoors. He loves reading, hiking, and finding the best places for ice cream—especially after a great hike! Mike designs and implements programs that promote community service and personal development, working primarily with higher education students. He is committed to creating inclusive and engaging educational environments for all. He brings enthusiasm, expertise, and a warm sense of community to everything he does.