Article - The Great Outdoors Is For Everyone!

Enjoying fresh air and the great outdoors is a treasured American pastime. An outdoor activity can improve our mental, spiritual and physical wellness. It's an important part of maintaining our quality of life. For many of us, taking advantage of these great outdoor establishments isn't given a second thought. We walk, hike, climb, swim, and ski. For others, consideration and advance planning are required. The availability of handrails for steadiness in walking, ramps, elevators or lifts for people who use wheelchairs or rollators, appropriate precautions and signage for people with visual impairment and numerous other issues need to be considered. If these considerations are met, the facility can be enjoyed by people of all physical abilities.

Does golf appeal to you? How about skiing, scuba diving or fishing? Just because you cannot approach these physical activities in the way it is 'usually' done doesn't mean you have to miss out on the fun. There are organizations that have made it part of their mission to identify accessible outdoor facilities and provide information regarding adaptive gear that accommodates people with disabilities. Some of these organizations also provide training or volunteers who can act as guides and instructors to help you figure out how to approach these activities safely.

The staff at Dynamic Living researched and picked out a few interesting organizations to show you the range of pastimes that you can enjoy regardless of your physical challenges. We believe that you can glean information from these resources that will help you rethink outdoor activities at any level of capability.

National Sports Center for the Disabled

Considered the "largest-and most successful-outdoor therapeutic recreation agency in the world," The National Sports Center for the Disabled encourages people with disabilities to get out onto the ski slopes and golf links. Their website has bountiful information on Colorado's outdoor offerings and provides a look-up facility for activities in other states as well. When you visit their website, be sure to look at the checklists they suggest as you prepare for your adventure.

Website: http://www.nscd.org/
Address:
P.O. Box 1290
Winter Park, Colorado 80482
Phone: 970-726-1540 or 303-316-1540
Email: info@nscd.org

Fishing Has No Boundaries, Inc.

The goal of this non-profit organization is to "open up the great outdoors for people with disabilities through the world of fishing." They started small and have grown into a national organization with 13 chapters in 8 states. Visit their website or call them for information about membership, upcoming events, or starting a chapter in your area. While on their website, be sure to look at the Gear page, a listing of adaptive fishing equipment that includes contact names and phone numbers for the manufacturers. If you are interested in hands-free fishing or electric reels, this gear list is for you!

Website: http://www.fhnbinc.org/
Address:
P.O. Box 175
Hayward, WI 54843
Phone: 800-243-3462
Email: info@fhnbinc.org

North American Riding for the Handicapped Association

NARHA promotes "the benefit of the horse for individuals with physical, emotional and learning disabilities." Referred to as hippotherapy, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech-Language Pathologists have discovered that horseback riding can be extremely therapeutic, while also being extremely enjoyable! Based in Denver, CO, NARHA boasts 650 centers across North America. Their website has a search feature to find a center near you.

Website: http://narha.org/
Address:
P.O. Box 33150
Denver, CO 80233
Phone: 1-800-369-7433
Email: narha@narha.org

Handicapped Scuba Association International

HSA International is a non-profit organization dedicated to "improving the physical and social well being of people with disabilities through the exhilarating sport of scuba diving." They have instructor training programs, offer dive vacations and accessible travel information. Another world can be opened up to you when you go under water!

Website: http://www.hsascuba.com/
Address:
1104 El Prado
San Clemente, CA 92672-4637
Phone: 949-498-4540
Email: hsa@hsascuba.com

United States Association of Blind Athletes

The mission of the USBA is "to increase the number and quality of grassroots-though-competitive, world-class athletic opportunities for Americans who are blind or visually impaired." USABA trains blind and visually impaired athletes in nine sports - alpine and nordic skiing, goalball, judo, power lifting, swimming, tandem cycling, track and field and wrestling. They offer calendars of events and coach identification.

Website: http://www.usaba.org
Address:
33 N. Institute St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: 719-630-0422
Email: mlucas@usaba.org

Don't be discouraged from enjoying the great outdoors. Using the Internet, you can obtain information regarding the recreational opportunities available in your area. Simply performing a search on http://www.google.com/ or one of the other major search engines will lead you to numerous websites with information and products to enhance your enjoyment of the outdoors. Also check with your State's Environmental Protection Department (either by phone or on the Internet) for similar information.

© Copyright 2003 Dynamic Living, Inc.
Dynamic Living Newsletter may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter.

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