Wheelchair Accessible Outdoor Adventure for Families
As avid adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts, we were initially heart broken and overwhelmed when we learned that our middle son would never walk. I was consumed with the thought that our days of exploring the great outdoors were over and that we would be confined to our basement playroom forever.
Looking back, of course I see this as ridiculous, but I didn't have anyone in my social circle who could offer me a different perspective. That's why I take every opportunity to share our adventures and make it known that life doesn’t end with a disability!
If you’re reading this, you're probably already an outdoor adventurer, which means you’re aware of the physical and mental health benefits of spending time outdoors. It reduces stress and anxiety, improves overall health, and can even lengthen your lifespan. We all crave the feeling of sunshine on our skin and being in nature, whether we realize it or not.
Losing that because you’re no longer physically able to get outside would certainly have the opposite effects - negatively impacting your health!
GETTING STARTED
No one can deny that outdoor adventure comes with inherent obstacles for the mobility challenged - rocky terrain, sandy beaches, grassy fields, and steep hills are just the beginning.
The first step is to take a deep breath and know that you’re not alone - there are plenty of wheelchair users adventuring in the outdoors. If you’re looking for some accessible adventure ideas, check out wheelchair travelers like Wheel Channing and Curb Free with Cory Lee who have had all types of adventures all around the globe! My own blog, Wonders Within Reach, shares accessible itineraries with all sorts of family activities
SEARCH FOR ACCESSIBILITY
Headed to a national park or outdoor location and not sure what you’ll find?
Search the destination plus “wheelchair accessible.” Most times, the park will have an accessibility page sharing accessible trails, facilities, equipment rentals, and handicap driving and parking information. National and state parks typically have at least one wheelchair accessible trail. Always check first, but they’ve been working hard to be more inclusive. Some of the parks that can’t be accessible, like Staunton State Park in Colorado, have track chairs or other equipment to get you through.
If nothing comes up on the park website, don’t give up. The chances are still high that a wheelchair user has gone before you and left a breadcrumb trail for you to follow! Disability travel bloggers will often highlight accessible park trails along with nearby accessible hotels, campsites, and even dining options!
All Trails is another good option for finding accessible trails.
Around the globe you can also search for rail trails. These are typically paved or packed dirt/gravel. Rail trails are our easiest go-to when we’re looking for a trail we can manage with our regular wheelchair.
If you’re still struggling, search stroller friendly trails in the destination. There are a lot more mommy bloggers than disability bloggers, so they canvas a lot more space. Stroller friendly trails are not always wheelchair accessible, but they often require a similar width and smoothness that makes them worth checking out.
Mountain trails aren’t the only accessible options you’ll find. If you're a beach lover, you can still enjoy the outdoors by visiting accessible beaches that offer loaner beach wheelchairs or surf chairs.
FIND ADAPATIVE ADVENTURES
Once you’ve found what’s accessible to you, you can bring it up a notch by looking for adaptive adventures. Just change the wording in your google search to “adaptive ___ (destination).”
This is how you’ll get off the beaten path and into the wild with adaptive cycling, kayaking, skiing, zip lining, horseback riding, and hiking. Most regions have their own adaptive sports centers that welcome people of all abilities from all locations. You’ll be amazed at the equipment available to make your mountain adventure dreams a reality. Most of these programs welcome the entire family, and some of them are covered by generous grants - making them low-cost or free to you.
CONSIDER GEAR
If you’re a frequent adventurer, there is equipment available to get you outdoors that might be worth your investment.
When our son was younger, we started with an all-terrain stroller. The Bob Revolution rolls like clouds across pretty rough gravel. It was also the best thing we had for sand. Try Facebook marketplace before buying it new. Babies always seem to be growing up…
When our son got a little big for the stroller, we transitioned to an all terrain wagon and a child carrier (NOT a baby carrier. My Freeloader is weighted for up to 75 pounds). Our Veer wagon is a beast. It’s not always a smooth ride, but we hauled that thing over boulders and tree stumps and anything else that dared stand in our way. For anything that involved climbing more than hiking, we used the carrier.
These are pretty expensive, but you can rent them from a variety of organizations around the world or look at grants based on both your physical and financial needs. Search “adaptive bike” and your state to see what’s near you. If it’s something you’ll use often, there are also several giveaway organizations in the U.S. There are programs like The Great Bike Giveaway that do a once a year contest giveaway, but there are also ongoing donations through places like Variety. Both of these donation programs are for children with disabilities, but there are several grants for adults, too.
If you, or the wheelchair user in your family, doesn’t have the arm strength to navigate trails on their own, you can also look at push chairs. These are like adult-sized all terrain strollers. They require an accompanying adult, but can help you get out on the trail! This is another one that is pricey to buy on your own, but there are organizations to help. Many of the same organizations, like Variety, that do bike giveaways, will also help you get a push chair.
I often forget that there are loads of resources to help us get out in nature. Make sure you review the free stuff you may be eligible for before you write off getting the equipment you need!
If you need help getting started, don’t hesitate to ask! I’m happy to connect you with the right resources to get you back to exploring the great outdoors.
NEED MORE INFO? REACH OUT TO JEN:
Web: www.wonderswithinreach.com
Facebook: Wonders Within Reach
Email: jennifer@wonderswithinreach.com
