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Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative

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Vol. 6, No. 3 May/June 1998

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Outdoor Fun for Everyone

Everyone wants to take advantage of Mother Nature’s beauty and bounty. Recreational opportunities abound for people with disabilities, whether you plan to enjoy the outdoors in Delaware or venture somewhat farther from home. The following list was compiled by DATI staff to reflect a wide range of options for recreational and leisure pursuits. The accuracy of the descriptions has been verified, but please be aware that inclusion in this list does not constitute an endorsement of the organization or company by the DATI. As with any other product or service, investigate your options thoroughly before committing your participation or financial resources.

Able Sailboat Co. LTD
P. O. Box 4142
Yarrow, Stn. Main
B.C., Canada V2R-5H8
604-823-6897

The “Mini - 12” sailboat accommodates sailors with varying degrees of spinal cord injury. It can be navigated by individuals with no lower extremity function and severely reduced upper extremity function.

Access-Able Travel Source
P. O. Box 1796
Wheat Ridge, CO 80034
303-232-2979; 303-239-8486 (Fax)
Internet: http://www.access-able.com

This firm supplies travelers with disabilities and the mature traveler with practical information needed to go across town or around the world. The database has not only accessible accommodations, but everything to make a trip fun and exciting. They have information about scuba diving for persons with all types of disabilities. There are accessible safaris, sailing, raft trips, and even a place where you can learn to sky sail.

Adaptive Sports Center
Crested Butte, CO 81224
800-544-8448 ext. 2296; 970-349-2296
Email ASCI@CSN.NET

The center provides recreational instruction for people with physical disabilities such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, amputations, traumatic brain injury, and visual or hearing impairments. The program also serves individuals with cognitive disabilities such as mental retardation and autism.

All American Outfitters Guide and Service
Brandon Gaudell

Email: darrellbrazell@hotmail.com
Internet: http://home.onestop.net/gilaguide

This guide service specializes in elk, deer, black bear, antelope, cougar, javelina, and turkey hunting in the majestic Gila National Forest of New Mexico.

Backcountry Odysseys
503-585-5464
Email: bco@cyberis.net
Internet: http://www.cruising-america.com/backcountry/rafting.html

Experience the beauty and thrills of Class I to Class V whitewater rafting. Great for families, corporate groups or groups of people who are physically challenged. One to five day trips, camping under the stars or in rustic riverside lodges, fishing as you go. Our trips can be combined with any of our ranch vacations to include guest ranch stays, overnight pack trips, horseback riding and more.

Camp Horseshoe
Little Bits Riding Club for the Disabled
P.O. Box 7426
Edmonton, Alberta, T5E6K1, Canada
403-474-0282 or 477-9706
Internet: http://www.compusmart.ab.ca/jfair/info.htm

Camp Horseshoe offers seven one-week integrated programs for both disabled and non-disabled children and youth. Camp activities include horseback riding, lakeside activities, a recreational program, and campfire fellowship.

Camp Optimism
Attn.: Tifphyne Ward
703 South 23rd St.
Arlington, VA 22202
703-486-2257
Internet: http.//www.novaplaza.com/campoptimism

This summer residential camp for children with disabilities provides medical personnel and routine care on a 24-hour basis. Camp Optimism has programs for swimming, boating, softball, volleyball, soccer, crafts, games, and nature trails.

Dialysis Traveller/Sea Cruises
107-13th Ave.
P.O. Box 218
Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785
800-544-7604 or 813-596-7604; 813-596-0203 (Fax)
Email: DASC@dialysis-at-sea.com

This agency offers a wide range of cruises with full dialysis service on-board. They welcome the whole family and have many years of experience in this specialized service.

Electric Fishing Reel Systems, Inc.
1700 Sullivan Street
P. O. Box 20411
Greensboro, NC 27420
800-654-7168 or 910-273-9101

This company manufacturers small, light-weight electric drive systems for the Penn 320 GTi Super Level Wind Reel. It is easily handled by women, children, senior citizens, and anglers who are physically challenged. A model is also available with a toggle and remote waterproof switch for one arm use.

Freedom Rider
P. O. Box 4188
Dedham, MA 02027
888-253-8811 (toll-free)
Email: FreRder@aol.com
Internet:http://homepage.usr.com/f/frerder/calendar/94692.shtml

The organization publishes a catalog dedicated to the challenged equestrian and a web-based calendar of events and links of interest to the equestrian.

Kids Camps
5455 N. Federal Highway, Suite O
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-989-9330, Extension 2; 561-989-9331 (Fax)
Internet: http://www.kidscamps.com/special_needs.html

This group offers a comprehensive directory of camps and summer experiences. To find a camp of interest, check the listing by region within following categories: developmental disabilities, diabetes, epilepsy, learning disabilities/A.D.D., physical disabilities, mainstream, oncology, speech/hearing impairments, visually impaired, and weight loss.

Metalite Industries
1805 West 4th St.
Spokane, Washington 99204
800-541-5880 or 509-624-4333
Internet: www.metaliteind.com

Chinook pontoon boats offer many options to individuals with special needs. The boats have an open deck layout allowing full access of the entire boat from a wheelchair, 36” wide gates throughout, and an optional Hoyer Lift. A side ramp provides ease of boarding from the dock and front boarding ramps provide wheelchair access to beaches and onto the boat at launch facilities which do not have an accessible dock.

North American Riding for the Handicapped
P.O. Box 33150
Denver, CO 80233
800-369-RIDE, (303) 452-1212; FAX: (303) 252-4610

Regardless of their disabilities, whether physical, cognitive, or emotional, children and adults riding at NARHA riding centers experience a wide range of benefits—from increased flexibility and better balance, to greater confidence and self esteem. Contact the association for a riding center near you.

Sky Ranch Inc.
27955 Terrace Drive
North Olmsted, OH 44070-4962
440-235-2473
Email: SkyRanch1@aol.com
Internet: http://members.aol.com/SkyRanch1/index.htm

Sky Ranch has been created as a non-profit, multipurpose, barrier free, affordable, family campground. Designed to be fun, safe, and family oriented, it provides barrier-free facilities for camping, recreation, and conferences. Opens summer ‘99!

Sky Sailing
31930 Highway 79
Warner Springs, CA 92086
760-782-0404; 760-782-9251 (Fax)

They have installed special factory manufactured hand controls into the “Sailplane Magic.” They assist people with spinal cord injuries in experiencing the magic and the joy of soaring.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports (VASS)
Ascutney Mt. Resort, Brownsville, VT—802-484-3525
Sugarbush Resort, Warren, VT—802-583-4283

VASS is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing sports and recreational opportunities to individuals with disabilities. VASS offers programs in the following sports: horseback riding, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, horse carting, camping, canoeing, aquatics camp, waterskiing, and dog carting.

Wisconsin Hoofers
608-262-1630
Internet: http://www.hoofers.org

The Hoofers outdoor recreation program promotes the intergration of individuals with disabilities who want to participate in sailing, scuba, skiing, riding, hang gliding, mountaineering, and outing (which does everything else.)

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