Accessible Recreation Activities

These sites profile specific recreational organizations and programs.

Northeast Passage is a program based in New Hampshire that help persons explore recreation possibilities. They offer "learn how" modules and activity instruction. They offer accessible vacations in the form of 3-4 weekend getaways a year. Rental of handcycles, ice sleds, sport chairs, snow skies and water skies is available. Check out the Connections page. It contains links to numerous resources including many sport specific.

U.S. Adaptive Recreation Center (USARC) runs the Adaptive Ski School at Big Bear Mountain Resort in Southern California. They offer alpine skiing and snowboard lessons which include any necessary adaptive equipment. Summer offerings include adaptive water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking, sailing, and fishing in day camp or overnight sessions.

Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA) International () has programs to train people with disabilities to scuba dive, train and certify HSA instructors, and train able-bodied divers as Dive Buddies. Every year they also plan, coordinate, and conduct several dive vacations. Check out the HSA Instructor Locator Page.

Wilderness Inquiry provides outdoor adventures by canoe, sea kayak, dog sled, horse pack, and back pack. These are group trips comprised of people of all ages and abilities. They encourage individuals with mobility, sensory, and cognitive impairments to participate. On most of these trips participants live in a tent that is put up by the group and participate in camp chores/activities commensurate with individual abilities such as cooking, gathering firewood, telling stories, etc.

The Courage Handi-Ham System is an organization that provides tools for people with disabilities to learn Amateur Radio and technology skills and to earn their Amateur Radio licenses. Instructional material is available on cassette tape or computer disk. Week-long camps are held in Minnesota and California each year as well.

North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) provides information on therapeutic riding. Use this site to find a riding center near you.