Despite COVID-19 getting in the way of everyone’s travel plans for the year, there is still plenty of time to daydream about your next adventure! I’ve written before about some of my outdoor adventures with amazing organizations (read one here). In this blog, I’d like to highlight and share a short list of groups that allow persons with disabilities and/or mobility impairments to not only travel the beaten path, but to experience the one far less traveled.
Below is a list of organizations that I have either had personal experience with, or have been inspired by their mission. Follow their links for more information. Enjoy!
Access Unlimited
Access Unlimited is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides adaptive outdoor adventure trips to those who have experienced life-changing injury or disability. Our trips are aimed at activating one’s inner vigor and passion for life using the power of nature, exploration, and spirit of adventure. To date, Access Unlimited has served individuals from throughout the country, as well as worked in partnership with other non-profit organizations and internationally recognized hospitals. www.challengelimitation.org
No Barriers
The mission of No Barriers is to fully unleash the potential of the human spirit. Through transformative experiences, tools and inspiration, we help people embark on a quest to contribute their absolute best to the world. In the process, we foster a community of curious, brave and collaborative explorers who are determined to live the no barriers life. www.nobarriersusa.org.
Wheel The World
At Wheel the World, our purpose is to empower people with disabilities to explore the world without limits! We do this by offering accessible travel experiences in +40 destinations around the world. Now is the time to stay home and come together as a community. We will be offering online experiences, amazing content about accessible travel, and we want you to be part of it. www.gowheeltheworld.com
Life Rolls On
Life Rolls On is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with various disabilities. Believing that adaptive surfing and skating could inspire infinite possibilities beyond any disability. www.liferollson.org
Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra
We believe the freedom and exhilaration of outdoor challenges changes lives. No one should be left behind simply because of a disability! Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra is a volunteer-based nonprofit dedicated to changing the lives of children and adults with disabilities and their families. DSES has adaptive equipment to fulfill everyone’s winter and summer dreams. Activities are customized to each individual; one-on-one or in a group. Our goal is for everyone to be active year round! DSES makes the outdoors accessible and affordable! www.disabledsportseasternsierra.org
Live It, Love It Foundation
Live It Love It Foundation promotes the progression of Adaptive Adventure and provide outdoor recreation opportunities for everyone. We envision a world where adventure and outdoor recreation is accessible and affordable for everyone with a disability. Empowering Through Adventure! www.liveitloveit.org
Dignity Travel
Dignity Travel is committed to providing easy and accessible international tours for people who have difficulties walking or use a wheelchair. Our tours and services are designed to provide unique experiences while also delivering accessible accommodations, transportation and sightseeing opportunities. Our goal with the distinctive services we offer – such as travel companions who offer personal care assistance for those guests who need additional support while traveling – is to open the world of travel to anyone with a chronic illness, difficulties walking, limited distance walking or physical disability. The intimate group tours we offer our guests strive to make sure that you have a worry-free travel experience, presented in a dignified, fun and adventurous manner. We at Dignity Travel look forward to hosting you on one of wonderful tours soon. www.dignitytravel.biz
And, even if we are not traveling with a group to a new place, we can still look to our local stay-cation places for a change in scenery! Get creative, get inventive, and have fun… After all, that is what adventure is all about.