Come and enjoy a SPACE exclusive outdoor free play session at The Patch.

Our family weeks give people with sight loss and their families an opportunity to enjoy time together in the splendour of Muskoka on beautiful Lake Joseph. Go for a dip in the lake, take a tandem bike out for a spin, go fishing, cruise the lake, or relax by the campfire. There are activities available for all ages! We offer daily kids camp for the children and youth and adult evening programs with separate activities for the children. Family weeks combine the freedom of a cottage or resort with traditional summer camp activities for the whole family to enjoy!

Our family weeks give people with sight loss and their families an opportunity to enjoy time together in the splendour of Muskoka on beautiful Lake Joseph. Go for a dip in the lake, take a tandem bike out for a spin, go fishing, cruise the lake, or relax by the campfire. There are activities available for all ages! We offer daily kids camp for the children and youth and adult evening programs with separate activities for the children. Family weeks combine the freedom of a cottage or resort with traditional summer camp activities for the whole family to enjoy!

Escape and spend a week on the shores of beautiful Lake Joseph in Muskoka. Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, we have something wonderful in store for you.

This session will provide information on scoping and technical requirements for boat slips and technical provisions that apply to gangways connecting floating facilities, accessible routes connecting fixed facilities, clear space, handrail, and edge protection. Additionally, presenters will address associated elements and facilities that support recreational boating and fishing facilities.

Fishing and boating is a sport enjoyed throughout the year. During this prime session, learn about modified procedures and safety protocols during leisure fishing and boating as well as competitive events. There will be time for participants to ask questions of the speaker following the presentation.

Join us as we explore a smartphone app called Skyview Lite. This app allows you to point your smartphone at the sky and you will see stars, planets and space objects that exists in the direction you are pointing. You will also hear the names of stars and space objects announced if you are using your screen reader. You can also use audio beacons to assist you with identifying the location of a planet or star in the sky. 

Funded by a TD Park People Grant

This is the third in a series of three innovative and accessible nature-connection programs. This free, public program is specifically designed to be accessible to people who live with physical disabilities.

Engaging in a regular practice of nature mindfulness and shinrin-yoku/ forest bathing can result in beneficial and long-lasting changes to the brain. We will explore the neuroscience of nature connection during an online 2.5 hr program using zoom, with participants being guided in enjoyable and relaxing nature-connection practices. Afterward, participants will be encouraged to use these practices onsite at the Beaver Lake Trail (or an alternative greenspace/park that is more accessible or covid-safe to access).

• Do you find that spending time in nature, or gazing upon nature images, brings you a sense of calm?

• Would you like to understand the science behind the practice of shinrin-yoku/forest bathing, a wellness practice used by 75% of the Japanese Population?

• Are you seeking new ways to experience stress reduction and wellness?

Please join Kari Krogh and her EcoWisdom team in exploring nature-based mindfulness practices using nature images, nature videos, and direct contact with nature in an environment of your choice (indoors or outdoors). Kari is a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide who lives with a disability.

This project arose from a collaborative partnership between Individualized Funding Resource Centre (IFRC), Technology for Living (TFL), and EcoWisdom Forest Preserve. Together we have established "Accessible Nature Wellness Programs" as a Park Group. We thank TD Parks People Grant, Park People, and TD Ready Commitment for making this program possible.

Space is limited.

For more information or to register:

Email: Paul Gauthier (IFRC) [email protected]

Call: Nancy Lear (TFL) 604-326-0175

This is an opportunity for those who are disabled boaters or travel with disabled boaters to share their challenges and experiences with Canal & River Trust. We cover different topics each time, with guest speakers. This month Sean Williams will attend, to talk about his work with Healthwatch, and take any questions from the forum.

 

 

Donate to us!

You can now support the work our teams do and make a donation on our website here.

 

Follow us on social media.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with the latest news and events.

Birding is an activity that can bring so much joy and empowerment to everybody, but not everybody is able to go birding easily. Birdability is a non-profit organization focused on removing barriers to access for birders with mobility challenges, blindness or low vision, intellectual or developmental disabilities (including autism), mental illness, being Deaf or Hard of Hearing and other health concerns. Learn about why this should matter to you (even if you don't have an accessibility challenge), ways to be a more welcoming and inclusive birder, the Birdability Map (and how to submit a Birdability Site Review) and our resources for birders (and potential future birders) with accessibility challenges... because birding is for everybody and every body! Presented by Freya McGregor, OTR/L, Birdability Coordinator and Occupational Therapist.

Recovery Day Ottawa is an annual community event organized by CAPSA Canada in the month of September. Our purpose is to help reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and raise awareness about recovery in our community.

We endeavour to engage the broader community by building partnerships with local, provincial and national organizations and raising awareness through the #StigmaEndsWithMe campaign.

Yosemite Accessibility Guide - January 2015

 

Wheelchair Gardening Tips

Getting out into nature can be difficult for people with mobility challenges, as most hiking trails and many gardens are not designed for wheelchairs, walkers, scooters or similar mobility assistance devices. The simple pleasures which gardening offers can have added value for those with limited access to nature.

 

University of Missouri - AgrAbility

http://agrability.missouri.edu/

Tips for Gardeners Who Use Wheelchairs

Outdoor Recreation - An explanation of horticulture and how to adapt a garden

http://agrability.missouri.edu/gardenweb/Wheelchair.html

Handicap Accessible Gardening

Outdoor Recreation - Information on Handicap Accessible Gardening

http://www.inthecountrygardenandgifts.com/jspece/gardening/accessible.html

This year’s National WT Symposium will be held on August 23rd-25th, 2018 in Park City, UT. The information for both the Regional and National Symposiums are sub-divided in the drop-down menus on the side-bar of this website, so please be sure to see the info for each separate Symposium.

The Symposium brings a diverse cross-section of clinicians, field instructors, rites of passage guides, educational consultants, professors, research specialists, students and residential programs staff under one roof to share theories, insights and best practices in an open spirit. We do this to improve ourselves and the therapeutic services we provide. The symposium offers us a place to explore, inform, and educate ourselves on a diverse range of topics all centering on wilderness therapy.

'Inclusive for all': N.S. beach's new chairs let people with disabilities take a dip

A Nova Scotia man says that new accessible beach equipment is making him smile.

Callum MacQuarrie is now able to get down to the shore and take a dip in the ocean, thanks to rubber mats and four specialized wheelchairs unveiled at Inverness Beach in Cape Breton.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/inclusive-for-all-n-s-beach-s-new-chairs-let-people-with-disabilities-take-a-dip-1.4028033

Join Tualatin Riverkeepers (TRK) and Adventures Without Limits for our annual Adaptive Paddle Clinic.

TRK's Adaptive Paddle Clinic is an opportunity for people with disabilities to enjoy the beauty of the Tualatin while being part of a supportive community. The event will be at Cook Park in Tigard, on Sunday, August 12 2018 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Try out a wide array of adaptive paddling equipment designed to meet individual needs, and special equipment and instruction for those with special needs. Participants will learn basic kayaking skills, like moving the boat, making it turn and how to put on a life jacket. The Adventures Without Limits staff is trained in special education with communication strategies to give instructions to people of all abilities. They are also trained in adaptive paddling and have equipment to accommodate people with physical disabilities, like a wheelchair seat or balance mechanisms to help people hold the paddles.

A short guided paddle will occur from 1:00pm-2:00pm.

The festivities will continue at Cook Park where we’ll have a barbecue for all participants. The waters of the Tualatin are free and accessible for everyone so come out and catch the sun with us!

This event is free and open to the public, but we ask that you RSVP here.

Trail Rider in action at the Wally Ross Trail

Pictures: Seeing the Trail Rider in action at the Wally Ross Trail! This modified wheelchair enables people with disabilities to explore parks and vacation spots