For people with disabilities, there are no limitations when it comes to sports and recreation this summer, as Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont, prepares to offer its recreational programming for the summer and fall. For those who have ever wondered what it’s like to paddle on Lake Champlain, to cycle the Burlington bike path on a tandem bike, to hike along the spine of the Green Mountains, or to explore the many lakes and ponds in northern and southern Vermont, Vermont Adaptive’s guides provide the means to enjoy outdoors in Vermont. Programming at all locations begins mid-June.
“Our volunteers use and teach special paddling techniques, assist with lessons, fit people with disabilities to bicycles, and pilot tandem bikes,” said Erin Fernandez, executive director for Vermont Adaptive. “We have found that sports and recreation can be very empowering for people with disabilities and we are lucky to work with partners throughout the state including Vermont Forests, Parks and Recreation, Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center, MoonRise Farm, Local Motion and the United States Association for Blind Athletes to offer the extensive statewide programming that we do. Whether it’s paddling on a lake, climbing up a climbing wall or biking along many of Vermont’s paths, our programs become the ultimate equalizer for people with disabilities.”
To the north, Vermont Adaptive partners with The Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center to offer adaptive sailing, Petra Cliffs for its climbing program, and Local Motion, a non-profit cycling organization in Burlington, for the biking program on the Burlington bike path. It owns a fleet of kayaks and canoes for the paddling program on Lake Champlain, as well as its southern locations including Chittenden Reservoir, Waterbury Reservoir and Stoughton Pond. All cycling, paddling and climbing programs are lead by Vermont Adaptive staff and trained volunteers.
Programs include tandem and hand cycling, guided bike path trips, climbing trips, beeper baseball for those who are blind or visually impaired, group and private canoeing, paddling and sailing lessons, therapeutic horseback riding, and custom group outings and adventures. Scholarships are available as well.
To register for programs, participants should visit www.vermontadaptive.org or contact Dave D’Angelo for northern programs at truenorth@vermontadaptive.org,802.353-3178 or Katie Stillin for southern programs at south@vermontadaptive.org, 802.353.7584 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 802.353.7584 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. For more information about Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, visit http://www.vermontadaptive.org.
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