Outdoor Adaptive Recreation Day highlights accessible adventures

The annual Outdoor Adaptive Recreation Day in Valdese can teach you one thing: No matter what disability you have, there are endless opportunities in recreation.

Various groups, from state to local organizations, came to McGalliard Falls Park on Friday, March 7, to share their work. Aquatic and Fitness Supervisor Alex Bustle from the Valdese Parks and Recreation Department spearheaded the recreation event.

N.C. WILDLIFE

RESOURCES COMMISSION

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission offers accessible opportunities to explore wildlife. ADA Coordinator Luis Suau showcased two during the event: the Action Trackchair program and the Huntmaster unit program. Both programs are free and available on a first come, first served basis.

Nine Trackchairs are available throughout the state and can handle such terrains as the beach, a mountainous plain, and other outdoor settings. The chair can recline and be pushed by someone else or be self-operated. Rent the chair for up to six days, with longer rentals available.

The chair has rubberized tracks and two 12-volt batteries that last up to six hours. Fishing rod and long gun holders are attached to the Action Trackchair.

Also available is the Huntmaster mobile, which can be used for wildlife viewing or hunting. This program is in partnership with the N.C. Handicapped Sportsmen. The unit can lift up to 750 pounds to 20 feet in the air.

The local pickup location is the Morganton Depot, 5154 Western Ave., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information and to reserve, visit https://www.ncwildlife.gov/outdoors/accessible-opportunities. You can also email ada.coordinator@ncwildlife.gov.

N.C. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Christey Kirk, an assistive technology (AT) professional, brought a full table of accessible equipment and devices. Kirk is part of the Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities in the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

It is a state/federal-funded program with nine centers in North Carolina.

The accessible-friendly devices included different toys, a card-shuffling machine, game controller panels, adaptive gardening tools, a device that helps with internet navigation, and other items.

These devices assist in various activities and obstacles such as visual, hearing, communication, computer access, and so on. These devices can be used for recreation, in the workplace, or day-to-day living.

The program provides demos (virtual and in-person) of these devices. Anyone interested in the equipment can test it in their desired environment before purchasing. Loan periods range from two weeks to a month.

The program also provides training and workshops on the latest AT devices, helps connect devices to people, educates individuals on different tools, and hosts expo events.

Two “Living without Limits” 2025 AT resource fairs are scheduled:

• Southwestern Community College in Sylva on April 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• WorkSource East in Goldsboro on May 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The local AT office is at 200 Enola Road in Morganton. You can call Kirk and the office at 828-608-5686.

WPCC RECREATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

Western Piedmont Community College offers the only recreational therapy assistant program in North Carolina. Overseeing it is program coordinator Katharine Wright.

Recreational therapy assistants work with school systems, hospice care, physical rehabilitation, mental health, parks and recreation, hospitals, and sports programs. They focus on inclusion and accessibility for physical and cognitive disabilities, Wright explained.

For more information about the program, visit wpcc.edu/rectherapy. You can also contact Wright by calling 828-448-3536 or emailing kwright@wpcc.edu.

WAYPOINT ADVENTURE

Waypoint Adventure, in Black Mountain, is a nonprofit educational organization that brings outdoor adventures and programming to individuals with disabilities. Their staff offers enrollment for individuals, groups, organizations, and special education school programs.

Adventures include kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, rope courses, and team-building activities. The adventures are customized for the group’s needs.

In January 2025, the program was awarded a $271,500 grant from Dogwood Health Trust to implement customized education programs throughout Western North Carolina’s special education classrooms. In November 2025, they will launch a Leaders-in-Training Program for young adults with developmental/intellectual disabilities from ages 18-28.

For more information, visit nc.waypointadventure.org or call 828-483-3383.

WALKIN’ ROLL ACTIVITIES LEAGUE

Based in Hildebran, the league creates sports opportunities such as T-Ball, dancing, bowling, and swimming to provide support for individuals with disabilities.

The nonprofit hosts various team-building events with sports and game nights.

The league has a physical location at 202 S. Center St. in Hildebran. For more information on events, visit www.walkinroll.org.

N.C. STATE PARKS

N.C. State Parks in the Burke County area offer accessible outdoor recreation opportunities, near the water or on land.

Lake James State Park has accessible fishing piers, kayak benches, showerhouses, and camping sites. Park staff can arrange customized programs for groups. Lake James has also facilitated sensory-friendly programs.

South Mountain State Park also offers accessible camping options.

To read more about the accessible parks and activities, visit www.ncparks.gov/recreation/accessibility-state-parks.

WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM

Located in Hickory, We Rock the Spectrum is a children’s gym focusing on developing social skills for individuals with autism and their families.

Co-founder Tracey Holton-Braun explained that the gym hosts activities like camps, childcare, birthday parties, open play, reading readiness class, sensory bin play, obstacle play, a parent support group, and more.

We Rock the Spectrum has the following operating hours:

• Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, visit www.werockthespectrumhickory.com. You can also contact them at 828-855-3383.

N.C. SCIA

The N.C. Spinal Cord Injury Association is a hub of resources, support, and services for individuals impacted by spinal cord injury.

Secretary Debbie Johnson said the organization hosts adaptive adventures such as hiking on Western North Carolina trails. A specialized hiking chair enables those with spinal cord injuries to enjoy the great hiking opportunities in the region.

For more information, visit www.ncscia.org.

JONI AND FRIENDS

Joni and Friends is a disability ministry available throughout the U.S. and internationally, from delivering wheelchairs and Bibles to organizing family retreats and counseling.

Joni (pronounced like Johnny) Tada was left paralyzed in 1967 when she hit her head when she dived into the Chesapeake Bay. In 1979, Tada created the organization as a platform for others to share their stories and the Gospel.

Ministry Relations Manager Russ Duncan Jr. explained that the organization is focused on reaching out to people with disabilities, showing care, and connecting them with resources.

In the Ministry Mentors program, a mentor works with individuals and churches to identify barriers that could impact people with disabilities.

For local events, visit joniandfriends.org/north-carolina/.

PAIRnc

PAIRnc (Paddling for Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation) is a nonprofit organization that provides paddling opportunities and education to people with disabilities.

Based in Jamestown, the organization works with GetOutdoors Pedal & Paddle and local municipalities to provide group events, experiences, and skills courses.

Check out more opportunities by visiting pairnc.org.

CAMP BLUE SKIES

Camp Blue Skies creates the traditional camp experience for individuals 21 years or older with developmental disabilities.

These overnight camps offer social, life-skill-building, and recreational activities.

Located in Boomer, their next two camps are Oct. 4-8 and Oct. 11-15. The fee is $500, which covers five days of camps, activities, meals, lodging, and other expenses. Register by July.

For volunteer and camp information, visit campblueskies.org.