All-Terrain OT
About me
My name is Christine Adaline, and I recently completed my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. I was inspired by my friendships and work with people with disabilities. For my final research project I gathered information on all-terrain wheelchairs and adaptive equipment, and advocated for their use and availability to organizations, parks, and clinicians. My goal is to lower the barriers to accessibility in nature through education and action. Research shows that participating in outdoor activities in green and/or blue spaces significantly improves depressive mood, reduces anxiety, improves positive affect, and reduces negative affect for adults with disabilities, and I believe that's true for everyone. I personally have experienced these healing qualities of nature through hiking, wakeboarding, boating, surfing, mountain biking, snowboarding, etc., as I am sure many of you have. I believe everyone should have access to nature to connect with themselves and all of the beauty nature offers. All-terrain technology is not the only solution of improving access to nature, but I believe it can be a key component, especially when people are given the information to find the technology that suits them best. I believe that providing adaptive equipment and proper posted signage, even terrain that isn't officially "accessible"can still be enjoyed by many adventurers.
Gain insight of all-terrain equipment available to make exploring nature more accessible
There are many organizations striving to provide accessibility in nature and lending equipment to individuals with disabilities to eliminate the necessity of individual expenses. However, further progress in accessibility in nature can be made with education, information, and feedback. After becoming a volunteer sea kayak guide with Environmental Travel Companions (ETC), volunteering at the adaptive cycling center Bay Area Organized Recreational Program (BORP), and reaching out to Bonnie Lewkowicz, who has been working on accessibility in nature for many years, for professional guidance, this project became more about providing information than designing a program. The search for all-terrain wheelchairs began online, which led to outreach to organizations, distributors, lenders to gain further insight. Through observation and discussions with program professionals information was gathered about the obstacles of incorporating an outdoor wheelchair program and the advantages and disadvantages of equipment that is available to make exploring nature more accessible. This project was designed to provide information on all-terrain power wheelchairs regarding their cost, adaptability, transportation, and specifications of each all-terrain device for organizations and parks to implement into their programs. This project also includes information about distributors, pros and cons of each device, maintenance requirements, lenders and their process for attaining the device, recommendations for safe transfers, and grants/funding for individuals and organizations to attain these devices.
Observe and gain insight on wheelchair adaptations needed to make exploring nature more accessible.
This information was gathered through the following methods: outreach to professionals and organizations striving for accessibility in nature, internet sources on all terrain wheelchairs and accessible trails, observation through volunteering as a sea kayak guide and at the adaptive cycling center, all-terrain device testing, hiking and observing accessible trails. Discussions about equipment with wheelchair and all-terrain equipment professionals provided education and valuable information for this project to gain insight on wheelchair adaptations desired and required for people with disabilities to overcome the obstacles of receiving the healing qualities of nature. Accessing nature differs from person to person. Environmental travel companions (ETC) is an organization specializing in inclusive on-water adventures, including adaptive sea kayaking and river rafting programs. Beach wheelchairs, adaptive seating, and adaptive paddling equipment are used to provide individuals with a disability independence in social participation during sea kayaking and white water rafting accompanied by a trained guide. Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) is another organization striving to provide accessibility in nature. The cycling program is equipped with adaptive hand cycles and recumbent bikes to provide people with disabilities experiences accessing nature independently, or with family and friends. Observation of ETC and BORP adaptive equipment allowed for greater understanding of the obstacles, expenses, and funding required for increasing accessibility in nature.
Advocate for accessibility in nature
Advocacy was done through outreach to recruit volunteers and partnerships with organizations serving communities with disabilities for Environmental Travel Companions (ETC). All-terrain wheelchairs are expensive and are not covered by insurance, making it difficult for people with disabilities and non-profit organizations to have access to them. Information about all-terrain wheelchair options and funding were gathered and put into a spreadsheet for this project as well as information required to maintain accessible trails. The shared information is intended to provide individuals, parks, organizations, funding agencies, distributors, and clinicians to educate and gain a better understanding of ways people with physical disabilities can increase their access to nature. Continued advocacy, education, and research on new all-terrain devices is pertinent for improving quality of life in occupations such as leisure, play, work, and social participation. This website is to share the information I have gathered to further advocacy and education, and will be updated with new available options for all-terrain devices.