The Wilderness Institute receives Access Award for serving people with Physical Disabilities

I am proud to announce that we have received recognition as the Billy Barty Sports/Media Honoree by the Los Angeles County Supervisors and the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities!

“for your commitment towards facilitating and promoting equality for people with disabilities”.

Accessible programs for people with physical disabilities include:
Wilderness Wheelers: A series of special events provided for the general public and disabled community as part of our outreach program for people with physical disabilities. Activities included “Aquatics Day -Canoeing, Kayaking, Sailing”, “White Water Rafting”, “Rock Climbing (for the Visually Impaired)”, “Adventure Ropes Courses”, “Beach and Tide Pool Discoveries”, “Yosemite Horseback Trip”, and “Evening with the Owls” night hike.

Wheel to the Sea special event:
First presented in 1985, this exciting outdoor accessible event is especially designed to introduce individuals in wheelchairs to the natural environment by traveling dirt trails along a canyon stream through a designated wilderness area. The naturalist led hike is approximately 5 miles long and begins in the local Santa Monica mountains and gradually descends to the ocean where we culminate the event with a family style barbecue on the beach. Each participant is paired with volunteers to assist as needed. Participants with physical disabilities and volunteers are invited to join us for this FREE special program that includes accessible bus transportation.

Today, we are currently serving over 400 wheelchair participants and volunteers each year through this biannual event. A major focus is serving military Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, and their families. Many other participants are adults and children living with illnesses, or past accident patients who are living with physical disabilities and many living on their own or with family. Others include residents of the United Cerebral Palsy, Los Angels, Hillcrest House, CalVet, VA, as well as other groups. Our event partners include California State Parks, Kiwanis Clubs, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, Volunteer Mountain Bike Unit, and many other volunteers.

The Wheel to the Sea Hike;
A Challenge Hike for Veterans, Wheelchair Users and Volunteer Pushers!

EVENT NAME: Wheel to the Sea
DATE: Saturday, November 12, 2016
TIME: 8AM to 6:30PM
LOCATION: Santa Monica Mountains NRA (Rancho Sierra Vista
to Sycamore Cove State Beach within Point Mugu State Park)
www.Meetup.com/Wilderness-Adventures