GOOD
Ability
Adventure for All
Grand Canyon Expedition takes adults with disabilities on the Colorado River for a ‘life-changing experience' BY ALENA JUTILLA
E
Everyone loves the great outdoors. In the United States alone there are hundreds of national parks, monuments, sites and forests that are protected for generations to enjoy. From families with toddlers to solo adventurers, nature is there for everyone — but is it really? National parks and any other federally funded sites are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act to provide accessibility features so people with disabilities can enjoy the natural beauty around them. However, not every amazing nature experience is federally funded and therefore, not required to be accessible. Even for sites with accessibility features, there is room for improvement. All of this makes it more difficult for those with disabilities to go beyond the beaten path.
Ability360 is looking to change that narrative. As a nonprofit, they have been empowering people with disabilities for over 40 years, advocating personal responsibility as a means to independence and selfsufficiency. They offer a number of programs including independent living instruction, peer support, advocacy, home modification, employment services and more. Ability360 also offers recreation and sports programs, including 360Outdoors, a branch of the organization that aims to make outdoor recreation such as hiking, climbing, cycling, kayaking and other activities more inclusive, safe and accommodating. One of these specific programs is the Mainstream Expedition, a Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trip for adults 21 and over who have mobility, sensory or cognitive limitations. “This trip is a tremendous opportunity to experience the thrill of river rafting assisted by professional river
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rafters and volunteers,” Vice President of Operations and Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center Gus LaZear, said. The Mainstream Expedition is a 12-day trip, covering over 200 miles of the Colorado River. This expedition had previously brought people to the bottom of the Grand Canyon for a number of years under Daring Adventures. Yet, this is the first year it runs under the Ability360 flag after the two organizations merged. Arizona River Runners, an experienced river company committed to making raft trips accessible to all, will be providing the support and expertise on the ground (and on the river). The trip costs $2,950 per person. Grants and other funding have reduced the per-person amount to nearly half the original amount. Volunteers can attend for $1,000. To continue breaking down barriers and reducing limitations for those with disabilities, scholarships are available to those in need of financial assistance. “I am in awe, totally in awe. I had no idea the Canyon was like this. No amount of someone telling me how beautiful it is, or looking at pictures of it prepared me for today, yesterday, tomorrow,” said Patricia W., Mainstream Expedition participant Running from August 19-30, the expedition will feature some of the best whitewater rafting runs from Lee’s FerryMarble Canyon to Diamond Creek at Peach Springs. This
