Category Archives: disabled travel

Tennessee is Making Adventure Accessible for Everyone

August 27, 2024 MoralCompass

Zoo Knoxville is a KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue, providing accessible facilities throughout the park along with KultureCity® Sensory Bags. These bags contain fidget tools, headphones, designed to help those with sensory issues feel comfortable as they visit the animals (photo: Tennessee Tourism)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee is evolving into a destination where everyone, regardless of ability, can access adventures of all kinds. In recent years, an array of communities, outdoor spaces and attractions across the state have introduced a diverse range of programs and initiatives that seek to improve and enhance accessibility to the very best of Tennessee.

According to the Center for Disease Control, 61 million adults in the United States live with a disability. It’s a sizable market, with MMGY research reporting travelers with mobility disabilities spend $58.2 billion per year on travel — a figure that is only rising as the baby boomer generation ages. Yet, people with disabilities remain underserved in many destinations.

Discover just a handful of ways in which Tennessee is pioneering accessible travel:

Spectacular Scenery For All: Colorblind Viewfinders

Installed at 15 scenic lookouts across Tennessee, the state was the first to outfit colorblind viewfinders with innovative EnChroma® lenses, making it easy for even more travelers and residents to enjoy the state’s scenic beauty. These first-of-their-kind devices alleviate red-green colorblindness, enabling people with colorblindness to see a broader range of clear, vibrant colors. The viewfinders are especially useful during fall, when the changing colors of Tennessee’s foliage-filled landscapes are spectacular.

All Terrain Experiences: Tennessee’s State Parks

Exploring Tennessee’s amazing state parks just got easier for wheelchair users, who can request an all-terrain wheelchair prior to their visit to select state parks. Participating parks include Booker T. Washington State Park in Chattanooga, Radnor Lake State Park in Nashville and Chickasaw State Park in Henderson. Each park with an all-terrain wheelchair offers specific trail experiences that can accommodate these specialized wheelchairs, which are free to the public and available for both children and adults.

After Hours: The Northeast Tennessee Night Sky Trail

Accessibility in Tennessee doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Nearly every location on the Northeast Tennessee Night Sky Trail offers some level of ADA accessibility, connecting people with the magic of the Milky Way. From panoramic vistas atop majestic mountains, serene lakesides, observation decks, and historic downtowns these locations offer optimal conditions. While some trails recommend all-terrain wheelchairs, others are generally wheelchair friendly, including those on the Appalachian Trail.

Waterways: Tennessee Riverpark

“Chattanooga is a wonderful, wheelchair accessible destination,” writes accessibility travel expert Cory Lee — and one of the best places to enjoy the city is Tennessee Riverpark. With 13 miles of paved trails, soothing river views and several picnic stops, this city park offers fresh air, beautiful sights and easy access to such attractions as the Tennessee Aquarium, Bluff View Art District and the Battery Place neighborhood. Good to know — there are seven wheelchair accessible restrooms available at RiverFront Park.

Ride Accessibility Center: Dollywood

Dollywood wants everyone in the family to enjoy the park, designing experiences for people with differing abilities. Whether you recently broke your ankle, have a family member with sensory processing disorder, have a prosthetic or are pregnant, the Ride Accessibility Center is a frontline resource for guests to ask questions in a private setting about what they can enjoy. Additionally, Dollywood’s Splash Country offers Accessibility Tubes and Aquatic Transfer Wheelchairs, enabling guests with limited mobility the opportunity to enjoy water attractions.

Dollywood also created a Calming Room for guests to center the self and recharge. This private space comes equipped with sensory items designed for relaxation. The theme park also offers sensory-sensitive hours and events, which can be found listed on the seasonal calendar.

Wild Fun: Zoo Knoxville

Another one of Knoxville’s most beloved attractions — Zoo Knoxville — works to ensure that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy some wildly fun experiences. A KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue, the Zoo provides accessible facilities throughout the park, along with KultureCity® Sensory Bags. These bags contain fidget tools, headphones and more, all designed to help those with sensory issues feel comfortable as they visit the animals who call Zoo Knoxville home.

All Access: Sharp’s Ridge Veterans’ Memorial Park

Boasting 111 acres of beautiful forest, Sharp’s Ridge Veterans’ Memorial Park is one of Knoxville’s natural gems — and is home to the Independence and North Ridge adaptive multi-use trails. Unveiled in 2020, the trails accommodate adaptive mountain bikes and adaptive wheelchairs, which can be rented via local outfitter Catalyst Sports. The mountain bikes are suited for experienced athletes and the wheelchairs can be self-powered or can be pushed like a traditional wheelchair to take a friend or family member who has limited mobility on a walk in the woods.

Breaking Down Barriers: Adventure Science Center

Offering innovative, dynamic learning experiences that open minds to the wonders of science and technology, Nashville’s Adventure Science Center is serious about providing inclusive experiences throughout its 44,000 square feet. Guests with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or other sensory concerns will find an array of resources here, including a sensory map that highlights auditory, tactile and visual experiences in the attraction, including the immersive soundBox music exhibit and the famed Sudekum Planetarium. Free sensory kits with fidget toys, sunglasses, stress balls, and noise-minimizing headphones can be checked out from guest services and the EY Sensory Room provides a relaxing space with calming textiles, subdued lighting and other sensory-friendly elements.

Smooth Views: The Great Stone Door

Located in South Cumberland State Park, the Great Stone Door is one of Tennessee’s most interesting geological attractions. This 10-foot-wide by 100-foot-deep crack looks like a giant door left ajar, opening dramatically into the gorge below. From the Stone Door Ranger Station there is a wheelchair accessible paved path that leads to the Laurel Gulf Overlook with a wonderful view of part of Savage Gulf. Additionally, a wheelchair accessible 125-yard-long walkway passes through heavy timber, across a small creek and a meadow, ending with a spectacular view of Foster Falls.

Everyone’s Park: Shelby Farms Park Conservatory

With 4,500 acres of green space and 10.65 miles of urban trail, Shelby Farms Park Conservatory offers visitors a natural escape in Memphis. The attraction features several ADA trails, including the beautiful Shelby Farms Greenline, a 10-mile rails-to-trail experience that winds from Midtown Memphis through Shelby Farms Park to Cordova. Named one of the “16 Coolest Playgrounds in the World” by Mental Floss Magazine, the Woodland Discovery Playground was designed for kids of all abilities, ages 12 and under, with slides and swings that meet the needs of children who may require assistance while they play. The park also features concrete pathways at Weems Fishing Pier and at Beaver Lake Pavilion, and upgraded port-a-potties to accommodate wheelchairs.

West Tennessee Serenity: Drummonds Park

Located less than 40 minutes north of Memphis, Drummonds Park delivers serenity and handicap accessibility throughout its 30 pristine acres. The ADA accessible, lighted and paved nature trails take visitors through natural woodlands that are filled with chances to catch a glimpse of local wildlife. The park’s ADA accessible amphitheater, meanwhile, hosts regular educational sessions that bring this slice of Tennessee wilderness to life.

Visit TNvacation.com and follow @TNvacation on social media for travel inspiration.

Active Travel, Adaptive Sports, disabled travel, skiing and snowboarding, skiing and snowboarding, skiing, snowboarding, snowsports, Uncategorized

Vermont Adaptive Opens Center at Sugarbush; Bern Contributes Helmets

December 29, 2021 MoralCompass

More than 400 volunteers serve Vermont Adaptive clients of all abilities with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities from all over the world in three winter programming locations in Vermont – Pico Mountain at Killington; Sugarbush Resort in Warren; and Bolton Valley Resort in Bolton. Summer programs are provided state-wide.

Vermont Adaptive Sports Center, a nationally recognized nonprofit providing year-round sports and recreational programs for people with disabilities regardless of ability to pay, has just opened a $2.5 million, 4,000-square foot center at Mount Ellen at Sugarbush Resort, in Warren Vermont.

Vermont Adaptive promotes independence and furthers equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational opportunities including alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports; kayaking, canoeing, sailing, cycling, hiking, rock climbing, tennis, horseback riding, and more. More than 400 volunteers serve clients of all abilities with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities from all over the world in three winter programming locations in Vermont – Pico Mountain at Killington; Sugarbush Resort in Warren; and Bolton Valley Resort in Bolton. Summer programs are provided state-wide.

Also, Bern Helmets, respected internationally for its proprietary street-inspired bike, snow, and action sports helmets, has partnered with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports. Between last year and 2022, Bern will have contributed more than 300 helmets in a variety of sizes and styles for snow and bike activities in Vermont for participants with Vermont Adaptive.

Helmets are divided between the new adaptive sports facility in Sugarbush, opening Dec. 10, Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports’ traveling bike fleet and some were given directly to Vermont Adaptive participants. The traveling mountain bike fleet is used by participants all over Vermont and accesses many of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association Chapters’ trails. The traveling fleet is made up of a variety of different mountain bikes that serve those with diverse abilities. Additional helmets were gifted to participants directly to adhere to safety protocols during Winter Programming in 2021.

“Our relationship with Bern is critical to our programs,” said Jeff Alexander, director of strategic partnerships and business development for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports. “Their donation of helmets enables athletes to ski, ride and bike in safety and in style. Many participants don’t own their equipment; being able to provide best- in- class equipment breaks down one of many barriers to getting outside and playing.”

“Supporting Vermont Adaptive’s mission is consistent with Bern’s DNA,” said Mickey Russell, social media manager. “We’re proud to support their year-round programming efforts in order to help people of all abilities experience the outdoors. This is just one of many ways we hope to get more people outside.”

In addition to sports, Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports year round programming options integrate environmental, holistic wellness, and competitive training philosophies for people of all ages with cognitive, developmental, physical and emotional behavioral disabilities.

For more information, visit www.vermontadaptive.org.

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Adaptive Sports, disabled travel, Skiing, Snowsports, sports travel, Uncategorized

Vermont Adaptive Files for Permit to Build New $2 Million Adaptive Sports Facility at Sugarbush Resort’s Mt. Ellen

February 25, 2020 MoralCompass

Ray Hamilton, Veteran Ventures: “Vermont Adaptive makes the things you think are impossible, possible. I never thought I would see kids who are blind skiing or biking, but Vermont Adaptive makes it happen.” On top of learning to snowboard, becoming a volunteer snowboarding coach, and getting outside every single week, Ray said that being with Vermont Adaptive has taught him more about himself, and given him a second chance.

KILLINGTON, Vt. — Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports officials have filed an Act 250 permit application with the state of Vermont to build a new, $2 million adaptive sports facility at Sugarbush Resort’s Mt. Ellen. The application states that Vermont Adaptive is the applicant and Sugarbush Resort is the landowner. If approved, Vermont Adaptive’s Executive Director Erin Fernandez said the organization will break ground on the new facility in the spring.

“We’re in the final stages of our fundraising and are grateful for the continued support from Win Smith, Sugarbush, and its new owner, Alterra, to allow us to build our second adaptive sports facility in the state right here at our home at Mt. Ellen,” said Fernandez. “Friends and participants of Vermont Adaptive’s programs at Sugarbush have pledged a generous challenge to match every dollar up to $1 million for this Sugarbush facility. Sugarbush officials have granted a long term lease of the land necessary to build upon. We saw huge growth in our programs and the number of people who can participate in year-round sports when we built our first adaptive sports facility at Pico Mountain in 2013. We’re excited for the potential growth in the Mad River Valley with this next phase of our Home Sweet Home permanent homes campaign.”

Architectural plans, renderings and permitting began in Spring 2018 for the new 4,000-sq. ft. adaptive sports facility. Plans for the Sugarbush facility were designed by Jeff Dunham Architecture. Fernandez said that in addition to donations from individuals, the organization is seeking in-kind support in the form of building materials and more.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Vermont Adaptive in their efforts to build a new adaptive sports facility here at Mt. Ellen,” said Win Smith, president of Sugarbush Resort. “We believe in the great work of Vermont Adaptive and provide full support to realize their vision.”

Vermont Adaptive, nationally recognized for its year-round daily adaptive sports programs for people with any disability, has a total goal of $4 million to build, open and sustain this facility at Sugarbush, as well as to build a new permanent home on the Burlington Waterfront and Bike Path, and to create a sustainability fund to support these programs and facilities into the future.

“People with disabilities are more likely to have other health issues like heart disease, stroke, or diabetes which is why it is so important to provide programs for people to be active and live a healthy lifestyle,” said Fernandez. “This new facility allows us to grow and expand our existing programs and to serve more athletes with disabilities in the Mad River Valley and in Central Vermont, for those vacationing in Vermont, and beyond. More programs like wellness and environmental camps, plus retreats, social events, training seminars, and sport specific programs will be added to serve more people. Additional storage and maintenance spaces allow us to increase equipment capacity. The opportunities are limitless. In designing these facilities we thoughtfully consider and include features that focus on inclusion, adaptability and the participant’s overall experience. It’s a special and exciting time for us as we plant permanent roots in Central and Northern Vermont.”

The organization built and opened the Andrea Mead Lawrence Lodge at Pico Mountain in November 2013 with the Pico Ski Education Foundation, marking the completion of the first phase of the Home Sweet Home campaign. This facility houses the organization’s headquarters and is the hub for year-round programming in southern Vermont and the greater Rutland/Killington region. It is one of the only year-round adaptive sports facilities in Vermont and New England.

Vermont Adaptive’s humble beginnings began on the ski trails at Mt. Ascutney more than 30 years ago in 1987. As the organization expanded throughout the state to meet the recreational needs of those with disabilities, it also began summer programs to eventually become a nationally recognized year-round organization.

To donate or inquire about naming opportunities, contact Fernandez at 802.353.8129 or [email protected]; . Donors can give online at Vermont Adaptive’s website. For more information about the new adaptive sports facility at Sugarbush, visit www.vermontadaptive.org/permanent-homes.