Accessible Recreation Connection for People with Disabilities
Get connected to activities you love that meet your needs.
Serving people in the Capital Regional District of British Columbia.
Are you…
A person experiencing disability, whether new or longstanding, who isn’t sure of what activities are out there for you?
A coach or teacher who wants to be more inclusive?
A volunteer willing to learn and support and have some fun doing it?
Hi, I’m Lisa (she/her)
I have decades of experience in supporting people to achieve their own goals. My work background includes physical therapy (US), coaching multiple sports from beginners to international competitors, developing other coaches, and providing assistive technology.
I have worked with people of all ages and abilities. I want to connect you to activities that bring meaning to your life.
There is more to life than work and daily living. Recreation is an important part of being human and leads to better health and well-being. Adaptive Recreation Hub is all about connecting people with disabilities to providers of recreational programming in a way that is safe and fulfilling for everyone.
Testimonial
Lisa is an absolute pleasure to collaborate with. She approaches accessibility conversations with genuine curiosity and a strong commitment to listening to the needs of those she supports. Her thoughtful and proactive approach has been helping us at Power to Be to enhance our practices in breaking down physical barriers to recreational access. Lisa’s dedication and expertise make her an invaluable partner in creating inclusive experiences for all.
Who benefits from these services?
Check out our example clientele profiles to see if this would benefit you.
Elizabeth
Older woman living in an independent living facility
Elizabeth had a stroke a few years ago which has affected her speech skills and the dexterity in her right hand. Before the stroke, she loved singing at her church, baking cookies, and painting rocks that she would hide in the garden for her grandkids to find.
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Connections have been made for Elizabeth to join an inclusive performing arts group. Staff at the facility where she lives have been notified that she would like to join cooking activities, and information was given about possible adaptive equipment and assistance that would make this easier and safer for her.
And recommendations on grip aids to use on paint brushes were sent to Elizabeth and her daughter.
Archie
Middle-aged man who has had a rapid advancement of his knee arthritis
Archie’s arthritis has limited his ability to go for runs with his friend group. He misses the exercise and the socialization.
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Archie has been connected with a local rowing club who have offered a private learn to row course for him and his friends. He thinks he will be able to do this type of exercise because it is low-impact.
He has also been given information about adaptive trail riders that are available for rent so that he can go on outings with his friend group.
Camille
Painting class host at a local community centre
Camille has had people drop out because they found their bodies did not tolerate the position of the easels, or their hands became sore from holding brushes.
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By participating in the general workshop offered by Adaptive Recreation Hub, she has learned some techniques for dealing with the physical issues that her past participants have had, as well as skills for welcoming people to an inclusive space so that they feel able to ask for and receive assistance.
Outdoor Recreation Organization
This organization is very effective in providing many types of outdoor experiences for people of all abilities. One of the things they do for their clients is transfer them from their wheelchairs into other devices like canoes and trail riders.
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The organization wants to make sure that all staff and volunteers, as well as their clients, are safe and less likely to be injured.
After a session focused on transfer training techniques, all attendees feel more confident, safer, and better able to provide fun activities to clients.
FAQ
Where are these services provided?
Connections to recreational activities happen in the Capital Regional District of British Columbia. Programming Providers outside of the area are welcome at workshops, but Lisa knows the recreation spaces here in the area around Victoria.
What is the process for an individual consultation?
When you are booked for an individual consultation, you will receive an email with a questionnaire for some basic information and some cues to think about ahead of the meeting. The meeting may take place virtually through Google Meet or Zoom or in a location in the community; that is up to you and your preferences. Expect 30-60 minutes for the consultation.
After that, you will receive an email with some possibilities for activities, and possibly some adaptation ideas.
From there, Lisa will create connections by email or in-person meetings with a provider who is interested in including you in their programming. If further support is needed from there, that will be agreed upon by everyone involved with collaboration as the guiding force.
What do these services cost?
Consultation services are billed at $100/hour. That time includes the consultation, the connection, and some time behind the scenes to make the connections and adaptation recommendations. The first hour is the base fee. Any time beyond that will be agreed upon by both parties and billed in 15-minute increments.
Inclusion workshops that are open to the public will have prices listed with the registration information.
Workshops that are designed for specific organization needs will be billed at $100/hour which may include meeting times ahead of the event for planning.
What if I would like a consultation but can't afford the cost?
If this is you, please reach out! Living with a disability can be expensive. There may be some funds available to support your consultation. A list of potential clients will be kept until funding exists to support them.
If you would like to support consultations for those who can’t afford them, consider donating through Buy Me a Coffee.
What will it look like to be connected to a recreation provider?
Most people with disabilities have a story about that initial interaction with a new provider. Have you been flatly ignored or told there’s no way it will work or otherwise made to feel like you don’t belong? Being connected through Adaptive Recreation Hub takes that possibility away.
Lisa will connect with the provider first and then make introductions by email or in-person. This should eliminate disappointment and only connect you with people who are committed to inclusion.
What if I need adaptations to participate in a recreational activity?
Some activities have standard adaptations, and the program provider will help you learn to use them.
Some activities are able to be adapted, but some trial and error may be needed. This may be done just by the program provider, or Lisa can be included in the process.
Some people will benefit from using adaptive devices that are available for purchase or that are easy to create yourself. Lisa will make recommendations on what devices are available and how they might be used.
Contact
Let’s get in touch! Fill out the form below with your questions or inquiries, or send an email to lisa@adaptiverecreationhub.ca.
Want to help folks with disabilities?
Donate to Adaptive Recreation Hub to support people who have difficulty affording these services.