Do you ever wonder what accessible resources are available? Do you want to know what accessible resources are available in your county, a neighboring county, or a county you plan to visit in Florida? Most of us don’t realize all that is available in our own area! Perhaps you enjoy kayaking and want to know about options that relate to accessible kayaking? Find accessible programs and services, products, destinations, and events throughout Florida easily with the Resource Referral Network. Simply go to fdoa.org and select the resources tab. On the left you will see “Click here to view resources” to give you a selection on search options.

You may be surprised at the resources, programs, destinations right in your own back yard that you don’t even know about. The Florida Disabled Outdoors Association hopes to help many people easily discover ways to become more active with the Resource Referral Network.

Resources can be selected by county, by activity, or by type of resource (product, destination, program or event). The list is not all inclusive. In fact, if you know of an accessible resource that is not included or that should be updated, please email [email protected] .

There are many resources throughout the state that are not being utilized because people don’t know about them. FDOA hopes to change that.

Executive Director’s Report

Let’s take a moment to reflect on some of the things that the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) has accomplished. Many people worked very hard to ensure that people with disabilities would be protected under Federal Law. This protection includes physical access to recreation and has resulted in positive changes in attitudes toward people with disabilities in our society.

When we are out, we occasionally see areas that need improvement. It is easy to become frustrated when we come across something that is not accessible since ADA was passed 22 years ago. However, every day we grow closer and closer to having barriers removed for everyone.

Recently, I had the opportunity to work with colleagues from the Islands of the Bahamas. They are working to have similar legislation passed. Over my lifetime, I have been fortunate to travel to places such as the Bahamas, Peru, Italy (where my family is from) and East Africa. It has been my experience that while the United States has room for improvement, physical access is better here than in many other countries.

To me, even more importantly than improved physical access is the difference in our society’s attitude. Improved physical access has allowed people with disabilities to realize that they are capable of great things and for society to see and recognize it as well. People like Sarah Reinertsen, Stephen Hawking, Bethany Hamilton, and Michael J. Fox have shown society that people with disabilities are full members of our society. Seeing someone with a disability compete in triathlons, become a renowned physicist, continue surfing or acting has opened people’s eyes in our country. In many places, this attitude is not the case. Lack of physical access tends to keep people at home and limits their ability to live an active lifestyle. As more and more physical barriers are removed, I am excited to see all that will be accomplished by people with disabilities and to live in a country where opportunities are really available to all.

With this summer marking 22 years since the passage of the American’s with Disabilities Act, my hat goes off to those who led the way for the changes in access and attitude.

We can do better!

We all know that community- based health prevention is important. The research is proving without a doubt that efforts and funding invested on the front end will produce positive results and savings in health care cost in the future. Unfortunately, public health promotion and prevention programs have been, and are still being cut.

A very essential part of FDOA’s mission is to advocate to stakeholders, community leaders, and our country’s leaders for investing in and supporting health prevention. FDOA must continue to build upon past partnerships and collaboration efforts to help people to help themselves.

FDOA has and will continue to encourage individuals to make personal choices for a healthier lifestyle. Just as important as FDOA’s efforts, are the efforts of each and every person. Everyone should assist and encourage other organizations and government agencies to invest in programs that help people to help themselves and others in their community to participate in more active lifestyles. SportsAbility and Miracle Sports programs are vital to these efforts.

As obesity in children continues to rise, our efforts to promote active lifestyles becomes more crucial in providing a healthier future for our next generation. With our children especially, prevention may be the best option. Prevention reduces cost and saves money, and more importantly, it improves quality of life.

Disability does not have to mean poor health. Most people are not as healthy as they should be. Even a minor increase in physical activity will produce positive results. Active leisure lifestyles lead to healthier, happier, and more productive people.

We—you, me, society— can do better.

Adaptive kayaks used to mean duct tape and foam. That is no longer true thanks to companies such as Creating Ability. Fully outfitted kayaks can be safe, enjoyable and affordable. Modifications made to the kayaks include: hatch mounted outriggers; adding a specialized seat that are designed to allow easy tilt adjustment from outside the cockpit while giving solid support; and removing anything from the cockpit that could cause a skin injury.

Outriggers can mount on the flat back hatch of a kayak. This allows the outriggers to be mounted without modifying the kayak deck at all, and lets the outriggers be transferred from one kayak to another, simply by removing the hatch cover. The outriggers can be mounted in two positions – either tight to the hull for maximum efficiency, or out from the hull for maximum stability. They can also be easily removed, all with the push of a button.

Creating Ability has a universal paddling seat that was designed to open the sport of paddling to everyone. Regardless of the level of support needed, the seat provides as much or as little as a paddler needs. A back structure consists of pelvic, lateral, lumbar, and upper-back supports. The tilt adjust of the back structure allows the paddler’s center of gravity to shift rearward far enough to enable those with minimal or no abdominal support to paddle. All adjustments are made with the use of quick-release pins for easy fitting – even while on the water.

Our bodies are built to move around. They require movement to work properly. Have you seen a bicycle that has been unused for a long period? The chain is rusted and doesn’t want to move. If that same bike had just been ridden every day, it would not be in that condition. Our bodies are like that bike, they must move often to stay in good working order. Many diseases can be reversed or even prevented through moderate physical exercise.

Studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle causes more deaths than smoking. Just think…sitting can be dangerous! It sounds comical, but it is true. During the past 30 years, lifestyles have changed. Blame can fall on watching too much television, playing too many computer games, and working in jobs that require sitting at a desk for long periods of time. Add to that the super sized meals and eating out where portion control doesn’t exist and it is a recipe for disaster. More and more people are becoming obese – even our children.

A lack of exercise is the second biggest risk factor for type 2 diabetes. The biggest risk factor is obesity (according to research from About.com.) More and more children are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Experts find that children are tougher to treat and the disease progresses faster in children than in adults. Prevention is necessary. Some say education is the key. However 20-30 years ago, children did not need to be educated on what to eat or what to do, their lifestyle was enough.

It is always easier to blame others or find excuses. But when is the last time someone stopped you from doing what you really, really wanted to do? People are more willing to take a pill, or even have surgery than they are to commit to 30 minutes of exercise each day. Exercise comes in many forms (walking, swimming, jogging, etc.); can be accomplished alone or with friends; and can be done at anytime of the day. Don’t we all want to feel better, look better, and be healthier? The truth is there are no shortcuts. To become healthier, only you can do it by changing your lifestyle.

If you were a bike, would your chain be rusty? The good news is that any increase in physical activity will bring benefits.