Breaking Down Barriers: SportsAbility Alliance Partners with FWC, FWFF and NextEra Energy Foundation to Provide EcoRover Chairs for Mobility Impaired Hunters

SportsAbility Alliance is thrilled to share the success of the recent FWC Mobility Impaired Hunt Kickoff Event at Blackwater Wildlife Management Area on January 31st. This event marked a significant milestone in our commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the wonders of Florida's outdoors. We're proud to be at the forefront of this initiative, partnering with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida (FWFF), and NextEra Energy Foundation to make wild Florida more accessible than ever. The event was attended by representatives from leadership of all of our partners who shared their thoughts on the importance of this project and the support of it.

FWC is a major partner for the project and hosted the Kickoff event with a big outdoor luncheon and gave away over two thousand dollars worth of door prizes to the Mobility impaired attendees. The highlight of the event was the unveiling of two brand-new EcoRover track chairs, made possible by the generous support of NextEra Energy Foundation, the charitable arm of Florida Power & Light. These all-terrain chairs will provide individuals with mobility impairments the opportunity to explore and hunt in areas that were previously inaccessible.  Through our ALLOUT program, we will manage and deploy these chairs at various mobility impaired hunts in Florida, ensuring they reach those who will benefit most. We are dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace outdoor adventures on their own terms, and these EcoRovers are a powerful tool in achieving that goal.

Active Leisure for Life Award Recipient Creates Accessible Playground

According to the FSPF, the “new playground, located a short distance from the park’s beachfront along the Wakulla River, includes several accessible play elements and a wide path to accommodate mobility devices. The playground’s centerpiece is a large glider styled in the fashion of the park’s iconic river tour boats.” The playground is open during regular operating hours and access is included with park admission.

This blog post was written by Kasara Barto, Events and Communications Manager for SportsAbility Alliance 

North Florida Christian High School Baseball Team Triumphs in SportsAbility Alliance’s Big Kahuna Fundraiser

SportsAbility Alliance’s recent Big Kahuna Event witnessed an exhilarating display of teamwork, and competitive spirit as five teams battled it out for victory. Held at beautiful Maclay Gardens State Park, this event brought together supporters of SportsAbility Alliance for an unforgettable day of adventure.

This article was written by Madeline Mancini, Sports Managment Intern for SportsAbility Alliance.

The History of National Disability Employment Awareness Month

In 1945, congress enacted a law that declared that the first week in October was “National Employ the Physically Handicapped week.” The declaration was part of an organized effort to educate the public about issues surrounding disabilities and employment. By 1988, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. During this time, congress also expanded the week to the entire month of October and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). 

The NDEAM was established to shine a spotlight on the varied contributions of individuals with disabilities to the workforce and economy of the United States.

 

This article was written by Madeline Mancini, Sports Managment Intern for SportsAbility Alliance.

What is National Disability Awareness Month?

National Developmental Disability Awareness Month was founded on February 26, 1987 by President Ronald Reagan. He officially declared Proclamation 5613, making March National Disabilities Awareness Month. The proclamation called for individuals to provide understanding, encouragement and opportunities to help people with disabilities to lead productive and fulfilling lives. In March, we specifically take extra steps to raise awareness about the support and rights of people with disabilities. Since Reagan’s declaration, attitudes toward individuals with disabilities have shifted and programs have increasingly supported the independence of people with disabilities.

How to Get Involved With the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA)

Many are inspired by the feats on display in Tin Soldiers. This documentary covers the lives of paralympians including gold medalist Alana Nichols. Pulse, based on the life of Oksana Masters, is also popular. (You can watch both movies for free with an Amazon Prime trial.)

Maybe you were inspired by the 2020 documentary Rising Phoenix that went behind the scenes with top athletes in the Paralympic Games. Now you might be wondering what sport is right for you.

It’s a Thirty-year anniversary celebration!  The Americans with Disabilities Act created the law, but it’s been people who have changed the World.  The passing of the ADA in 1990, provided the legislation that makes it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities.  That opened the doors for people who care, to push for establishing the specific laws, codes, regulations, and guidelines that we follow to help enable equal access and inclusion into Society.

This civil rights law has created “opportunities to participate” and have changed the lives of everyone.  The Florida Disabled Outdoors Association is also celebrating our 30 years of caring and change through our advocacy and action.