Staying Active with Fall Activities

As fall comes in full swing, the temperatures are dropping, but that does not mean you need to stay inside! 

Through the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation's Quality of Life Grants Program, we have granted over $34 million dollars to non-profits and organizations across the country that are dedicated to increasing their facilities' universal accessibility and providing accessible activities for their community members. We will be spotlighting a few of our grantees that offer great opportunities during the fall months.

New Jersey

If you are looking for a nice way to get out in nature, the Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit, New Jersey, is a great way to get out and experience nature in an accessible environment. With a grant from the Reeve Foundation, the Reeves-Reed Arboretum has made its facilities more universally accessible by creating a beautiful outdoor community center for those with paralysis and mobility impairments.

California

For adaptive sports and other activities to pursue in the fall months, Ability First Sports is a great organization in Chico, California, with programs running all year like adaptive basketball, adaptive archery, and educational lessons on adaptive sports and practices. Find a full list of activities on their website. You can also stay up to date by following their Facebook and YouTube pages.

Hawaii

For our members not on the mainland or looking for adaptive sports activities on your vacation, Access Surf Hawaii is a non-profit based out of Honolulu, Hawaii, that offers adaptive sports programs and inclusive events all year long. With their events honoring Wounded Warriors and programs fostering adaptive surfing, Access Surf Hawaii is doing everything it can to keep the disabled and paralyzed community engaged and active throughout the year.

Massachusetts

For those looking to stay warm this fall season, maybe wanting to pick up a new book or two to read, the Beaman Memorial Public Library in West Boylston, Massachusetts, created easier access to their facilities. So, if you do not feel like soaking in the cold, you can still stay engaged within your community, learning new things and meeting new people. With in-person and virtual events, the Beaman Memorial Public Library is another great way to get out and get active within your community!

If you don’t see your state or area mentioned here, our Resource Map, provides a list of facilities near you that not only list adaptive activities in your area, but healthcare facilities, in care living centers and other services for individuals with paralysis. All you need to do is enter your ZIP code and scroll! We also have a wide-ranging network of peer mentors in our Peer & Family Support Program. You can reach out for guidance about which local services to utilize, ways to stay engaged with your community, and learn more about fall activities in different areas. Don’t forget to check out the Reeve Foundation website for more resources, information and services in your area that can help you get out and get active!

To learn more about the free programs and services that the National Paralysis Resource Center offers, please contact media@christopherreeve.org.