INDEPENDENCE in VANCOUVER

Making the trek from Seattle to Vancouver, theOutdoors for All Foundation made an appearance on the Washington State School for the Blind’s (WSSB) campus Thursday, September 22nd. Outdoors for All, was able to bring a portion of their adaptive cycle fleet and other recreational equipment to WSSB thanks to a recent grant received from the Gibney Family Foundation. WSSB is a residential school for blind and partially sighted students of school age who are residents of the state of Washington.

After a brief safety demonstration and explanation of the afternoon’s events, students were split into two groups and ready to take on the outdoors! The first group had the opportunity to feel, try on and experience (despite not having any snow) what it might be like to take part in a snowshoe event later this winter.

The second group, and eventually, everyone strapped on helmets and chose a bike of their liking. Among Outdoors for All’s many adaptive cycles are side-by-side tandems, three-wheeled independent trikes and hand crank cycles. For many students, this was their first attempt and success at riding independently. Smiles and exclamations of pride and fun were certainly not scarce. Emily Opheikens, who was a hesitant participant at first, reflected on the day’s events, “Oh my gosh, it was my first time on that kind of bike. And I love it!"

For more information about Outdoors for All’s year-round recreational programs or how to bring an event to your organization or school contact Heidi Cunningham at heidicunningham@outdoorsforall.org or call 425.462.0978 x214

Emily shows Fred how it is done.

Rachelle hits the road by herself.

Alyssa gets talked into trying something different!

Allen and Sara are working together.

Ryan, Emily & Abby are ready for snow.

Winter can't come soon enough!

Treca can almost feel the wind in her hair!