KIMMEL: Floating Across Montana
Project Description:
The Floating Across Montana (FAM) project builds on the success and reputation of the Wheels Across Montana (WAM) project funded by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation in 2016. Through WAM, Montanans with paralysis now have greater access to outdoor recreation via the use of adaptive bicycles in five communities across the state. While biking is an excellent option for physical activity, people enjoy having access to multiple forms of exercise and recreation. With over 3,223 named lakes and reservoirs in Montana and very few that have safe access for people with paralysis, thousands of Montanans are barred from water-based adventures and the equally important social opportunities that go along with boating. In partnership with Montana FWP (a state FWP agency) and the Blackfeet Nation Fish & Wildlife (a tribal agency associated with one of Montana's 8 sovereign Native Nations), FAM seeks to expand that adaptive recreation access to Montana lakes by providing a new type of technology: accessible kayak/canoe launches attached to existing docks in five communities throughout Montana. Currently, there are no accessible boat launches of this kind found in lakes managed by Montana FWP. Much like how WAM created increased access to outdoor recreation through the provision of specialized equipment, FAM would provide an additional exercise and recreation opportunity for people with paralysis to enjoy in multiple sites across Montana.
Goal one: People with paralysis will have increased opportunities to safely and independently engage in kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
Goal two: People with paralysis will have more options for outdoor physical recreation to improve health, wellness, and community integration.
Goal three: Project partners will gain a greater understanding of the importance of universal design and provision of inclusive adaptive recreation.
Impact: FAM's first year will see 125 people with paralysis using these accessible boat launches to engage in safe and inclusive outdoor recreation on Montana's lakes. Along with people with paralysis, their families and caregivers will have a lessened burden of care when assisting with adaptive recreation. Instead, they will be able to spend time enjoying the activity together rather than struggling to transition in and out of a boat.
This project was funded late in FY22 and has not spent any funds yet.
Keyword(s):
accessibility, adaptive recreation, boating
Core Function(s):
Other Direct/Model Services
Area of Emphasis
Recreation-Related Activities, Other - Assistive Technology
Target Audience:
Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Geographic Areas
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
