Adaptive Adventures - Word of Thanks

We are excited to be featured on “Word of Thanks” during Next with Kyle Clark on 9 News Denver. More importantly, we are grateful to serve our veterans. Happy Veteran's Day, thank you for your service and sacrifice. 

Adaptive Adventures is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides progressive outdoor adventures to individuals with physical disabilities and their families, regardless of location, equipment needs or economic status. 

We are headquartered in Westminster, Colorado and serve children, adults and veterans with physical disabilities and their families through cycling, climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding, skiing, dragon boat racing, waterskiing and rafting. 

Individuals in our programs report experiencing greater independence, camaraderie, freedom, joy and overall health while reducing anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, social isolation, pain, weight, prescription drug dependence, and negative coping behaviors. 

According to the CDC, 1 in 4 U.S. adults (over 61 million) live with a disability. We work to normalize adaptation in recreation creating equitable access to explore outdoor adventures.

Program Highlights:

1. Veteran Adaptive Cycling Program - We provide a progressive series of clinics to introduce veterans with disabilities to adaptive cycling and to help them secure their own adaptive cycle. Veterans with disabilities can potentially qualify to receive their own adaptive bicycle through the VA if they are able to try a wide variety of styles and adaptations and spend so much time on the bike. An adaptive cycle can cost anywhere from $6,000-$20,000. We ensure that the veteran gets fitted to the right bike so it doesn't end up unused in a garage and that the veteran has the skills to be successful and a community to support them. 
2. Access Adventure Multi-sport and Family Days at Chatfield State Park - One Friday per month during the summer, we provide a multi-sport and family day where the beach becomes fully accessible at Chatfield State Park. Families participate in cycling, climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding and dinner. The program is offered free of charge and provides a non-intimidating approach to learning more about and jumping into adaptive recreation. We typically have about 140 families participate in each event.

We train and educate outfitters, climbing gyms, bike shops, community organizations, corporate groups, and retailers in the implementation of programs, disability awareness, assessment, inclusive design and more. Adaptive Adventures partners with equipment manufacturers, University Human Engineering programs and outdoor retailers to further reduce barriers through disruptive technology and innovating new adaptations.

Our staff team has over 225 years of experience in adaptive recreation and is composed of 10 individuals with spinal cord injuries, limb loss, traumatic brain injuries, post traumatic stress, pain disorders, neurological conditions and current/former caregivers. The team is uniquely positioned to come alongside individuals in their pain and trauma as they work towards an active, healthy lifestyle and improved quality of life.

With your support and generosity, we can serve more individuals with physical disabilities and their families. Your donation makes a life-changing difference. All funds raised will support Colorado-based programs.