Getting Outside

Valley Associates for Independent Living (VAIL) has launched a peer support group for people with mobility disabilities in the Lexington area to get outside into nature for exercise, wildlife viewing, and socialization.

The Outdoor Adaptive Recreation (OAR) program coordinates accessible outdoor adventures - including birding, hiking and strolling with wheelchairs, wildlife photography, handcycling and kayaking - in the local area and around the state.

OAR had its kickoff event on Thursday, March 2, at Jordans Point Park. People with mobility disabilities, family members, friends, and members of the Rockbridge Bird Club strolled around the park. Ten different bird species were identified including a red-bellied woodpecker.

Participants also enjoyed reading about the history of the park, viewing the Maury River, watching puppies play in the field, and finding the first bloodroot wildflowers of the season. The group plans to kayak on the Maury River during the summer and scouted the boat ramp for accessibility.

OAR events will be on the third Thursday of each month with additional dates depending on schedules. The next event will be on March 16 at Natural Bridge State Park. On April 20, OAR will be going on a wildflower stroll on the Chessie Trail. On Saturday, April 15, participants will be joining Sportable in Richmond for the Adaptive Sports Festival which includes wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, kayaking, handcycling and archery.

VAIL is a nonprofit organization providing services in the community for people with all types of disabilities in Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, Buena Vista and Lexington, as well as the surrounding counties. VAIL was incorporated in 1988 and has been a full Center for Independent Living for over 20 years. As such, over half of its staff and board members are people with disabilities.

The mission of VAIL is promoting self-direction among people with disabilities and removing barriers to independence in the community. Some of the services include information and referral, advocacy, home modifications, peer support, technical assistance, and adaptive recreation and sports. The VAIL Harrisonburg Cardinals wheelchair basketball team is one of VAIL’s programs. Visit VAIL on Facebook or www.govail. org for more information.

OAR is eager for more people with mobility impairments to join them. Anyone interested can contact Terri Bsullak, OAR coordinator, at tbsullak@ yahoo.com or (540) 460-3473.