Outdoor spaces for every body : empowering individuals through outdoor recreation
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Adaptive outdoor recreation (AOR) provides numerous physical, psychological, and social benefits to individuals with disabilities, yet participation rates remain low due to a variety of internal and external barriers (Lape et al., 2018; Ryan et al., 2023). External barriers to engaging in AOR include high cost of adaptive or specialized equipment, geographic constraints, and limited access to information (Ryan et al., 2023). The literature review highlights the gap between the potential benefits of AOR and its underutilization within the U.S. healthcare system. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) are capable of bridging this gap by integrating skills and knowledge learned in more traditional roles into AOR programs, offering tailored support to enhance participation and outcomes. This capstone experience with DREAM Adaptive Recreation (DREAM-AR) in Montana involved the development of an online resource guide to improve access to trail and water-based recreation information for individuals with disabilities. The guide was designed to provide detailed, accessible information about local trails and water sites, aiming to reduce barriers and promote greater engagement in AOR. The evaluation of the guide showed positive feedback, indicating its potential to enhance participation and the overall recreational experience for individuals with disabilities. This project highlights the role of OTPs in expanding access to AOR and the importance of comprehensive, accessible resources to support participation.
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