EXTERNAL LINKS
Open the Outdoors
Several prominent groups in Wisconsin provide enhanced outdoor experiences to people with disabilities. From adaptive equipment to events throughout the year, these organizations offer a variety of opportunities for people with disabilities to get out and experience the outdoors.
Hunting
- The Adaptive Sportsman [exit DNR] provides recreational opportunities for physically challenged people.
- A non-profit organization that grew out of a desire to provide accessible outdoor opportunities, the North American Squirrel Association (NASA) [exit DNR] offers accessible hunting and fishing experiences to both physically challenged and elderly members of our community.
- Based out of Green Bay, Wisconsin and serving the Northeast Wisconsin area, Challenge The Outdoors (CTO) [exit DNR] is a non-profit organization that offers events and services to disabled sportspeople and their friends and families.
- After realizing the need for hunting opportunities among people with disabilities, Buckmasters American Deer Foundation [exit DNR] was established in 1993. The group provides links to adaptive equipment, hunts, etc.
- Offering guided whitetail deer hunts, Wheelchair Whitetails [exit DNR] provides high-quality, accessible outdoor experiences to disabled hunters who use wheelchairs.
- Outdoor recreational opportunities are provided by the National Wild Turkey Federation Wheelin' Sportsmen Program [exit DNR] to those with injuries, mobility impairments or those needing additional assistance.
- For those who prefer a bow, the United Foundation For Disabled Archers (UFFDA) [exit DNR] promotes and provides means to practice archery for any physically challenged person.
Fishing
- Providing recreational fishing opportunities, Fishing Has No Boundaries [Exit DNR] offers opportunities for all anglers with disabilities, regardless of their age, race, gender or disability.
- In addition to accessible hunting, Challenge The Outdoors [exit DNR] provides a wide variety of accessible fishing opportunities.
- Pier, trout pond and ice fishing opportunities are available through The North American Squirrel Association (NASA) [exit DNR]; they also provide pontoon boat fishing and lake tours.
Equipment and Gear
- To reserve an outdoor track wheelchair for free (with a small refundable deposit), contact Access Ability Wisconsin [exit DNR]; enclosed trailers are included so individuals can explore the great outdoors.
- The North American Squirrel Association (NASA) [exit DNR] lends adaptive equipment to individuals with disabilities to enjoy outdoor activities in the Coulee Region. Equipment includes adaptive skis, kayaks, outdoor track chair and more.
- An outdoor track wheelchair is reservable at no cost from the Hudson Rod, Gun & Archery Club [exit DNR] in Hudson, WI. You do not need to be a club member to use the chair.
- A track wheelchair is available for use in select parts of the state from Wings Over Wisconsin [exit DNR], a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to natural resource preservation and education through youth & community involvement
- The Sheboygan County Conservation Association [exit DNR], through a cooperative effort of the Northern Kettles Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and American Legion Friedrichs-Mueller-Norgaard, WI Post 149 Sheboygan Falls, WI has a tracked wheelchair available for persons with mobility difficulties to use free of charge to enjoy outdoor activities as independently as possible.
- Options For Independent Living [exit DNR] is an independent living center in Green Bay and offers free rental of several off-road wheelchairs as well as other adaptive equipment.
Outdoor Recreation
- Friends groups organize special events and opportunities and fundraise for special projects. Find a friends group near you to hear about special events and opportunities.
- The Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired-Recreation Committee [exit DNR] promotes dignity and empowers the people of Wisconsin who live with vision loss through advocacy, education and vision services.
- An all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit wish-granting charity, the United Special Sportsman Alliance (USSA) [exit DNR] specializes in sending critically ill and disabled youth as well as disabled veterans on a free outdoor adventure of their dreams.
- An Affiliate of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, Move United [exit DNR] uses sports to push what's possible so that everyone, regardless of ability, has equal access to sports and recreation in their community.