Wheelchair Hiking Event

Wheelchair Hiking Gathering | Saturday, October 26, 2019

Washington state is a mecca for wilderness lovers. Some of those hikers explore the outdoors with the use of wheelchairs. In the past, these “wheelchairs hikers” were often overlooked by the larger hiking community and indeed were even unaware of other wheelchair hikers in their region.

We are here! This gathering will provide an opportunity for hikers who use wheelchairs to discover and meet others and to exchange information and recommendations. A panel presentation will be followed by time to socialize and visit tables with representatives and resources related to wheelchair hiking, trails, equipment, programs, and groups. The gathering could lay the foundation for a future forum to exchange information on wheelchair hiking opportunities and accessible trails.

Presentation
The event will begin at 2:00 with a presentation by a panel of wheelchair hikers. Panel members will speak about their experiences with wheelchair hiking and accessible trails. They will also talk about their challenges and describe how they overcame them. There will also be a Q&A session with the audience.

Social Hour
After the panel presentation, a social hour will be held in the auditorium. Meet panel members and fellow wheelchair hikers. Discover organizations and resources for finding accessible trails. Meet representatives from organizations that rent accessible equipment and organize wheelchair hikes. Sign up for future wheelchair hiking opportunities.

Doors | 1:30 pm
Panel Presentation | 2:00 pm
Social Hour | 3:30 pm
Social Hour ends | 4:30 PM

Admission is free, but registration is requested

RSVP Here

Panel

• Denise Smith-Irwin – power wheelchair, long-distance trekker
• Ian Mackay – power wheelchair, founder and executive director of Ian’s Ride (https://www.iansride.com/), co-organizer of Ride Rainier ((https://www.facebook.com/groups/125092678094321/)
• Jenny Schmitz – manual wheelchair, wheelchair hiking blogger (https://wheelchairwandering.blogspot.com)
• Marsha Cutting – power wheelchair, co-organizer of Ride Rainier (https://www.facebook.com/groups/125092678094321/), coordinator of Bainbridge Island Wheels in the Woods
• Paula Larson – manual wheelchair, organizer and leader of adaptive hikes at Metro Parks Tacoma
• Vicki Rouillard – manual wheelchair, author of “Tales of Trails” accessible trail guide

Tabling Organizations and Reps
Outdoors for All
Washington Trails Association (WTA)
Ian’s Ride
Ride Rainier
Bainbridge Island Wheels in the Woods
Accessible Trails Resources
Metro Parks Tacoma
Tales of Trails Guides

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