From the Editor

by Vicki Leeper

ALASKANS LIKE TO GET OUTSIDE!

After hosting a successful conference with the theme of Get Outside, it was a pleasure to visit Anchorage Alaska and see just how much progress they are making in accessible outdoor recreation. From their 19 mile coastal trail, which is used by runners, walkers, bicyclists, and people in wheelchairs; board walks for bird and wildlife watching, to the many hikes that have portions fully accessible. They include picnic tables, restrooms, parking and paved trails whenever they can.

And it’s not stopping there! After DAC NW presented information on BluePath at their statewide Independent Living Conference, it’s clear they are motivated to do even better. Since tourism is a big economic industry there, they are looking at ways to make programs and activities even more accessible. Stay tuned for more information in the future!

Quotes to make you think!

“People need to have “the dignity of risk” and “the right to fail”. ~ Patricia Deegan, Disability Rights Advocate and diagnosed with Schizophrenia