Opportunities for recreation and entertainment are as varied as the people who enjoy them. Not only do Federal laws ensure equality of access to public events, but there's also a whole world of activities designed specifically for people with disabilities.
National Parks Access Pass
The National Parks Access Pass is a free, lifetime pass available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, regardless of age, that have a permanent disability. It can be used at over 2,000 Federal recreation sites across the nation, including National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many National Forest lands. Discounts offered by the Pass vary widely across the many different types of recreation sites. Pass owners are encouraged to check with sites they plan to visit before obtaining a Pass to verify that their Pass will be accepted. Any time a Pass is used, photo identification will be requested to verify ownership.
Learn more about the Access Pass.
Ski for Light
Ski for Light is a volunteer, non-profit organization that provides adults with visual or mobility impairments with the opportunity to learn and experience skiing. The group hosts an annual, week-long event in varying places across the country. Each participant is partnered for the week with an experienced, sighted, able-bodied cross-country skier who offers instructions and informs the skier about upcoming changes in the trail.
Learn more about Ski for Light. Their office is at 1455 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408. They can be contacted by phone at 612-827-3232.
National Ability Center (NAC)
The National Ability Center (NAC) is a Utah-based group that provides disability-inclusive outdoor recreational activities, camps, education, and competition. With over 1,900 volunteers, they use specialized equipment and teach adaptive techniques to people of all disabilities, ages, and skill levels. These events also welcome family and friends to build inclusive environments and strong support networks.
Events include–but are not limited to–cycling, archery, rock climbing, snowboarding, rafting, biking, camping, and equestrian sports.
Learn more about NAC. Find their office at 1000 Ability Way, Park City, UT 84060. Contact them by phone at 435-649-3991 or by email at hello [at] discovernac.org .
New England Healing Sports Association (NESHA)
The New England Healing Sport Association (NESHA) is a network of volunteers who share knowledge and provide support for adaptive sports. They provide year-round recreational opportunities for people with physical and cognitive disabilities, including kayaking, paddle boarding, skiing, snowboarding, and hiking.
Learn more about NESHA. Reach them by mail at PO Box 2135, 180 Mount Sunapee Road, Newbury, NH 03255. Reach them by phone at 603-763-9158 or by fax at 603-763-4400.
Sail Blind
Sail Blind is a recreational program that provides sailing opportunities for adults of any skill level who are blind or visually impaired.
Free events are held every Saturday at 9:30am to 11:30am EST during the season, which typically spans from May through October. They sail out of Community Boating in Boston on the Charlson River, meeting at 8:45am EST in front of the Whitney Hotel on 170 Charles Street, Boston, MA. Guide dogs and one guest are welcome.
Learn more about Sail Blind. Contact them by email at sailblind [at] carroll.org or by phone at 617-969-6200 ext. 245.
Beep Baseball
Beep baseball is an adaptation of baseball for people who are blind or visually impaired. With the help of a sighted pitcher and catcher, the sport uses beeping balls and buzzing bases to guide its players.
Adaptive Sports New England hosts Boston Strong, a program for both youth and adults. Their team plays in tournaments, but their practices are open to anyone with no experience needed. These events happen on Sunday mornings at Tufts University.
Learn more about beep baseball.
Challenged Athletes Foundation
The Challenged Athletes Foundation helps people with physical challenges participate in sports, including (but not limited to) people with visual impairments, spinal cord injuries, limb differences, and cerebral palsy. They have events for people of all skill levels, from youth programs to adult competitions to the Paralympics. Their support includes grants for adaptive equipment, sport camps and clinics, and mentorship.
Learn more about the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Find their headquarters at 9591 Waples Street, San Diego, CA 92121. Contact them by phone at 858-866-0959, by fax at 858-866-0958, or by email at caf [at] challengedathletes.org.
Audio Described Theater
Audio description for performing arts is a service now provided by many theatrical companies where a trained audio describer speaks between lines to describe entrances, exits, and actions as well as scene setting and stage description. This service is always free and often provided in the lobby of the venue if available. Patrons are given a small receiver with an on/off switch, volume control, and a headphone jack.
This service isn’t required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), so availability may vary, but many venues will attempt to find a qualified audio describer if contacted ahead of time.
Learn more about audio-described theater.
Adaptive Sports New England
Adaptive Sports New England is non-profit organization based in Boston that collaborates with adaptive-specific and mainstream sports programs to create opportunities for people with disabilities. They help develop support structures that promote inclusivity in sporting events at all levels, partnering with organizations such as the YMCA, the NCAA, and the US Olympic and Paralympic committees.
Their Sport Concierge initiative provides consultation to youth and young adults to help them get involved with local teams and programs, working with coaches, athletic directors, parents, and athletes. In addition, they host their own programs in swimming, track and field, beep baseball, wheelchair basketball, rowing, boating, and many other sports.
Learn more about Adaptive Sports New England. Find their office at 88 South Street, Suite 603, Boston, MA 02111. Contact them by phone at 617-690-9103 or by email at joe.walsh [at] adaptivesportsne.org .
Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages Massachusetts state parks. DCR has a variety of accessible recreational activities, including hiking, golf, boating, cycling, camping, swimming, fishing, hunting, ice skating, and skiing. These programs include specialized equipment, modifications, staff support, and instruction for people with disabilities. You can find the DCF program calendar here.
Learn more about the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Find their main office at 251 Causeway Street, 9th floor, Boston, MA 02114. Contact them by phone at 617-626-1250 or by email at mass.parks [at] mass.gov .