We will review current research about the benefits of outdoor recreation for people with disabilities as well as the challenges people face when trying to recreate. We will provide an overview of the partners that state AT programs collaborate with to ensure people with disabilities have access to the equipment, instruction, and opportunities to participate in outdoor recreation. Various AT that could help people with disabilities be more independent will be highlighted. The presentation will finish with a focus on two statewide adaptive recreation initiatives, one on adaptive cycling and one for accessible boating.

Presenter: Molly Kimmel, OTR/L, Director of MonTECH 

With visitor levels rising every year to the National Parks, the Park Service has a long term plan to increase accessibility for everyone. Learn about our goals: 1. How do we create a welcoming environment for individuals with disabilities? 2. We need to make sure that every new activity, facility, or program has accessibility built into it from its creation. 3. How do we prioritize and upgrade exisiting acitivities, facilities, and programs?

Presenter: Jeremy Buzzell, Branch Chief for the Accessibility Management Program National Park Service

Appropriate access and involvement in physical, sports and leisure activities for those with blindness and visual impairments is critical to long-term health, development and meaningful inclusion. Find a meaningful way to allow them to show you “Yes I Can!”

Presenter: Jennifer D'Alessandro- Educational Consultant, Vision Outreach Services Special Education Unit

Overview of Wyoming Disabled Hunters program and various types of assistive technology for hunting.

Presenter: Bryce Fauskee, Vice President of the Wyoming Disabled Hunters Cody WY

Special Olympics sports competitions are based on the idea that athletes of all abilities should be given an equal chance of succeeding, whether it is a personal best or a gold medal. Special Olympics calls this competition-level matching “divisioning.”

Presenter: Sean Stake, Senior Manager, Coach and Resource Development, Special Olympics North America

As the weather gets colder, it is time to find ways to have fun indoors- and what’s better than a classic board game? Join us during this session to learn about how board games and card games can be adapted in a variety of ways to be inclusive for all members of the family!

Presenter: Shelby Kappler, WATR AT Program Specialist

Gaming as an occupation is growing ever more popular and has come a long way from the days of Pong and the Atari 2600. As the gaming industry has evolved and grown, so too does the need for more inclusive gaming opportunities. Whether you are a newbie or a major league gaming pro, a casual or hardcore gamer, join us as we dive into what accessible gaming looks like from the hardware and assistive technology that people game on to how games are designed. From this, you'll walk away with a foundation on how to help those interested in gaming more meaningfully participate in one of Nathan's most beloved hobbies.

Presenter: Nathaniel (Nathan) Baniqued OTD, OTR/L

Go Baby Go Wyo is a program that modifies off-the-shelf ride-on toy cars for kids with disabilities. This program serves children birth to 5 years old who have mobility impairments.

Presenter: Gina Ruiz, PT, CDC of Natrona County