NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release – Dec 23, 2022
Connecting More People to Nature
– Access, Independence, & Dignity!
Barron County, WI (Rice Lake, WI) – Santa is excited to announce that Access Ability Wisconsin (AAW) and Blue Hills Sportsmen’s Club (BHSC) are extending a path to outdoor access for those living with mobility challenges. Residents and visitors to Barron County can reserve the AAW all-terrain outdoor wheelchair (OWC) and take it to their favorite private or public lands. Organizations can increase more access to their outdoor events and activities by reserving and having the AAW chair available. These chairs with tank-like tracks and a tilt switch go where regular wheelchairs with skinny tires can’t go. They are the “hiking boots” allowing anyone living with a physical disability an opportunity to experience the dignity and freedom to enjoy the great outdoors solo & with family & friends, just like everyone else!
“It is vital to include all abilities in our community and at our club in outdoor recreation,” says Tim Chaussee, President of BHSC. He continues to add that hosting the AAW adaptive equipment is only one of many steps BHSC is making. Whether it is used for ice fishing, snowshoeing, or any other nature-themed family friendly activities, people with mobility issues have the opportunity to participate in the local community by using the hosted AAW equipment from Blue Hills.
“Welcome, Blue Hills!” exclaims Monica Spaeni, President of AAW, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. She elaborates, “We are excited about our relationship with the club. We love their dedication to promote equitable access to nature and the outdoors for all abilities which directly aligns with AAW’s goals.”
AAW’s long term goal is to have at least one AAW all-terrain outdoor chair (OWC) in all 72 Wisconsin counties. Blue Hills Sportsmen’s Club is extending that reach by becoming the local host for Barron & surrounding counties.
An AAW outdoor wheelchair with an outfitted trailer exceeds $25K. AAW clients have been daily wheelchair users, those with walking, breathing, or heart difficulties, kids, & adults even as young as 101. Benefits are decreased feelings of depression & isolation, increased feelings of independence and spontaneity; bottom line, lives are improved for the individual and their families.
If you have questions about reservation details, know of an organization that would like information about “Outdoors Access 4 All!”, or would like to donate or host one of AAW’s fleet of 24 outdoor wheelchairs, contact us.
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Monica Spaeni, Access Ability Wisconsin President, www.AccessAbilityWI.org, Phone: 608-886-9388 or
Email: AAW@AccessAbilityWI.org
Tim Chaussee, Blue Hills Sportsmen’s Club Chairman, www.bluehillssportsmens.club
Phone: 715-933-0125 or Email: Barron.Co.WI@AccessAbilityWI.org