Outdoor Adventures

Watercolor by Barb Wallace

Our Mission

TA – Outdoor Adventures (TA-OA) exists to support persons of ALL ages and abilities by providing quality adaptive guiding, and instruction in outdoor environments.

Our Commitment

TA – Outdoor Adventures (TA-OA) provides leadership, programs and specialty therapeutic services to educate, to challenge, and to inspire our clients to improve their fitness and overall quality of life through active participation in outdoor adventures.

What differentiates TA – Outdoor Adventures (TA-OA) from other programs is: (1) our unparalleled experience serving individuals with a wide diversity of disabilities; (2) our broad scope of educational and rehabilitation – programs ~ projects ~ events; (3) our guiding core values and operational ethics; and (4) our commitment to safety and service.

Our History

Therapeutic Adventures, Inc. has developed a unique and integrative approach to instruction using:
our IndependencePlus Model, our adaptive Circle of Courage model, and our Adaptive Outdoor Skills Mastery System. Through our unique approach to teaching, coaching, guiding and mentoring, we embolden our adaptive students/clients to set goals and to strive for functional independence. Our belief that ALL persons learn and benefit by being provided with opportunities to develop self- awareness, self-confidence, and self-reliance – has provided Therapeutic Adventures, Inc. with a proven framework for success. TA supports individuals and families, helping them to make positive lifestyle choices in the environments where adaptive sports and outdoor adventure activities are offered and enjoyed.

All of our programs and services are carefully designed to help learn the necessary skills, techniques and judgment needed to safely experience the adaptive adventures you wish to pursue.

TA – Outdoor Adventures – Ambulatory

Instructional progressions are adapted to address the needs of individuals who have the torso, upper extremity and lower extremity strength to support, to balance, and to coordinate movements while standing upright. Generally, these individuals ambulate (walk) with minimal to moderate assistance or independently. Individuals may have one or more of the following: motor/sensory impairments, range of motion (ROM) limitations, or motor planning deficits in one or more limbs – either upper extremities or lower extremities or on one side of the body (hemiplegic). These individuals may also, from time to time, use prosthetic or orthotic devices and/or assistive aides such as (cane{s}, forearm crutches, or a walker, etc.) A partial list of ambulatory individuals who may use our TA – Outdoor Adventures progressions includes: persons with developmental disabilities, stroke (CVA), traumatic brain injury (TBI), upper extremity limb deficiency/amputees, lower extremity limb deficiency/ amputees, mild cerebral palsy (CP), multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic health impairments (diabetes, cancer, etc.) blind/ visually impaired, deaf/hearing impaired, etc.

TA – Outdoor Adventures – Wheelchair Users

Instructional progressions are adapted to address the needs of individuals (a) who use a wheelchair as their primary means of mobility, and/or those (b) who fatigue and may require periodic use of a wheelchair split with some standing/ walking. These individuals may have one or more of the following: (a) strong upper extremities, (b) impaired upper extremities, (c) impaired lower extremities, (d) good torso/ trunk balance, (d) impaired torso/trunk balance, (e) within normal limits (wnl) for motor/sensory, range of motion (ROM) and motor planning, (f) deficits in motor/sensory, range of motion (ROM) and motor planning in one or more limbs – either upper extremities or lower extremities or on one side of the body (hemiplegic). A partial list of wheelchair users who may use our TA – Adaptive Adventures progressions includes: persons with lower extremity amputations, spinal cord injury (paraplegic), stroke (CVA), traumatic brain injury (TBI), spina bifida, cerebral palsy (CP), multiple sclerosis (MS), friedericks ataxia, etc.

TA – Outdoor Adventures – Blind/ Visually Impaired, Deaf/Hearing Impaired

Instruction and Guiding progressions in Adaptive Adventures utilize a variety communications techniques, assistive technology and instruction/guiding to help the individual become aware of their ever-changing environmental surroundings. In addition to orienting the individual to their environment, guiding techniques assist persons to achieve functional independence through the use of verbal, auditory, tactile and proprioceptive cues. A unique partnership is developed between the adaptive guide and blind/visually impaired or deaf/hearing impaired adaptive athlete. All efforts focus on developing a strong trusting relationship with a foundation that includes mutual respect, safety, fun, and common goals.

Hiking & Backpacking ~ Camping

Exploring and spending time in a variety of outdoor environments has many therapeutic benefits. Hiking, backpacking and camping provides opportunities to relax and appreciate all the beauty nature has to offer.

Climbing

Climbing is a great activity to test your limits. It requires strength, balance, flexibility, relaxation, and tenacity. Problem solving and exploring various routes on a rock wall makes this an exciting and challenging sport.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a great activity to explore the quiet beauty of winter. Walking on top of the snow with the aid of (snow shoes and poles) enables the adaptive athlete to get into the backcountry during the winter season. Snowshoeing improves endurance and cardiovascular fitness. Slow things down and it can be a refreshing way calm the soul.