9/15/2024 – Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, a leading nonprofit in the adaptive sports industry, continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of accessible outdoor recreation at both the state and national levels. Recently, Vermont Adaptive participated in two key roundtable discussions that highlight its advocacy for ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation.
In a national spotlight early last week, Vermont Adaptive joined an exclusive roundtable at REI’s Flagship store in Washington, D.C. The discussion focused on reducing barriers to outdoor recreation for people with disabilities. Organized by REI and Move United, this event brought together leaders from federal agencies, Congress, and non-governmental organizations to begin charting a path for national policy action. Vermont Adaptive’s participation in the panel with leaders from organizations like the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to outdoor recreational opportunities for people with disabilities.
“This gathering in D.C. was an important step toward ensuring long-term, systemic changes that will make the outdoors more inclusive,” said Jeff Alexander, director of strategic partnerships, who represented Vermont Adaptive on the NGO panel. “We are excited to be part of this collaborative effort to identify challenges and develop solutions that will have a lasting impact on outdoor access for the disability community.”
Last Friday, Vermont Adaptive was honored to be part of a roundtable discussion about Vermont’s outdoor recreation and tourism sectors, hosted by U.S. Senator Peter Welch. The roundtable, held mid-trail at Richmond Mountain Trails, included representatives from the U.S. Travel Association, Vermont Tourism, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, and other state and industry leaders. Participants explored how outdoor recreation fuels Vermont’s economy and the critical role organizations like Vermont Adaptive play in this ecosystem.
Kim Jackson, Vermont Adaptive’s communications director, joined the discussion, sharing insights into the organization’s work to make outdoor recreation accessible to all. “Outdoor recreation is vital to Vermont’s economy and well-being, and it’s essential that everyone, regardless of ability, can reap its benefits,” said Jackson. “There are 13 million people who identify as having a disability living within a five-hour radius of Vermont so there’s a huge opportunity for us to bring these folks to the state. They come with their families, their friends, because at the end of the day, everybody wants to play together, regardless of one’s ability. We’re grateful for Senator Welch’s commitment to this conversation and look forward to continuing our work together to elevate outdoor access across the state and at the federal level.”
This event underscores Vermont Adaptive’s growing influence in discussions on outdoor recreation access. The organization advocated for expanded federal support, highlighting the importance of funding and policy measures that promote inclusivity and sustainability in outdoor tourism.
Later that day, Vermont Adaptive participated in a legislator meet-and-greet at Kingdom Trails alongside partners such as the Vermont Ski Areas Association, Vermont Mountain Bike Association and Vermont Trails & Greenways Council. This gathering further emphasized the importance of stewardship and outdoor recreation in Vermont communities, culminating in a celebration of Kingdom Trails’ 30th anniversary.
