Experiences with and perceptions of an adaptive hiking program

Abstract

Purpose: Outdoor activities in natural settings have been found to be beneficial for overall health and well-being. However, people with disabilities may have different experiences accessing outdoor activities in natural settings. This research explored the experiences of users, volunteers, and staff, and perspectives of non-users about an adapted hiking program that uses a specialized mobility device called a TrailRider. The research had three objectives:

1. Describe the experiences of users, volunteers, and staff;

2. Identify perceived barriers to or limitations of participating for users, volunteers, staff, and non-users; and

3. Explore the impact of participation for users, volunteers, and staff.

Method: This ethnographic study used a combination of observations and in-depth interviews as a means of data collection.

Results: Researchers accompanied 38 participants on five hikes and conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 participants. Analysis identified three themes: “Let the Good Times Roll” described how TrailRider users and volunteers enjoyed the opportunity to explore the great outdoors. “An Uphill Battle” acknowledged perceived physical and psychological barriers to participation. “Clearing the Path” addressed potential areas for program improvement.

Conclusions: This study emphasized how volunteers and users appreciated the outdoor and social opportunities the program afforded. The study identified a number of potential improvements that could be implemented to improve access to the program.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Outdoor recreation programs create positive experiences, as well as unique social opportunities for users and volunteers.

• Identifying and considering physical and psychological barriers would improve wilderness access for individuals with disabilities.

• Despite the fact that outdoor recreation programs, like the adaptive hiking program, are in place, deficient marketing and promotion limit users and volunteers from taking part.

Keywords:

• Disability
• rehabilitation
• leisure
• recreation
• adaptive recreation
• outdoor
• nature
• barriers
• access
• TrailRider
• hiking
• adaptive hiking
• experiences

Acknowledgements

A special thanks to the British Columbia Mobility Opportunities Society for connecting us with their adaptive recreation program using the TrailRider.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interests.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada [Grant #895-2013-102]. Dr. Mortenson was supported by a CHIR New Investigator Award [Grant No. 20R73878].