Bay Area Disability Network

Archived Recreation Advice

(also see Recreation Reviews and Recommendations)

How to participate in accessible outdoor adventures and recreation.

How to participate in accessible outdoor adventures and recreation.

• Thu, Feb. 17, 2005 Disabled have access to sports By Mike Gale CONTRA COSTA TIMES Recreation THERE ARE SO many opportunities for outdoor adventures and recreation in the Bay Area, but access for the disabled isn't always easy. That's where an organization like Bay Area Outreach & Recreation Program comes in. Based in Berkeley, BORP serves people with disabilities throughout the Bay Area. BORP was founded in 1976 by people with disabilities to create access to the outdoors, to fitness, to sports, and to recreation for a population that had been left out. 'We totally try to make (recreation destinations) as accessible as we can,' BORP program manager Kristi Taylor said. 'There are a lot of cool things to do in the Bay Area. We're kind of a link between them and the disabled community.' Taylor estimates BORP serves around 1,000 people a year. The organization offers a number of competitive sports programs as well as outdoor adventures, family outings, and integrated cycling. BORP provides transportation on most trips. Some of the outdoor adventures include multi-day exploration of Yosemite, kayaking trips, rafting, and integrated bike rides. The integrated bike rides include riding handcycles, adapted three-wheelers, and tandems. Standard bicycle riders also take part. There is an adapted cycle for just about everyone with any level of fitness, any ability. Along with the activities offered by BORP, the organization works a means of finding other activities for the disabled to partake in. 'Say someone really want to go hot-air ballooning,' Taylor said. 'We'll try to help them find a place that offers it for them or get enough people together and organize a trip.' Most of the programs are geared toward all ages and abilities. Also, many families participate in some of the outings. 'We have lots of family participating,' Taylor said. 'So if a parent has a disability, the whole family can come and participate. Regularly scheduled programs include power soccer, which is an indoor team sport designed by and for people who use motorized wheelchairs. The game is played on a regulation-size basketball court with four players per team. The object is to outscore the opponent by pushing the ball over the goal line. The rules are similar to soccer and equipment needs are minimal. For a full schedule of upcoming events and programs, and to find which venues are hosting which programs, log on to www.borp.org. Jan Garrett

I like dogs, and have two of my own, but last week for the second time I saw a “service dog” whose owner was in a wheelchair barking at a passerby for no reason. This person didn’t seem to be bothered, but lots of people are afraid of dogs, and it doesn’t seem right that they should have to brave unfriendly dogs in stores and restaurants. I’ve heard that anyone can say their dog is a service dog and no one is allowed to even ask what their disability is. What’s the deal?

• You may not ask a person 'what their disability is?' in order to establish whether the dog accompanying them is a service dog. A professionally trained service dog is on duty whether they're wearing the special cape that designates the school they were trained at, or not.
  Service dog also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be trained to do a number of things including protection, if necessary. But dogs are dogs and sometimes they don't act the way they are supposed to. Now your point concerning service dog identification is important but it should never be confused with the very separate, and much more serious issue, of singling out a person based on whether their disability is 'legitimate' enough to warrant bringing a service dog into a public place. The city of Berkeley provides free service dog tags to owners. Normally the fee is about $22, but owners can present proof of the service dog's training and receive free registration tags. My service dog, Unique, proudly wears BSD#22. So the next time you encounter a dog that is distressed, or appearing not to obey the commands of its owner, you might be the perfect person to help. It is important to remember that there can be many reasons why a service dog is not wearing proper identification, but that won't stop them from trying to do their job. It could just be the person, not the dog, who needs your help. Joshua Davidson

Hi I am unable to drive around to all the different shelters. Could someone help me???? I qualify for an assistance dog. I need help getting around to choose one-what do I do? vantassel

• You are looking in the wrong place, my friend. Service dogs require years of training by professional dog handlers. Even once they are trained, a service total will be useless to you unless it is carefully matched to your personality and your specific needs. All of this work cost money, lots of it. Some schools offer programs to help financially disadvantaged people add a service dog to their life. It can take a while, sometimes years, but the wait is well worth it. You should start by contacting the Assistance Dog Institute at 707-545-3647 (DOGS). They're located in Santa Rosa. Another good program is Paws with a Cause. They are located in the Midwest, but they will send out a representative to meet you and discuss your needs. Good luck!