Experiences with and perceptions of an adaptive hiking program.
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.



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



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.



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.
a Masters of Occupational Therapy , University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine , Vancouver , BC , Canada.
Larissa
L
James
a Masters of Occupational Therapy , University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine , Vancouver , BC , Canada.
Janet
J
Shing
b Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , BC , Canada.|c Rehabilitation Research Program , Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Research Institute , Vancouver , BC , Canada.|d International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) , UBC Faculty of Medicine and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Research Institute , Vancouver , BC , Canada.
W Ben
WB
Mortenson
e MAKE+ , British Columbia Institute of Technology , Burnaby , BC , Canada.
Johanne
J
Mattie
d International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) , UBC Faculty of Medicine and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Research Institute , Vancouver , BC , Canada.|f Canada Research Chair in Rehabilitation Engineering Design , British Columbia Institute of Technology , Burnaby , BC , Canada.|g Biomedical Engineering Program , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , BC , Canada.
Jaimie
J
Borisoff
D000328:Adult; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011998:Recreation; D014838:Volunteers; D014910:Wheelchairs
Disability; TrailRider; access; adaptive hiking; adaptive recreation; barriers; experiences; hiking; leisure; nature; outdoor; recreation; rehabilitation