For Immediate Release Contact: Wendy Fox

May 24, 2007 617-626-1453

ACCESSIBLE RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES

ABOUND THIS SUMMER

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is offering a variety of adaptive recreation opportunities across the state this summer through its Universal Access Program. People with disabilities and their friends and families are invited to participate in the activities, which will be held primarily on weekdays, June-September. Activities will include cycling, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, rowing, hiking, fishing, interpretive programs, and more.

The Universal Access Program provides recreational accessibility to state and urban parks for individuals with disabilities, their families, and friends. For persons with disabilities, free use of accessible equipment, such as kayaks and all-terrain wheelchairs, as well as staff assistance, is available. In winter, the program also offers accessible cross-country skiing and ice skating. Skilled instructors and volunteers provide equipment, instruction, support, and safety.

The Universal Access Program strives to increase the participation of persons with disabilities in recreational activities in integrated settings. On Saturday, June 2, at Artesani Park in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston, accessible recreation providers from around the state will demonstrate their equipment at a free Accessible Recreation Fair, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

“Our Universal Access Program is one of the most innovative and groundbreaking programs in the nation,” said DCR Acting Commissioner Pricilla Geigis. “It has helped make our state and urban park recreation programs more inclusive, so that people with disabilities can participate independently or with their friends and families in a wide variety of activities.”

New this summer is accessible sailing on the Charles River at Community Boating on the Esplanade near the Hatch Shell. Hiking, cycling, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and horseback riding are also available at a number of locations across the Commonwealth.

For more information on DCR’s Universal Access Program and a complete schedule of summer activities, visit mass.gov/dcr or call 617-626-1294, 413-545-5353, or 413-577-2200 (TTY).

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