On Saturday, July 25, Bernheim’s Children at Play Network (CAPN) participated in the Adaptive Recreation Showcase at the University of Louisville. Hosted by Gathering Strength, the event aims to empower people with disabilities to participate in sports and leisure activities through the use of modified equipment and rules. The showcase brought together a diverse range of accessibility devices, vendors, and partners and provided a central location for the community to explore a variety of ways to recreate and resources to do so.
“The event showcased games, sports, and tools all adapted to people in the disability community to get them access to some of the fun things non-disabled people take for granted – like kicking a soccer ball, swinging a golf club, or finding a quiet spot to be alone in nature,” explained Zach Blamel, Playcosystem Coordinator at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum.
Building Connections; Learning Through Partnerships
Among the demonstrators and vendors were community partners already engaged with the CAPN, such as Jenny Smith, adaptive rower and author, Shenitrea Vaughn of Self-Rising Mobility, and the JCPS Louisville Lightning, the school system’s adaptive sports team. It is only through partnerships with these amazing people and groups, among others, that we have been able to advance our accessibility efforts here at Bernheim.
Years ago, the CAPN was awarded a WHAS Crusade for Children grant which allowed purchase of the GRIT all-terrain wheelchair, with the goal of getting more children and their families out on our 17-acre playground, Playcosystem. As we have continued to learn from the resilient, innovative, and inspiring disability community, our efforts have evolved and grown.
From facilitating charrettes with Louisville Lightning to test-driving new mobility devices with Self-Rising Mobility, we are always learning and doing our best to listen to the needs of our visitors. It was due to these partnerships, consultants, and mentors that Bernheim’s accessibility efforts were recognized and allowed us to share this space.
The showcase highlighted incredible local athletes, non-profit organizations, and the sports and activities facilitated by Louisville Lightning and others. Demonstrations of adaptive sports and equipment were held, awards were given, and most importantly, the attendees and vendors received the overwhelming message that providing access to the outdoors and recreation is a priority in this community.
We were honored to be a part of this inspirational event and look forward to continuing to learn how we can expand our accessibility efforts here at Bernheim in the future.
