Direct Effect Quality of Life Grants

2023 2^nd Cycle Direct Effect Quality of Life Grants

59 Grants Totaling $1,271,125

Grounds for Sculpture

Hamilton, NJ 08619

$24,999 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Door Accessibility at Grounds for Sculpture

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  500

Percentage of Program Budget:  36%

This grant supports the purchase of automatic doors for the organization’s Welcome Center to promote inclusion and accessibility while improving the overall experience for visitors who live with disabilities.

Bravehearts Therapeutic Riding Center

Harvard, IL 60033

$24,990 – Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Equine-Assisted Services to Promote Independence for Veterans Living with Paralysis

Anticipated numbers of people living with paralysis served:  50

Percentage of Program Budget:  100%

The grant supports the maintenance of 3 hydraulic lifts used by participants to mount and dismount the horse, along with therapeutic iconoclast pads to provide support to the horses being ridden. With these, Bravehearts intends to provide services to at least 50 veterans through 294 one-hour sessions of equine assisted services.

Trail Access Project

Las Vegas, NV 89134

$23,785 – Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Hiking on Backcountry Trails

Anticipated numbers of people living with paralysis served:  96

Percentage of Program Budget:  86%

This grant supports the purchase of a TerrainHopper, a quiet, four-wheel-drive mobility device that individuals with paralysis can use to access the backcountry on public lands surrounding Las Vegas, Nevada. The goal of the project is to allow for adaptive hiking and open accessibility for individuals who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

New York Medical College

Valhalla, NY 10603

$24,999 – Healthcare

Teaching Clinicians About Accessibility in Clinical Skills Medical Education

Anticipated numbers of people living with paralysis served:  2,000

Percentage of Program Budget:  100%

This grant supports the enhancement of NY Medical College’s clinical skills training center with accessible healthcare equipment to train future and current clinicians in their work with individuals living with disabilities. Equipment includes 3 Hoyer lifts, a wheelchair accessible weight scale, 3 slideboards, 2 repositioning slides, 3 slings, and 3 adjustable height exam tables with grab bars and wall mounting.

Friends of the Town of Clinton Parks and Events Inc.

Clinton, NJ 08809

$24,999 – Accessible Playground/Ballfield

Town of Clinton Inclusive Playground Project

Anticipated numbers of people living with paralysis served:  2,598

Percentage of Program Budget:  93%

This grant supports the purchase and installation of accessible playground equipment. This equipment is part of a multi-phase plan to make the playground properly ADA accessible in order to allow for inclusivity and community integration.

Vermont Parks Forever Inc.

Montpelier, VT 05601-0815

$7,544 – Accessible Beach/Dock/Pier

Adaptive Beach Access through the Park Access Fund

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  60

Percentage of Program Budget:  63%

This grant supports the purchase of 3 new beach wheelchairs for use in the state parks in 2024 and beyond. This will increase the number of available beach wheelchairs in the Vermont Park System to open up more opportunities for individuals living with paralysis to enjoy Vermont’s state parks alongside their friends and loved ones.

Alachua Conservation Trust

Gainesville, FL

2023 2^nd Cycle DE Grant

$15,000

Increasing Access to Florida Nature:  All Terrain Trail Wheelchair

This grant supports the purchase of an all-terrain adaptive wheelchair from All Terrain Georgia and the Aimee Copeland Foundation (ACF). The wheelchair will be made available to any person living with paralysis or other mobility related disabilities. Due to ACT not currently having ADA accessible trails available, this wheelchair will increase opportunities for accessible hiking for individuals in the area.

South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association

Columbia, SC 32641

$25,000 – Accessible Trail

Sports & Physical Fitness Incorporating Recreation in order to Transform Tomorrow (SPIRIT)

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  27

Percentage of Program Budget:  90%

This grant supports the facilitation of a comprehensive and inclusive sports, recreation, and physical fitness program for individuals living with paralysis. This program includes five “try it and like it” clinics with a variety of adaptive sports to provide individuals within the organizations peer support group network with a smooth and consistent path to being active.

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI 48824

$24,992 – Adaptive Sports

Increasing quality of life through wheelchair sports programming for individuals with paralysis

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  101

Percentage of Program Budget:  100%

This grant supports the facilitation of direct access to existing and emerging competitive wheelchair sports opportunities at MSU. Funding will be allocated for the purchase of sport wheelchairs, facility fees, and team travel costs in order to open up further opportunities for individuals interested in participating in adaptive sports.

United Brachial Plexus Network

Reading, MA 01867

$24,999 – Camp

UBPN Camp 2024

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  95

Percentage of Program Budget:  19%

This grant supports a camp for individuals with brachial plexus and their support systems, with most of the campers being children. The camp includes a variety of activities meant to teach, encourage, challenge, and inspire attendees. Some of these include presentations by healthcare professionals, roundtable discussions for various groups, indoor/outdoor physical activities, and motivational speakers. The camp seeks to bring individuals with BPI, along with their families and caregivers to learn and gain support from others in the community, to learn more about BPI from a medical standpoint, connect with other campers, and gain new skills and confidence to function in everyday life.

City of Albion, Nebraska

Albion, NE 68620

$24,999 – Accessible Playground/Ballfield

Eli Porter Memorial Project at Fuller Park

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  3

Percentage of Program Budget:  6%

This grant supports the purchase of accessible playground equipment for the city of Albion. With the nearest inclusive playground being over 60 miles away in a different town, Albion is seeking to replace non-accessible and non-inclusive playground equipment in the local Fuller Park. This project seeks to eliminate barriers to public recreation for individuals living with disabilities and increase inclusiveness for all children and families within and without the community.

Mighty Penguins Sled Hockey

Pittsburgh, PA 16066

$10,900 – Adaptive Sports

Ice Ice Baby

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  24

Percentage of Program Budget:  56%

This grant supports the securing of ice time for the second half of the Mighty Penguins’ sled hockey season. The project aims to benefit nearly 60 youths and adults living with disabilities in weekly practice sessions, community fundraisers, and “try it” sessions to bring in new participants.

Lakeshore Foundation

Birmingham, AL 35209

$19,000 – Adaptive Sports

Sports Science and Performance Assessment:  Navy Warrior Games Wheelchair Rugby Team

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  17

Percentage of Program Budget:  24%

This grant supports the Lakeshore Foundation’s Sports Science and Performance Center. Funding will provide for the costs of sports psychology assessments for participants, nutrition sessions with a registered sport nutritionist, and DEXA scans to provide athletes with detailed feedback on lean tissue, body fat, and bone density. They seek to enable disabled military and veterans competing in adaptive sports to improve their athletic performance, as well as their overall wellness.

HorsePlay Therapy Center

St. Augustine, FL 32086

$18,484 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Creating Accessibility at Rise Up for Veterans

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  12

Percentage of Program Budget:  54%

This grant supports the Rise Up for Veterans program, developed by the HorsePlay Therapy Center in 2021. This program was created to serve veterans and wounded warriors in northeast Florida through equine assisted therapy. Through this program, they seek to promote psychological, familial, physical, and spiritual healing in individuals living with a variety of disabilities. They also seek to enhance the overall quality of life of service men and women and their families through working with the organization staff, consisting of certified instructors, licensed mental health counselors, and trained volunteers.

Webster Water Ski Collective/Ryan DesRoches

Charlton, MA 01570

$20,000 – Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Waterski Program

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  30

Percentage of Program Budget:  43%

This grant supports the purchase of adaptive water-skiing equipment. Specifically, they intend to use these funds for additional safety equipment for use on the water, including back and spine boards, first aid equipment, access mats to use for wheelchairs on beaches where they host events, and finally for a three-person jet ski that can be used as a safety and follow vessel. With this equipment, the organization is looking to have at least one of their 4 slated events for the year to specifically target SCI and paralysis populations. Outside of the event tailored specifically to individuals with paralysis, they will also offer additional “any age, any disability” adaptive water ski events across Central Massachusetts in summer 2024.

The Village of West Jefferson

London, OH 43162

$24,999 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Incline Platform Lift System Replacement – The Village of West Jefferson

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  376

Percentage of Program Budget:  35%

This grant supports the purchase of a replacement for the incline platform lift system inside the historic Village Hall Chambers of West Jefferson, Ohio. The intent is to provide accessibility for the community members living with paralysis and other disabilities who wish to take part in village council meetings and events can more easily access the space. They intend to prompt the development of additional disability inclusive policies by allowing more individuals living with disabilities to take part in local government to foster empowerment and benefits for all.

Momentum

Woodland Hills, CA 91367

$18,850 – Accessible Community Spaces

Refresh Beach/Recreational/Community Access

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  375

Percentage of Program Budget:  61%

This grant supports the fully operational and insured mobile bathroom that includes a full-size adjustable changing table, a ceiling hoist, and staff to clean and sanitize after each use. The unit will be deployed in Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, and Santa Barabara counties at facilities that do not provide accessible restrooms, creating a barrier to full community participation for people living with paralysis and other disabilities.

Humboldt Senior Resource Center

Eureka, CA 95501

$24,999 – Transportation

HSRC Wheelchair-Accessible Van

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  16

Percentage of Program Budget:  46%

This grant supports the purchase of a ramp-equipped accessible minivan to ensure participants living with paralysis have necessary the transportation they need to live safely in their community while being able to access medical care, socialization, and recreational opportunities. The transportation service offered by HSRC provides transportation for participants at three different day centers which provide a variety of medical and therapeutic services for individuals. The additional accessible van would allow drivers to serve additional participants in more remote areas that the HSRCs other vehicles may otherwise have difficulty reaching.

Accessibility Across Arkansas

Conway, AR 72032

$23,039 – Accessible Trail

All-Terrain Wheelchair Program

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  2,454

Percentage of Program Budget:  100%

This grant supports the purchase of an AXIS Trackchair and accompanying equipment to help increase access to the outdoors in Arkansas for people living with disabilities. Before this project, there were no other programs within the state that allowed individuals to borrow a trackchair to use on hiking trails and other outdoor spaces. The All-Terrain Wheelchair Program aims to open up a wide variety of recreational and educational activities offered in Arkansas State Parks.

New Horizons, Inc.

Unionville, CT 06085

$9,000 – Fitness and Wellness

Art Therapy and Adaptive Yoga Program

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served: 46

Percentage of Program Budget:  74%

This grant supports New Horizons Art Therapy and Adaptive Yoga Program. Funding will allow this program to be free of charge to individuals within New Horizons Village living with disabilities who are looking to participate. Both classes within the program focus on health and well-being in order to offer opportunities for connection through life enriching activities.

Free Rein Therapeutic Riding

Spokane, WA 99223

2023 2^nd Cycle DE Grant

$9,999 – Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Free Rein – MiraColt Purchase

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  18

Percentage of Program Budget:  86%

This grant supports the purchase of one MiraColt Equine Motion Simulator. This device will allow Free Rein to increase the consistency of their services for people living with paralysis. provide alternative They will be able to provide alternative programming when faced with external factors that would otherwise result in a cancellation. It will also be helpful when working with individuals who are not physical or mentally ready to ride, giving them a way to build the baseline muscle tone and brevity required to safely graduate to the back of a horse.

Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission

Charleston, SC 29412

$24,590 – Accessible Beach/Dock/Pier

Charleston County Parks Beach Access Wheelchair Project

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  1,864

Percentage of Program Budget:  100%

This grant supports the purchase of 10 beach wheelchairs that will be housed at the Kiawah Beachwalker Park, Folly Beach County Park and Isle of Palms County Park for public use and recreation purposes for individuals living with paralysis and other disabilities. The acquisition of these chairs will allow for greater accessibility to these beaches for individuals and their caregivers, while allowing them to engage in a variety of social and recreational activities.

Rocky Mountain MS Center

Westminster, CO 80031

$24,999

Hydrotherapy Program of the Rocky Mountain MS Center

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  65

Percentage of Program Budget:  47%

This grant supports a hydrotherapy program in order to keep it free of charge for participants living with paralysis and other disabilities. These sessions are offered twice weekly and are handled by a licensed physical therapist and certified nursing assistant, including shallow and deep water exercises to help improve the functional status of participants living with paralysis due to MS and other neurological conditions. Through the program, the MS Center seeks to assist participants through increasing self-esteem, increasing their strength and endurance, and increasing their general health and quality of life.

IndigenousWays

Santa Fe, NM 87507

$24,999 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Portable ramp to access the IndigenousWays Festival mobile stage

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  25

Percentage of Program Budget:  10%

This grant supports the purchase and installation of an ADA compliant portable ramp for artists and presenters taking part in the IndigenousWays festival. Through this, they seek to uplift the voices of Native American, indigenous, disabled, and allied speakers and presenters provide accommodations to those who seek to promote the physical, cultural, and spiritual wellbeing of their communities.

City of Nevada

Nevada, MO 64772

$20,335 – Accessible Playground/Ballfield

Walton Park Refurbishing Project

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  127

Percentage of Program Budget:  1%

This grant supports the purchase of accessible playground equipment. Specifically, funds will be going towards a Sway Fun Glider to be included in the refurbished park. The major goal of the overall project is to promote accessibility for people in the area living with disabilities.

Adaptive Athletics SC

Little River, SC 29566

$24,722 – Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Athletics SC Coastal Chairmen Basketball Team Equipment

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  15

Percentage of Program Budget:  90%

This grant supports the purchase of 5 basketball wheelchairs, a trailer for storage, a PA system, and a shot clock. With this being the only adaptive basketball team in the Myrtle Beach area, it offers a unique experience for no cost to the participants. This gives people living with paralysis a chance to get much needed exercise on a regular basis, as well as providing them opportunities to socialize and connect with others in the community.

Theater for the New City

New York, NY 10003-2906

$24,999 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

ADA-Compliant Accessible Front Doors

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  100

Percentage of Program Budget:  53%

This grant supports the purchase of an ADA compliant automatic door system for the triple door entrance to the organization’s front entryway. These upgrades will provide access to individuals living with paralysis and other mobility related disabilities and promote independence by improving the function, accessibility, safety, and security of the building for staff, artists, and patrons as they participate in their programs.

Stroke Comeback Center

Vienna, VA 22180

$13,500 – Fitness and Wellness

THRIVE Program:  Unique adaptive exercise classes for stroke survivors at all levels of mobility

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  50

Percentage of Program Budget:  49%

This grant supports a community-based center for stroke and brain trauma’s adaptive fitness program. Funds will cover the fees of a contracted fitness professional to lead 2 weekly THRIVE Function classes per week for one year. These classes address upper body and hand strength, as well as mobility and coordination. Through this program, the Stroke Comeback Center seeks to provide a supportive community that facilitates well rounded recoveries for program participants.

Siegel Rare Neuroimmune Association

Powell, OH 43065

$24,999 – Camp

2024 SRNA Quality of Life Family Camp

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  30

Percentage of Program Budget:  18%

This grant supports a family camp for children diagnosed with a variety of rare neuroimmune disorders and their families. Funds would be going towards usage fees for Morgan’s Wonderland Camp (MWC), a fully accessible campground in San Antonio, TX. SRNA has partnered with MWC to host their camp at the location. Funding will allow approximately 30-35 families to be hosted on site and will be able to take part in a variety of social and recreational activities.

United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin

Eau Claire, WI 54701

$15,414 – Fitness and Wellness

UCP Explore

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  44

Percentage of Program Budget:  100%

This grant supports the purchase of 5 adaptive bicycles, loves, helmets, and trackers for a loan closet, as there are no adaptive bike loan programs within the immediate or surrounding areas. This project will enable individuals living with paralysis and mobility-inhibiting disabilities to access community trails, outdoor events, and enjoy recreational offerings within their communities.

Pushing Boundaries

Redmond, WA 98052-5164

$24,000 – Fitness and Wellness

The Pushing Boundaries Financial Assistance Scholarship Program

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  16

Percentage of Program Budget:  100%

This grant supports the subsidization of exercise therapy sessions for 16 individuals living with paralysis. These classes can assist with gaining the strength and confidence to safely move back home or into their own place, regaining movement or relearning with new muscles how to drive and operate other machinery, getting back into sports and hobbies or finding new ones, and going back to school or work.

North Dakota State Fair Foundation

Minot, ND 58701

$20,250 – Accessible Community Spaces

A Seat for Everyone

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  65,588

Percentage of Program Budget:  74%

This grant supports the purchase of 20 accessible tables for the North Dakota State Fair. These tables will be primarily used for the dining areas, as it has been identified that the crowds can make it difficult for individuals who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids to be able to properly sit and enjoy themselves. Additional adaptive tables will also be included in the rest areas as well. These tables will help to provide a more comfortable and inclusive experience for participants and will enable them to be able to enjoy gatherings and meals with family and friends on the fairgrounds.

Cohesion Dance Project, Inc.

Helena, MT 59601

$15,546 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Cohesion Dance Project’s Facility Safety and Interior Accessibility Upgrade

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  35

Percentage of Program Budget:  99%

This grant supports the purchase and installation of push-button door activators for each of the two multi-stall bathrooms whose door closers, while even at the lowest resistance setting, are too heavy for most wheelchair-users and people with limited strength to open independently; a touchless, sensor-activated, water bottle filling station to retrofit with the current drinking fountain which for most people requires two hands and a coordinated effort to fill a water bottle making it challenging for many of the dancers with disabilities to use independently, and lastly, replacement of damaged and uneven vinyl dance floor surface in the studio where most adaptive dance classes occur, to improve safety and remove tripping hazards for those with balance and locomotive challenges. These changes will make the facility a safer and more user-friendly space for participants living with paralysis and other disabilities, allowing participants to participate in classes and rehearsals more independently.

Rocky Mountain Adaptive Aquatics

Denver, CO 80206

$24,779 – Adaptive Sports

Independence through Scuba Diving

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  17

Percentage of Program Budget:  13%

This grant supports an adaptive scuba program through the purchase of necessary equipment. Funds will go towards 25 buoyancy compensating devices (BCDs) and regulators, which deliver the air to the user underwater. Through this program, individuals living with paralysis and their families/caregivers participate in a unique recreational activity, while also fostering social connections, physical fitness, and helping to cultivate self-confidence.

Orange County Makapo Aquatics Project

Irvine, CA 92602

$15,000 – Adaptive Sports

Ohana Day Paddling Experience

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  50

Percentage of Program Budget:  29%

This grant supports a recurring event held for individuals living with a variety of physical and mental disabilities living in Orange County, CA and the surrounding counties. Funding would be going towards staffing costs and equipment (paddles) to support these events throughout the year and ensure that participants have a safe and enjoyable time as they participate in outrigger paddling. Through these events, this project seeks to improve the physical and social-emotional health of their participants, as well as creating a sense of comfort while playing on, in, and around the water.

Toms River Field of Dreams

Toms River, NJ 08753

$24,828 – Accessible Playground/Ballfield

Toms River Field of Dreams – Inclusive Whirl

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  159

Percentage of Program Budget:  83%

This grant supports the purchase of adaptive playground equipment for a special needs sports complex that serves a variety of individuals living with disabilities. This specific equipment will be tailored towards individuals who use wheelchairs in an effort to increase independent play and inclusivity in their recreational programming.

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation

Allentown, PA 18103

$24,999 – Fitness and Wellness

Optimal Fitness Accessible Gym

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  70

Percentage of Program Budget:  10%

This grant supports the Optimal Fitness accessible fitness facility and its participants through the funding of 1,000 hours of client service through their Exercise Physiologist. The Exercise Physiologist is trained to provide post-rehabilitative care to assist individuals with paralysis in reaching their fitness goals and to help participants reap the physical and psychological benefits of physical fitness for individuals living with paralysis.

3Wheel Therapy

Carolina Beach, NC 28428

$18,080 – Fitness and Wellness

3Wheel Therapy Adaptive Tricycle

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  30

Percentage of Program Budget:  100%

This grant supports the purchase of a Van Raam O’Pair Wheelchair tricycle and an enclosed cargo trailer for transport. This tricycle will be used to provide free rides for people with disabilities who cannot ride a traditional bicycle. The use of this wheelchair tricycle allows for people with paralysis and other disabilities the opportunity to participate in outdoor bicycling alongside their peers, family, and other social groups. The aim is to promote inclusion and eliminate barriers to participation through adaptive equipment.

University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

$21,342 – Fitness and Wellness

Less is More:  Reducing Stress on the Shoulders for Individuals with Paralysis

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  28

Percentage of Program Budget:  100%

This grant supports the purchase of 6 Rio Firefly recreational wheelchair attachments and 6 additional coupler tubes and clamps for the equipment loan closet. Funding will also be provided for the services of DR. Margaret Stran, who will oversee the use of this equipment, including assembly and setup for each user, establishing loan protocol, and maintenance for the upkeep of the devices. These devices specific benefit is that use of these devices are designed specifically to reduce stress on the shoulders of individuals who use wheelchairs

Boston Self-Help Center Inc.

Roxbury, MA 02120

$20,000 – Adaptive Sports

Broadening Access to Virtual Reality Training for Power Soccer and Volt Hockey

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  30

Percentage of Program Budget:  57%

This grant supports the purchase of 20 VR headsets for a loan closet. These headsets are specifically used for a VR training program where participants can learn and train skills for adaptive sports. The focus is on power soccer and volt hockey, with a comprehensive program that teaches rules, training and practice opportunities, and remote access to training anywhere, anytime, when it may not be feasible for individuals for in-person, on-site training.

A Kid Again

Columbus, OH 43085

$24,999 – Peer Mentoring and Support

Adventures for and Outreach to Children Living with Paralysis and Their Families

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  84

Percentage of Program Budget:  5%

This grant supports A Kid Again’s Adventure programming. These programs provide day trips to local, accessible venues such as amusement parks, zoos, or sporting events to help children living with disabilities and their families connect with others to foster acceptance, inclusivity, peer mentoring, and support. Funding for this project allows 420 individuals the guaranteed opportunity to take part in programming, along with an outreach plan to specifically target families of children living with paralysis.

Neuro Fitness Foundation

Euless, TX 76040

$24,999 – Fitness and Wellness

Neuro Fitness Fall 2023

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  100

Percentage of Program Budget:  100%

This grant supports the purchase of a direct current (DC) stimulation device for Neuro Fitness members to utilize, as well as the return of adaptive yoga classes for members as well. Along with programming, funds will also be allocated for an additional staff member to help with supporting these new and returning additions, as well assisting with mentoring initiatives. Their focus is in providing additional exercise modalities that have been shown to improve function to improve independence, as well as reduce secondary symptoms for individuals living with paralysis.

United States Adaptive Golf Alliance

Westmont, IL 60559

$24,999 – Adaptive Sports

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  250

Percentage of Program Budget:  100%

SNAG (Starting New At Golf) Adaptive Clinics for Individuals Living with Paralysis

This grant supports ten dedicated adaptive golf clinics for individuals living with disabilities who are interested in learning to play adaptive golf. These clinics are meant to offer physical, social, and psychological support for participants while teaching them about a potentially new adaptive sport. The clinics are provided free of charge to the community and provide individuals with the opportunity to learn, play, and compete within an adaptive golfing community.

Hands and Hearts for Horses (HHH)

Thomasville, GA 31792

$24,999 – Accessible Playground/Ballfield

HHH Playground Accessibility Upgrade

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  30

Percentage of Program Budget:  78%

This grant supports an accessible playground to offer individuals taking part in HHH’s programming an area to play, learn, and grow in a less structured environment than their therapy sessions. The goal is to make the current playground more accessible under ADA compliance, as it is not currently wheelchair or walker accessible. Renovations include expansion of the fenced area, updated playground footing, and an entrance ramp. Funds will also be used to assist with covering costs for new pieces of accessible equipment, including a wheelchair accessible swing, wheel-through monkey bars, interactive sensory panels, and an outdoor musical piece. These updates will serve to allow participants access to physical, cognitive, social, and emotional benefits as they enjoy an inclusive play area.

Gaylord Hospital

Wallingford, CT 06492

$24,999 – Adaptive Sports

Supporting the Involvement of People with Paralysis in Adaptive Sports

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  20

Percentage of Program Budget:  66%

This grant supports the expansion of the Gaylord Sports Association through equipment, personnel, and contractors. Equipment focuses around adaptive pickleball and wheelchair rugby, including nets, balls, a retriever, and paddles, along with wheels for wheelchair rugby chairs. Personnel costs includes a program manager, specialist, and a certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, as well as program aides to assist with running the program. Coaches for wheelchair rugby, paratriathlon, adaptive skiing, and adaptive kayaking are also being brough on to assist with training teams for competitions. These adaptive sports opportunities promote physical fitness, community inclusivity and support, and self-confidence.

Duxbury Bay Maritime School

Duxbury, MA 02332

$17,112 – Accessible Beach/Dock/Pier

Duxbury Bay Maritime School – Accessible Paddlesports

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  50

Percentage of Program Budget:  68%

This grant supports an adaptive kayaking pilot program through the purchase of equipment to modify the kayaks and dock in use to accommodate all participants with disabilities who are interested in taking part. Equipment includes kayak outriggers, lightweight paddles, a transfer bench, supportive seats, leg supports, and an updated Hoyer lift. Funding will also go towards seasonal staffing to assist participants as well. Through these updates, the organization will be able to provide access to the program for those who have never been able to take part in kayaking previously, as well as those who may not have been able to go kayaking following their injury or diagnosis. This will serve to promote inclusion and integration as the program unites those with a common interest in kayaking, regardless of ability.

Shepherds College/Shepherds Baptist Ministries

Union Grove, WI 53182-1527

$24,999 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Automatic Door Openers to Improve Accessibility at Shepherds College

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  80

Percentage of Program Budget:  45%

This grant supports the purchase of automatic door openers for six entrances throughout the campus, including key areas such as residence buildings. Along with the automatic openers, an access control system for the doors with a key fob system will also be used. These accessibility modifications will foster inclusion and support independent living among students living with disabilities, lowering the physical effort required to enter and exit campus buildings.

Disabled Sports USA – OR (Oregon Adaptive Sports)

Bend, OR 97703

$20,375 – Adaptive Sports

Moving Mountains – Adaptive Mountain Biking in Central Oregon

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  50

Percentage of Program Budget:  47%

This grant supports the purchase of a Mako Offroad Handcycle to expand an adaptive mountain biking program. The additional handcycle will assist with increasing the number of individuals who can take part in this adaptive mountain biking experience, while also enhancing their experience with a newer model handcycle. With the expansion of capacity, the program seeks to be able to accommodate more individuals looking to take part in this adaptive recreational opportunity to promote physical health and wellness for individuals living with disabilities, as well as allow them to share impactful experiences, connect with nature, and foster a sense of belonging.

Cleveland Metroparks

Garfield Heights, OH 44144

$24,999 – Accessible Trail

Adaptive Hiking & Program Participation at Cleveland Metroparks

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  200

Percentage of Program Budget:  99%

This grant supports the purchase of an Action Trackchair Axis Model with accessories to support individuals living with paralysis, as well as a variety of other disabilities. This chair and its accompanying equipment will be able to be used by individuals for adaptive hiking to enable them to cross a variety of areas, such as natural surface trails, rocks, roots, mud, and other natural hazards that standard wheelchairs are not able to access. Through the use of this chair participants will be able to travel through a variety of different areas of the 300 miles of natural and paved trails available, promoting independence, physical, emotional, and psychological benefits for individuals living with disabilities.

Wayne County Motor City Eagles

Pinckney, MI 48170

$24,999 – Adaptive Sports

Rolling with the Eagles

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  12

Percentage of Program Budget:  100%

This grant supports the purchase of two Strike Force Chairs for a power soccer team, as well as covering travel costs to adaptive sporting events. The chairs will be shared amongst the team, giving more people the opportunity to participate safely while also enabling the team to be able to take part in competitive events, as they need 5 players on the field. Competitive and recreational adaptive sports opportunities help to promote inclusion as players interact with other adaptive athletes both amongst the team and their competitors.

Flow Kākou Inc.

Kilauea, HI 96754

$7,200 – Fitness and Wellness

Hula Noho

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  44

Percentage of Program Budget:  68%

This grant supports an adaptive hula workshop meant to promote connection through shared movement and language. Funds are allocated towards staffing costs for a program manager, teacher, and assistant teacher to help with running the programming. Through the program, participants are able to share stories, feelings, and emotions through dance, movement and community.

Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch

Pinellas Park, FL 33782

$24,598 – Adaptive Sports

WWAR Sports Strength and Conditioning Program

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  30

Percentage of Program Budget:  33%

This grant supports an adaptive sports program through covering the costs of two weekend camps, facility rental, expert training and coaching, learning materials, and certification requirements. Funds will also cover adaptive transport for athletes to and from Tampa Airport as well. Through this program, participants focus on adaptive strength and conditioning training to enhance their quality of life by eliminating physical, mental, and legal barriers to adaptive fitness.

Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association

Lake Forest, IL 60045

$24,754 – Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Sports and Fitness for People Living with Paralysis

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  360

Percentage of Program Budget:  7%

This grant supports the purchase of 6 adaptive basketball wheelchairs to assist with adaptive sports and fitness programming for approximately 360 people. The project seeks to promote physical and mental health while also teaching transferable skills of teamwork, perseverance, and problem solving through recreational and competitive adaptive sports, as well as the greater GLASA community and staff through peer mentoring.

Oscar Mike Foundation

Poplar Grove, IL 61065

$24,999 – Adaptive Sports

GRIT Freedom Chairs for Veterans in Adaptive Sports

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  750

Percentage of Program Budget:  99%

This grant supports the purchase of 4 GRIT All-Terrain Freedom Chairs and associated accessories to provide veteran participants of Oscar Mike clinics with the equipment required for trail hiking, off road experiences, obstacle courses, triathlon races, and a variety of other all-terrain activities. Through this programming, disabled veterans are given the opportunity to participate in various adaptive sporting activities to foster physical and mental well-being while also being able to bond wit other veterans with similar lived experiences.

North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

Raleigh, NC 276299-4601

$19,143 – Accessible Beach/Dock/Pier

Accessibility Bicycle Pilot Program

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served: 

Percentage of Program Budget:  39%

This grant supports the purchase of 2 Grit Freedom Chairs, 1 Lasher Sport All Terrain Handcycle, and one Aqua Creek Floating Beach Wheelchair. This equipment will be available to individuals through state parks as they are rotated between them every 3 to 4 months to allow individuals throughout the state to reserve and use what they need to take part in a variety of adaptive outdoor experiences. Through this the project seeks to improve the physical and mental health of individuals living with paralysis as they are able to experience the peace and tranquility of North Carolina’s thousands of miles of natural pathways.

Kalamazoo Nature Center

Kalamazoo, MI 49009

$24,999 – Accessible Trail

Kalamazoo Nature Center’s Inclusive Pathways Initiative

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  2,000

Percentage of Program Budget:  83%

This grant supports the purchase of Action Trackchairs and GRIT Freedom Chairs to open up opportunities for individuals living with disabilities. Through use of this equipment, individuals will be able to independently access a variety of environmental programming throughout the nature center, including approximately 15 miles of scenic trails for adaptive hiking. This project seeks to significantly increase independence through inclusive recreational opportunities for people living with paralysis and support integration through inclusivity in a variety of recreational activities including field research such as bird-banding and volunteer efforts like the community supported agriculture farm and greenhouse.

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Washington, DC 20006

$24,999 – Fitness and Wellness

Online Health, Wellness, and Fitness Education and Training

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  125

Percentage of Program Budget:  63%

This grant supports a series of small group, live, online fitness classes for veterans living with disabilities. These classes will be targeting those living in rural areas with minimal access to traditional adaptive sports and fitness programs. To supplement the online classes, webinars will also be recorded for on demand viewing for participants to access. Through this, the project seeks to promote independent living, inclusion, and community integration through elimination of transportation barriers, a supportive environment where individuals can connect with others who have had similar experiences, and additional content on a variety of areas such as nutrition and adaptive equipment to help further educate participants.

National Council on Independent Living

Washington, DC 20003

$24,999

Employment Resource Hub and Community

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  19,290

Percentage of Program Budget:  51%

This grant supports the development of an online employment resource hub, webinar training series, and peer support groups. The project seeks to create an online resource hub to help fill the void of easily accessed resources for CILs by making single location for CILs to better develop and run employment programs while providing effective employment support to individuals living with paralysis. It also seeks to create a real-time peer support network to complement the resource hub and strengthen CIL capacity to support the employment goals of people with disabilities. Funds will be directed towards personnel costs for those running the program, as well staff handling communications and operations, along with CIL mentors that will be attending all online peer support calls offered through this program. The program seeks to promote independent living through utilizing and building the capacity of CILs to support people with disabilities to enter, re-enter, remain, and advance in the workplace, harness the power of consumer control with a peer support model, and focus on improving employment outcomes.

Montgomery Parks Foundation

Wheaton, MD 20902

$24,999 – Accessible Beach/Dock/Pier

Accessible kayak launcher for Black Hill Regional Park

Anticipated number of people living with paralysis served:  14,400

Percentage of Program Budget:  82%

This grant supports the purchase of an accessible kayak launcher to increase adaptive kayaking opportunities for individuals living with disabilities. The launcher would allow people with mobility issues to independently and safely board their kayak without risk of falling or tipping their vessel. Through this, participants will be able to safely engage in adaptive kayaking and allow the organization to offer more opportunities for therapeutic recreation, lake tours, and kayak lessons for individuals living with disabilities.

2023 1st Cycle Direct Effect Quality of Life Grants

48 Grants Totaling $1,017,772

Achieve Tahoe

Truckee, CA 96162

$25,000 – Adaptive Sports

Winter Outdoor Recreation Program Expansion to Serve Participants with Paralysis

This Direct Effect grant supports the expansion of AT’s Winter outdoor Recreation Program to help reach and serve more people living with paralysis in California and Nevada. Funding will support program staff as they conduct outreach and opportunity education in at least five locations and will be used towards the purchase of additional adaptive snow sports and safety equipment.

Achilles International

New York, NY 10018

$23,771 – Adaptive Sports

Achilles International Equipment Fund

This Direct Effect grant supports Achilles as they expand their cycling programs and allow athletes living with paralysis the opportunity to participate in exercise and other activities while helping them to connect participants with the larger disability community. Funds will be used to purchase of adaptive equipment, including two handcycles, three rollers, and a racing wheelchair for different programs throughout the U.S.

Adaptive Adventures

Westminster, CO 80031

$23,575 – Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Adventures Accessing Adventure Cycling Program

This Direct Effect grant supports AA’s adaptive Adventure Cycling Program. Funds will be used to purchase two handcycles for the purpose of increasing access to cycling for individuals living with spinal cord injuries, particularly those living in more rural and underserved communities with limited trail access. These cycles will be used across multiple states in single day rides, multi-day clinics, and challenge rides.

Adaptive Surf Project

North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

$25,000 – Adaptive Sports

Wheel to Surf Expansion

This Direct Effect grant supports Adaptive Surf’s Wheel to Surf project. Grant funds provide five beach wheelchairs, three tandem surfboards, and 60 beach access mats to accommodate the growing number of Wheel to Surf participants living with paralysis.

America’s VetDogs

Smithtown, NY 11787

$11,435 – Service Animal Program

Promoting Independence for People with Paralysis by Providing Access to Service Dogs

This Direct Effect grant supports AVD’s service dog programs created to provide enhanced mobility and renewed independence to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities. Funds will be used for the purchase of two power wheelchairs and one hybrid wheelchair. Training dogs in the presence of wheelchairs allows them to get used to being around different types of chairs prior to the advanced training phase of being teamed with individuals living with paralysis.

Anthony Wayne Rehabilitation Center for Handicapped and Blind D.B.A. Camp Red Cedar

Fort Wayne, IN 46845

$7,792 – Accessible Beach/Dock/Pier

Beach and Riding Arena Accessibility

This Direct Effect grant supports Camp Red Cedar’s recreational therapy program. Funds will be used to purchase two floating beach wheelchairs and install accessible beach mats to help create a path from the sidewalk and dock area of the camp onto the beach and directly to the edge of the water.

Arizona Adaptive Watersports

Dewey, AZ 86327

$20,000 – Adaptive Sports

Access to the Water

This Direct Effect grant supports adaptive equipment to provide greater accessibility at a variety of lakes within the state of Arizona. Funds will be used to purchase portable sidewalks, adaptive wakeboards, accessible tubes, etc., and wheelchair accessible transportation.

Arkansas Colleges of Health Education

Fort Smith, AR 72916

$24,417 – Fitness and Wellness

Supported High Intensity Fitness Training for Arkansas (SHIFT.AR)

This Direct Effect grant supports the continuation of a community and group-based fitness program for people impacted by paralysis. Funding is going towards the purchase of equipment that allows more people with paralysis, specifically manual wheelchair users, the opportunity to participate in the program. Equipment includes wheelchair trainers and a wheelchair accessible scale, with additional funding going towards membership fees for 14 new participants.

Audubon Society Of Rhode Island

Smithfield, RI 02917

$10,000 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Improving Accessibility at the Audubon Nature Center Aquarium

This Direct Effect grant provides automatic accessible double doors for the Nature Center & Aquarium facility located at the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge in Bristol, Rhode Island.

Bay Area Rehabilitation Center

Baytown, TX 77520

$20,000 – Accessible Playground/Ballfield

Pasty’s Destiny Wheelchair Accessible Playground Expansion

This Direct Effect grant supports the expansion of Patsy’s Destiny Wheelchair Accessible Playground. Funds will provide a We-Go-Ground HGC swing.

Beyond Boundaries

Ward, AR 72176

$10,000 – Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Beyond Boundaries Ramp & Mounting Platform

This Direct Effect grant supports an equine-assisted services center that provides therapeutic riding programming to children and adults living with paralysis resulting from cerebral palsy, spina bifida, stroke, spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. Funds will be used to purchase an accessible ramp and mounting platform.

Bloc Life Inc

Kansas City, MO

$25,000 – Fitness and Wellness

Adaptive Athletes In Motion Expansion

This Direct Effect grant supports an adaptive fitness program for people living with paralysis and the programs expansion outside of the greater Kansas metro area. Grant funds will be used towards memberships and two trainers.

BoltzStrong

Loveland, OH 45140

$24,990 – Accessible Community Places

BoltzStrong Independent Cooking with Farm Skills Classes

This Direct Effect grant supports the Boltz to Nutz farm which provides adaptive cooking classes and accessible farming opportunities for individuals living with paralysis. Funds will be used to purchase wheelchair-friendly gardening beds, supplies, all-terrain wheelchairs, and adaptive farming tools to support accessible farming and Farm to Table opportunities.

Canine Companions for Independence

Medford, NY 11763

$10,215 – Durable Medical Equipment

Accessibility During Team Training

This Direct Effect grant supports a service animal program that enhances the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing highly trained service dogs as well as ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships at no charge to the recipient. Funds will be used towards the purchase three manual wheelchairs, fifteen overbed tables, and two reward dispensers.

Center for Adaptive Riding

Reno, NV 89509

$10,000 – Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Sure Hands Lift System

This Direct Effect grant supports the only PATH Premier Accredited Center in Washoe County, NV, through the purchase of a Sure Hands lift to assist individuals living with paralysis participating in the therapeutic horseback riding program.

Challenge Aspen

Snowmass Village, CO 81615

$25,000 – Adaptive Sports

Off-Road Adaptive Recreation Equipment for Trail Based Programming

This Direct Effect grant supports an off-road adaptive recreation program to improve and expand summer adaptive recreation opportunities for individuals with paralysis and provide summer mountain biking and hiking to veterans with paralysis through the CAMO (Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities) programs. Funds will be used to purchase three Grit Off-Road Wheelchairs in various sizes and a Hammerhead Off-Road hand cycle.

Dare2Tri Paratriathlon Club (May need some review due to budget)

Chicago, IL 60642

$11,800 – Fitness and Wellness

Dare2Tri Road2Ride

This Direct Effect grant supports the organization’s free adaptive cycling program, which hosts events for underserved communities within Chicago’s south and west neighborhoods. The program brings a fleet of adaptive cycles to local organizations to provide on-site training for people living with paralysis and other cross-disabilities. Funding will be used towards the purchase of adaptive equipment for the cycles and personnel costs.

Disability EmpowHer Network, Inc.

Rochester, NY 14616

$25,000 – Education

EmpowHer Expressions Disability EmpowHer Network, Inc.

This Direct Effect grant supports the EmpowHer Expressions program, which focuses on uplifting women living with paralysis to increase public speaking skills, self-confidence, and the overall number of women living with paralysis who experience paid work opportunities or advancements. The Network will lead two cohorts of 10 women through eight weeks of classes, instructing them on public speaking and other leadership and career skills. The 90-minute classes will provide instruction by various successful women with disabilities.

Disability Partnership Project

Rockville, MD 20850

$24,500 – Fitness and Wellness

Health and Wellness 4 All

This Direct Effect grant supports the organization’s health and wellness program for persons with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities. The program includes virtual adaptive exercise and wellness classes and a virtual Spanish language support group which can be accessed anywhere in the country by computer. Funding will go towards the expansion of the program through bringing on new instructors, offering increased numbers and types of live, virtual adaptive exercise and wellness classes.

Easter Seals – CA (Easter Seals Central California)

Fresno, CA 93711

$24,900 – Accessible Community Spaces

Camp Harmon Accessibility Improvements

This Direct Effect grant supports the repair of accessible paths for Camp Harmon to provide campers living with paralysis safer routes to navigate the campgrounds as they take part in their programs.

Easy Does It Emergency Services

Berkeley, CA 94703

$25,000 – Transportation

Expanding Emergency Wheelchair Repair Services to Oakland, California

This Direct Effect grant supports EDI in expanding wheelchair emergency repair services outside of Berkeley, CA to residents of Oakland, CA who use mobility equipment and are living with paralysis. Funds will be used to employ a Wheelchair Repair Technician. EDI will also establish an Oakland Wheelchair Repair Advisory Committee composed of individual Oakland wheelchair users and representatives of Oakland disability advocacy groups and community service providers. The Committee will educate local media, wheelchair users and Oakland community service organizations about the availability of EDI’s emergency wheelchair repair services.

ECHO

Leesburg, VA 20177

$25,000 – Transportation

LIFE+ Transportation

This Direct Effect provides a transportation program for ECHO’s LIFE and LIFE+ day support programs for people living with paralysis in the Northern Virginia region. The transportation program enables individuals living with paralysis and cross-disabilities to leave their home on a daily basis to participate in a collaborative, supportive environment that focuses on empowerment, life skills training, and community integration. Grant funds support drivers and aids.

Faith Presbyterian Church

Tallahassee, FL 32303

$23,000 – Accessible Community Spaces

Faith Presbyterian Church & Preschool/Voting Precinct #3 Location 3501 Accessibility Modifications

This Direct Effect grant supports an accessible walkway to connect accessible parking spaces on the church campus to an ADA compliant ramp.

Fremont Public Schools/ Pathfinder Elementary School

Fremont, MI 49412

$25,000 – Accessible Playground/Ballfield

Pathfinder Accessible Playground

This Direct Effect grant supports an accessible and inclusive playground for children living with paralysis at the Pathfinder Elementary School. Funds will be used to purchase a “Game Time Rock with Me” and Ramp.

Greensboro Parks Foundation

Greensboro, NC 27401-2660

$25,000 – Adaptive Sports

ACCESS Mountain Biking Experience

This Direct Effect grant provides new opportunities for inclusive outdoor recreation experiences, programs, and events that can be offered to persons with paralysis and cross-disabilities. Funds will be used to purchase two full-suspension hand cycles with e-assist.  The bikes will be used at two large regional facilities to provide access to trails and greenways. Adaptive bikes for public use are currently not offered in any parks in Greensboro and surrounding areas.

Hope Christian Services

Wyckoff, NJ 07481

$18,654 – Durable Medical Equipment

Specialized Equipment for Personal Care, Mobility, and Independence

This Direct Effect grant supports HCS, a 51-year old organization providing residential and day program services for people living with paralysis and other cross-disabilities. Funds will be used to purchase six hoyer lifts, twelve slings for the lifts, two wheelchair scales, and two power adapters.

Jett Foundation Inc

Plymouth, MA 02360

$24,000 – Camp

Camp Promise

This Direct Effect grant supports Camp Promise, which provides a barrier-free, week-long, overnight camp for kids, teens, and adults living with paralysis as a result of neuromuscular disorders — regardless of age, capability, or ability to pay. Funds support programming expenses.

Kelly Brush Foundation 

Burlington, VT 05401

$25,000 – Adaptive Sports 

Expansion of the KBF Active Project 

This Direct Effect grant supports the Newly Injured Outreach Initiative. The initiative is a digital outreach platform that provides resources to learn about adaptive sports through immersive, injury-specific crowdsourced videos; directs people to places in order to help them participate in adaptive sports, clinics, events, etc.; connects people with peers and mentors in the SCI community, point people to financial support for equipment through grants and scholarships; and provide a platform to share information and learn from others with paralysis. The funding provides the opportunity for this initiative to be active in hospitals, rehab centers, and SCI support groups that support the newly injured.

Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center

Redmond, WA 98052

$20,750 – Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Adaptive Riding Tuition Aid & Equipment

This Direct Effect grant supports Little Bit’s Tuition Aid Program to assist families of people living with paralysis with financial needs to be able to afford equine assisted serves, including equine assisted therapy and learning.

Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers

Leesburg, VA 20175

$24,500 – Transportation

Wheelchair Assisted Transportation for Individuals Living with Parlysis and Other Disabilities

This Direct Effect grant supports accessible transportation for individuals living with paralysis under the organization’s Wheelchair Assisted Transportation initiative. Funds will used to hire a dedicated driver to assist with transportation needs.

Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc.

Lincoln, MA 01773

$25,000 – Accessible Community Spaces

Trail Wheelchairs and Rollators to accommodate Accessible Nature Trail Visitors.

This Direct Effect grant supports an accessible nature trail visitor program through the purchase of five GRIT Freedom Chairs, adaptive accessories, and 11 Varsity XC Rollators. The equipment will be used at 15 of MAS’s All Persons Nature Trails which are regularly used for adaptive environmental education programs for all ages (Pre-K to adult) and activities including accessible birdwatching and programs on seasonal natural history and ecological management.

myTeam Triumph of Missouri

Jackson, MO 63755

$20,700 – Fitness and Wellness

Freedom on Wheels

This Direct Effect grant provides recreation to individuals living with paralysis at myTeam’s residential facilities and day programs, allowing for more people to take part in accessible rides. Funds will be used to purchase two DUET Electro Plus bikes and necessary adaptive equipment.

NeuroFit Gym

Hamilton, OH

$25,000 – Fitness and Wellness

NeuroFit Gym Adaptive Rowing and Equipment Request

This Direct Effect grant supports an adaptive rowing class at NeuroFit Gym for people living with paralysis. In addition to the physical benefits individuals will gain, the rowing class will foster an atmosphere of inclusivity, companionship, and enhanced cognitive and social functions. Funds will be used to purchase six Concepet2 rowing machines and adaptive modifications as well as two NuStep T5 Cross Trainers.

No Barriers USA

Fort Collins, CO

$25,000 – Adaptive Sports

No Barriers Accessible Mountain Campus Programing

This Direct Effect grant supports No Barriers programs which bring youth, veterans, and people living with paralysis, cross disabilities, and all abilities to the Mountain Campus to educate them about the seven life elements that will give them the mindset and strategies to strengthen their bodies, minds, and communities. Grant funds will be used to purchase seven GRIT/Freedom adaptive wheelchairs.

North Texas Fully Charged Power Soccer Team

Celina, TX 75009

$24,999 – Adaptive Sports

North Texas Fully Charged Power Soccer Wheelchair Grant

This Direct Effect grant supports the expansion of North Texas Fully Charged Power Soccer team through the purchase of three Strike Force wheelchairs that will enable individuals living with paralysis who utilize power wheelchairs to participate.

Personalized Independent Living Opportunities and Training Services, Inc.

Berlin, NJ 08009

$23,947 – Transportation

Wheelchair Accessible Transportation for Day and Residential Services – PILOT Services

This Direct Effect grant supports the modification of a new Ford Transit Van that will assist in the transportation of individuals living with paralysis and cross-disabilities. The van will be used in transporting individuals to a variety of locations, including medical appointments, programs hosted by PILOT services, respite care, and other activities.

Project HOPE, Boston, Inc

Roxbury, MA 02125

$25,000 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Accessible Playground and Patio in a Family Homeless Shelter

This Direct Effect grant supports accessible facility modifications to Project HOPE’s family homeless shelter. Grant funds will be used to provide a door access system, a ramp from the main building to the patio leading out to the playground and accessible playground equipment. This will serve to provide the Boston community living with paralysis and cross-disabilities a safe and accessible option for normalizing outdoor activity while residing in an emergency shelter; an opportunity which may contribute to sustaining or enhancing relationships within a family or sustaining or enhancing confidence through social and outdoor events.

Rainbow Village

St. Louis, MO 63146

$25,000 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Opening the Door to Community: Automatic Doors for the Wolff Community Center’s Gym

This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of two automatic doors for Rainbow Village’s Wolff Community Center 3,500 square-foot adaptive gym. The gym provides children and adults living with paralysis the opportunity to play adaptive sports such as power soccer. The Center also includes a heated therapeutic pool (one of only two in eastern Missouri), a commercial-grade kitchen, classrooms, and office spaces.

REINS, Inc.

Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085

$7,438 – Therapeutic Horseback Riding

REINS Inc. Equicizer for Additional and Alternative Equine Assisted Services

This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of two Equicizers to incorporate into REINS Inc.’s Equine Assisted Services program. These devices will be able to help the organization with providing services to five new participants living with paralysis who otherwise would not be able to receive the benefits of equine therapy.

Semper Fi & America’s Fund

Oceanside, CA 92057

$25,000 – Caregiving

Caregiver Support and Respite Care for Veterans with Paralysis

This Direct Effect grant provides 45-50 military caregivers with the opportunity to attend a three-day, all-inclusive, paralysis-focused Caregiver Retreat. Additionally, funding will provide four veterans and their families with needed Respite Care services, ensuring safe and reliable respite care so that the caregiver can have needed time away to refocus and refresh, whether by attending a Caregiver Retreat or simply taking time for an activity of their choosing.

Space2Thrive Inc.

Millville, MA 01529

$25,000 – Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Volt Hockey Chair Acquisition to Start Adaptive Team Sports Program in North Attleboro, MA.

This Direct Effect grant supports a new Volt Hockey adaptive sport program in Boston, MA. for people living with paralysis. Funds will be used to purchase six Volt Hockey Wheelchairs. A Volt Hockey wheelchair is equipped with a fixed stick of flexible material, which is mounted directly at the tip of the electric hockey chair’s fender bracket. The chairs can be customized to adapt to an individual’s needs. Therefore, Volt Hockey opens the world of participating in a team sport to an under-served population of people living with paralysis, who have limited upper and lower body mobility.

Sportable

Richmond, VA 23220

$25,000 – Adaptive Sports

Creating Access to Adaptive Sports for People with Paralysis in Central Virginia

This Direct Effect grant supports an adaptive sports program that provides access to 16 different adaptive sports to create opportunities for people living with paralysis to participate in activities that can result in greater independence and an overall improved quality of life. Funds will be used to purchase two new road racing chairs suited for athletes new to the sport as well as operational support for each of the programs. There are also plans to launch a new wheelchair rugby low pointer squad, as well as to provide more opportunities for the full team to travel to competitions together.

 The American College of Financial Services

King of Prussia, PA 19406

$25,000 – Education

Financial Wellness Despite Disability Webcast Series

This Direct Effect grant supports the development and launch of ACFS’s Financial Wellness Despite Disability Webcast series to increase financial literacy and empowerment for those living with paralysis. The funds will be used for the production of five, 30-minute videos with accompanying downloadable supporting materials, film editing, a small honorarium for the industry experts, development and web hosting of pre and post program surveys, and a marketing and communications social media campaign.

The Bridge Adaptive Sports and Recreation

Cincinnati, OH 45223

$25,000 – Adaptive Sports 

CINCY Power Soccer 

This Direct Effect Grant supports the purchase of two power soccer chairs to allow individuals living with paralysis the opportunity to compete in regulation power soccer games within the tri-state region of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Funding for these chairs will increase the number of persons living with paralysis who will be able to participate and encourage participants to challenge themselves socially and physically by taking part in a team effort.

Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation

Bismarck, ND 58503

$10,625 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Access Medora – Adult Changing Table

This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of an adult changing table at the Burning Hills Amphitheater to provide individuals living with paralysis and their caregivers a safe, comfortable, and easy to use table to perform activities of daily living.

University of Maryland Medical System Foundation

Baltimore, MD 21201

$25,000 – Transitioning Home

University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopaedic Institute Smart Apartment

This Direct Effect grant provides assistive equipment for use in a “Smart Apartment” for patients with a SCI to try out equipment prior to transitioning home. Funds will be used to purchase adaptive equipment such as GlassOuse Assistive Devices (hands-free device worn like glasses to control a computer, smartphone, or television with only your head), Obi Feeding Devices, Liftware, etc.

Westchester Independent Living Center (CIL)

White Plains, NY 10607

$25,000 – Advocacy

Post Rehabilitation Transition Program – SCI (Spinal Cord Injury) Unit

This Direct Effect grant supports a Post-Rehabilitation Transition Program, a collaboration between WILC and the Burke Rehabilitation Hospital Spinal Cord Injury Unit. The program provides supports during and after the transition back to the community through the services of resource counselors. Services will include advocacy assistance with benefits, housing, transportation, independent living skills, legal services, socialization, Managed Long Term Care (MLTC), assistive technology, and more. Grant funds will be used towards personnel expenses for this project.

YMCA of Superior California

Sacramento, CA 95818

$11,764 – Fitness and Wellness

Pool Access and Fitness

This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase and installation of a pool lift, along with Hydrofit fitness equipment and floatation belts. This equipment will be used to assist individuals living with paralysis in aquatics-based exercise and recreation to provide improved quality of life both physically and mentally.

2022 2nd Cycle Direct Effect Quality of Life Grants

55 Grants Totaling $1,094,501

American DanceWheels Foundation

Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004

$10,740 – Advocacy

American DanceWheels Disability Initiative and Advocacy Program

This Direct Effect grant supports ADWF’s advocacy workshop at 10 universities and four-week Wheel One™ workshops at two universities. The interactive advocacy allows attendees to become active participants in a wheelchair dance class and provides facilitated discussions about disability and the importance of providing mainstream, inclusive programs to communities. The Wheel One™ program is one-of-a-kind and the only written, structured, trademarked curriculum of wheelchair dancing in the world allowing for people living with paralysis to learn ballroom and Latin dance.

AFAR d/b/a The Ability Center

Wauwatosa, WI  53226-3543

$25,000 – Adaptive Sports

On the Road with Open Gym

This Direct Effect grant supports the expansion of AFAR’s Open Gym program which partners with organizations in the north, west, and east of Milwaukee and sets up multiple courts for adaptive basketball, tennis, and volleyball; assists individuals living with paralysis in using the appropriately sized sports chair; and provides individuals with and without paralysis the opportunity to play adaptive sports in a fun and inclusive environment. Funds will be used for an Adaptive Program Manager, adaptive sports wheelchairs, and a trailer to transport the wheelchairs and miscellaneous sporting equipment required at an Open Gym event.

Albiston Foundation d/b/a Adaptive Outdoor Education Center

Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947

$3,000 – Fitness and Wellness

Wheel Together Retreat

This Direct Effect grant supports the Albiston Foundation’s second annual Wheel Together Retreat, a collaborative program that brings together adults with spinal cord injuries. The Retreat takes place at the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center in Carrabassett Valley, ME, and offers barrier-free activities that focus on whole-body health, such as recreation, empowerment, and introspection. Funds support adaptive recreation activities (waterskiing, rock climbing, and yoga) and transportation.

Aquanauts Adaptive Aquatics

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

$24,500 – Adaptive Sports

Diving Inclusion Program

This Direct Effect grant supports an organization that provides the adaptive sport of SCUBA Diving for the benefit of military veterans, people living with paralysis, and other disabilities for the purposes of social interaction, life enrichment, and wellness. Funding provides equipment for the Diving Inclusion Program to both replace aging gear and expand the program’s capacity. Funds will go towards Buoyancy Compensator Devices and sets of Regulator System Assemblies. This equipment will be added to AAA’s existing loan closet, which includes equipment that will be loaned out free of cost in the South Florida area.

Arts and Services for Disabled, Inc. (DBA Able ARTS Work)

Long Beach, CA 90804

$24,782 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Able ARTS Work Building Accessibility

This Direct Effect grant supports an arts program that trains people living with paralysis to become artists. Funds will be used to purchase automatic door openers and touchless entry pads for two front doors, two back doors, two bathroom doors, and five internal sliding doors that separate classrooms.

Baptist Health Foundation

Little Rock, AR 72205

$21,779 – Healthcare

Wheelchair Clinic

This Direct Effect grant supports a Wheelchair Clinic, which provides services for individuals living with paralysis who need custom fitting for specialty wheelchairs. It is designed as a community service to provide expert evaluation and assess needs for custom seating, positioning, and mobility. This comprehensive evaluation includes an assessment of the current equipment being used, as well as the functional status, social history, and seating/mobility needs of the patient. Funds will be used to purchase equipment including a wireless mapping system and positioning devices.

Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve

Alliance, OH 44601

$21,000 – Accessible Community Spaces

Access to Nature: Empowering People Living with Paralysis

This Direct Effect grant provides accessible opportunities to access Beech Creek’s nature preserve and view their beautiful, on-site botanical garden. Funds will be used to purchase an electric wheelchair accessible shuttle. The existing exhibit areas are wheelchair accessible, however the distance between exhibits is not. This shuttle will bridge the gap between exhibits, making the entire outdoor recreational experience inclusive for all visitors living with paralysis and other disabilities.

BlazeSports America

Norcross, GA 30071

$21,575 – Camp

BlazeSports Camp Phoenix & BlazeSports Veteran Family Camp

This Direct Effect grant supports Spring and Fall Veteran and Family Camps, which bring together veterans living with paralysis and their families for weekends of wellness, camaraderie, and fellowship.  Funding supports the purchase of two sports wheelchairs, scholarships, and program support.

Bridging Voice

Brooklyn, NY  11214

$24,975 – Durable Medical Equipment

Communication Independence: Expanding Loan Closet with Customized Support

This Direct Effect grant supports BV’s loan closet through the purchase of augmentative communication equipment to be used by individuals with ALS. The equipment is essential to ALS clients’ ability to navigate their daily lives, continue their work and studies, as well as communicate with friends and family by providing access to email, texting and voice output.

Camp Ritchie Museum, Inc.

Cascade, MD  21719

$24,999 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Fort Ritchie Accessible Walkways

This Direct Effect grant supports an accessibility project at the historic Fort Ritchie and surrounding area. Funds will provide accessible pathways that will allow individuals with paralysis to explore vast amounts of the site’s 157 acres that they would not have been able to view in the past.

Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation

Albuquerque, NM 87104

$22,500 – Camp

Camp Adventure

This Direct Effect grant supports an adaptive summer camp offered in various locations throughout the state of New Mexico. Three of the camps will take place in Albuquerque, Gallup and Farmington. These cities are in counties with underserved populations including rural, Native American, and/or low-income families with access to few, if any, adaptive programs for children living with paralysis. Funds will be used to offset expenses related to staffing, transportation of staff and equipment, contractors, equipment, and supplies.

Cerebral Palsy Westchester

Rye Brook, NY 10573

$12,579 – Adaptive Sports

Accessible Pool Lift

This Direct Effect grant supports the accessibility of an in-ground heated pool for CPW’s members. The warmth of a heated swim area provides relief from muscle stiffness or pain for individuals with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, other paralysis-causing conditions, cerebral palsy, and other

disabilities. Water gives the person a higher range of motion capabilities, and for some, may be the only way they can exercise or move independently. Funds will be used for an accessible pool lift.

City of Burlington – Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Department

Burlington, VT  05401-4920

$25,000 – Accessible Playground/Ballfield

Oakledge for All Playground Project

This Direct Effect grant supports a “Wide Family Slide” as part of the Oakledge for All Universal Playground, which will be Vermont’s first universally accessible playground. The goal of the accessible playground addition is to diversify recreation opportunities to underserved populations living with paralysis and cross-disabilities including children, seniors, and low-income populations.

City of Ocean City

Ocean City, NJ  08226-3696

$25,000 – Accessible Beach/Dock/Pier

Accessible Beach Mats

This Direct Effect grant, as part of the City of Ocean City’s ongoing plan to have accessible beach mats for individuals living with paralysis and other disabilities at all of its 99 beach entrances, supports the purchase and installation of ADA compliant beach mats at three of its accessible entrances. This grant is part of a larger accessibility initiative which includes a Free Surf Chair Program, “Wheelchairs on Boardwalk” program and wheelchair sitting areas.

Colorado Discover Ability Adaptive Outdoor Recreation

Grand Junction, CO 81501

$15,000 – Adaptive Sports

Western Colorado Sled Hockey

This Direct Effect grant supports the only sled hockey program in Western Colorado. Grant funds provide needed adaptive equipment, coaching and ice time.

Creative Ability Development, Inc dba Kanack School of Musical Artistry

Rochester, NY  14618-5704

$25,000 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Harmony Project

This Direct Effect grant provides automatic main entry doors and two power doors and controls for accessible bathrooms for a school whose mission is to nurture musical brilliance while bringing out each child’s unique voice and provide programs which exemplify the ideal training of a whole musician: These facility accessibility modifications, support the organization in increasing program offerings and participation of individuals who are living with paralysis.

Cutting Fences Foundation

Laurel, MT  59044-1618

$25,000 – Employment

Back on Tracks MT (BOT MT)

This Direct Effect grant supports an employment enhancement program aimed at eliminating barriers that farmers and ranchers face within their daily activities by introducing appropriate and safe adaptive equipment options that are client-centered and lifestyle-specific. Funds will be used to purchase an Action Trackchair for Cutting Fences Foundation’s loan closet so that individuals with paralysis may continue to focus on careers in agriculture with ease and independence. The Action Trackchair offers increased accessibility for individuals on almost all terrain types as well as standing capability for the individual. All of these features promote accessibility, independence, and function and are particularly helpful for individuals in agriculture due to the unique needs of their job and lifestyle. Funds will also be utilized to purchase a trailer for storage.

Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra

Mammoth Lakes, CA  93546-7275

$25,000 – Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Biking, Skiing and More in the Eastern Sierra

This Direct Effect grant supports the adaptive sports programs offered by Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra which include adaptive mountain biking and skiing. Funds provide programmatic costs including coaching, equipment, adaptable skibyks, personnel and scholarships for 20 individuals living with paralysis.

Florida Disabled Outdoors Association

Tallahassee, FL  32308

$24,000 – Accessible Community Spaces

Quality of Life through Access and Inclusion to Outdoor Recreation 2023

This Direct Effect grant supports an outdoor recreation program that helps people living with paralysis discover their independence by accessing their community through physical activity and getting into nature and the outdoors. Funds will be used to  purchases one EcoRover track chair to be utilized by individuals with paralysis in order to explore the outdoors and participate in recreational activities with family and friends. EcoRovers are all terrain mobility devices, with low centers of gravity, allowing the EcoRover to stay at safe levels while traversing hills, grass, mulch, soft deep powdered sandy beaches, gravel, mud, and nature trails.

Florida State Parks Foundation

Tallahassee, FL  32303

$15,147 – Fitness and Wellness

Rish Park Pool Lift

This Direct Effect grant provides a fixed pool lift with a permanent chair to improve accessibility for visitors living with paralysis to Rish Park pool.

Friends of Rocky Fork State Park

Flag Pond, TN 37657

$18,000 – Accessible Trail

Enhancing Accessibility to Nature at Rocky Fork State Park

This Direct Effect grant supports an accessibility project at one of Tennessee’s newest state parks. Funds will be used to purchase an all-terrain track chair, storage shed, and new gravel for the park’s trails. The all-terrain track chair will be available free of charge on a reservation system to empower community members living with paralysis and their companions to enjoy the restorative benefits of nature and participate in the lifestyle of outdoor recreation that is integral to the region’s culture. This project will support underserved populations in Appalachia including rural and low-income individuals living with paralysis who would otherwise not be able to afford such a device.

Greater Buffalo Adaptive Sports (formerly The Sled Hockey Foundation)

Lancaster, NY  14086

$22,545 – Adaptive Sports

Greater Buffalo Adaptive Sports Youth Programs

This Direct Effect grant supports a youth adaptive sports program.  Funds will provide nine youth-sized sports wheelchairs for young athletes living with paralysis, ages 5-17, to participate in adaptive sports programing which includes wheelchair tennis, lacrosse and football.

HorseAbility

Old Westbury, NY 11568

$8,934 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Accessible Mounting Ramps for Horseback Riding

This Direct Effect grant supports a therapeutic/adaptive and recreational horseback riding program. Funds will provide a mounting ramp to HoreseAbility’s indoor arena and a portable mounting ramp for use at off-site events such as horse shows or riding workshops, so clients living with paralysis can participate fully in these events.

International Vent Users Network

St. Louis, MO  63126

$9,879 – Education

Post-Polio Health Education Series

This Direct Effect grant funds a series of six town halls and four lectures given by Post-Polio Health International to educate on critical issues related to the management of the late effects of polio for survivors and their caregivers. Each town hall will be organized around a specific topic (assistive devices, psychosocial issues, optimizing physician visits, etc.). The lectures will focus on a range of issues that affect polio survivors’ overall health and well-being.

Junior Tennis Champions Center

College Park, MD  20740

$24,999 – Adaptive Sports

JTCC Wheelchair Tennis Program Pathway

This Direct Effect grant supports a youth/junior tennis program. Funds will be used to purchase nine tennis-specific sports wheelchairs for people living with paralysis to learn, play, and compete in wheelchair tennis. This will allow JTCC to increase the number of participants they serve as increasing the number of wheelchairs owned by the organization will allow players who do not have their own sports wheelchairs to join and experience the sport for the first time.

Madison Art Gallery

Madison, MN 56256

$15,000 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Madison Art and Innovation Center Accessibility Project

This Direct Effect grant supports an accessibility project for Madison’s Art and Innovation Center. Funds will provide the installation of two new accessible automatic external doors, two automated internal doors, additional grab bars, and a short ramp that would allow wheelchairs to access the performance stage.

Maine-Endwell Central School District

Endwell, NY 13760

$7,450 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Maine-Endwell Accessible Swimming Pool

This Direct Effect grant supports the district’s High School Aquatics Facility. The pool at the facility is used by students, members of the public, and athletes during the New York State Summer Special Olympics. Swimming has been found to have many physical benefits for people with spinal cord injuries and other conditions that cause paralysis, as it builds cardiovascular endurance as well as muscle strength, while the buoyancy of the water supports greater freedom of movement. It also provides a unique recreational opportunity that people with paralysis can participate in with friends, family members, and others. Funds will be used to purchase a pool lift for the school.

Matheny Medical and Educational Center

Peapack, NJ  07977

$22,300 – Disaster Preparedness

Emergency Evacuation Equipment Project

This Direct Effect grant supports Matheny’s emergency evacuation protocols via the purchase of emergency evacuation equipment to strengthen its disaster preparedness program. Funds will be used to purchases 25 Grainger Evacuation Slydes and other emergency evacuation equipment designed to safely and swiftly transport patients living with paralysis and other complex medical disabilities from beds out of the hospital’s facilities.

Miami SCI Wellness, Inc. dba iAMABLE

Miami, FL 33186

$23,794 – Durable Medical Equipment

iAMABLE Physical Training Equipment Upgrade

This Direct Effect grant supports a physical training program for people living with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy, stroke, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and other neurological paralysis conditions in the greater Miami area. Funds will be used to purchase an EasyStand glider and a Redcord Professional Workstation.

Montana State Parks Foundation Inc.

Missoula, MT 59802

$24,944 – Adaptive Sports

Adaptive recreation equipment for accessing Montana’s State Parks.

This Direct Effect grant supports a partnership with Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks and Dream Adaptive to provide more equitable access to Lone Pine State Park in northwest Montana. Funds will be used to purchase an adaptive recreation Action Track Chair to encourage individuals with paralysis to access the network of trails, viewpoints, archery range, picnic areas, and other amenities while participating in popular, healthy, and enriching outdoor experiences that nearly all Montanan’s value.

Morris County Park Commission

Morristown, NJ 07962

$22,000 – Fitness and Wellness

Outdoor Fitness Equipment

This Direct Effect grant provides an opportunity for increased physical activity via a seven-unit Greenfields Outdoor Fitness Cluster. The stations include three accessible units for use by individuals with wheelchairs. The benefits of increased physical activity at the fitness cluster can include healthier weight, reduced social isolation and depression, increased pulmonary and cardiac fitness, and reductions in chronic disease symptoms. The Commission will partner with the DAWN Center for Independent Living; Morris County Department of Human Services/Office on Aging, Disabilities, and Veterans; the Cheshire Home; and rehabilitation service providers to specifically target people living with paralysis.

Neuroworx-Dr. Dale B. Hull Foundation for Neurological Rehabilitation, Inc.

Sandy, Utah  84070-4013

$25,000 – Healthcare

Integrated and Concurrent Psychological Care during After-hospital Physical Rehabilitation for SCI

This Direct Effect grant supports an integrative mental health program that promotes a new perspective on the role and importance of psychology within the outpatient paralysis rehabilitation paradigm. The program is intended to reduce or eliminate many of the barriers that prevent patients from pursuing psychological care by providing psychotherapy using 1-on-1, couple, and family session once per week; peer group sessions, offered twice-monthly; and quarterly educational seminars. The seminars will cover specific topics such as intimacy, advocacy, and empowerment.

Northwest Wheelchair Tennis Association

Keizer, OR  97303

$21,525 – Adaptive Sports

Northwest Wheelchair Tennis Association Program Support

This Direct Effect grant supports a comprehensive regional wheelchair tennis program for people living with paralysis founded by a group of athletes with spinal cord injuries to create a supportive adaptive sports community in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Funds will provide weekly clinics and lessons (48 weeks) and an annual four-day wheelchair tennis tournament benefiting over 40 tennis players with paralysis.

Push to Walk

Oakland, NJ 07436

$24,638 – Durable Medical Equipment

Push to Walk’s Activity Based Training Program

This Direct Effect grant supports Push to Walk’s adaptive gym via the purchase of equipment that provides a safe fitness option for individuals with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological conditions. Equipment will include: a Cold laser, an Omnistand, and Clinton Training Stairs. These will enable improvements in upper and lower body strength and endurance, core stability, endurance, and strength, improve mental health and confidence levels, reduce pain, and improve cardiovascular fitness for people living with paralysis.

Riekes Center

Menlo Park, CA  94025-1813

$25,000 – Fitness and Wellness

Adaptive Sports Programs for Veterans and Others Living with Paralysis

This Direct Effect grant supports a physical conditioning program for veterans and people living with paralysis through online and in-person classes, in-person team sports, wheelchair sports tournaments, and detailed assessments of participants’ improvements. Funds will be used to purchase equipment (including a Cybex Bravo Advanced Trainer) and to supplement additional instructor hours for physical conditioning, online boxing, and seated Pilates.

The SAFE Alliance

Austin, TX 78760

$24,698 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Equitable Access to Family Shelter

This Direct Effect grant addresses accessibility issues at SAFE’s Grove campus, the agency’s main campus for emergency family shelter, counseling, and therapeutic services for adults and youth who have survived domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, stalking, and/or child abuse. Funds will provide accessibility at the Resource Center Community room entrance, the Resource Center’s Southeast Emergency Exit, the Resource Center’s North Lobby Entrance, and the Family Shelter East Emergency Exit.

Senior and Disability Action

San Francisco, CA  94142

$22,555 – Durable Medical Equipment

Wheelchair Repair Community Organizing Project

This Direct Effect grant provides program development support for an emergency wheelchair repair program aimed at assisting low-income people of color, including Black, Latinx, and Indigenous populations. SDA will provide free wheelchair repair clinics where people can learn how to fix their own wheelchairs or have caregivers or family members do it. In addition, SDA will work to develop leadership skills among low-income people living with paralysis in San Francisco geared towards community organizing to educate and share their stories with city officials and work with staff of San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services to plan a permanent wheelchair repair program.

Seniors Independent Living Collaborative

Chicago, IL  60660

$24,999 – Peer Mentoring and Support

Smart Home Automation Services for Independent Living

This Direct Effect grant supports the development of the “Smart Technology Mentors Program” which will empower three to six Illinois Centers for Independent Living (CILs) to recruit, train and supervise area high school and community college students to install and operate smart devices in the homes of persons with paralysis. Collaborators in program planning, outreach, evaluation and recruitment of CIL participants will include the Illinois Assistive Technology Program, the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living, and the Progress Center for Independent Living. SILC will also evaluate the impact of the program and its potential to serve as a model for replication by Centers for Independent Living across the nation.

Service Dogs Alabama

Hope Hull, AL  36043-4402

$25,000 – Service Animal Program

Service Dogs Change Lives!

This Direct Effect grant provides training, transition, and ongoing support of four service dogs to individuals with paralysis, including three veterans. Research indicates that these skilled dogs have an unparalleled and powerful effect on the independence, physical health, and psychological stability of the individual that they serve.

Sky Tavern

Reno, NV  89511

$24,246 – Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Mountain Bike Camp

This Direct Effect grant supports Sky Tavern’s adaptive mountain bike camp and a camping weekend for people living with paralysis through the purchase of an off-road hand cycle and funding for adaptive coaching. The camp will center on accessing a variety of adaptive mountain biking terrain and will be run in partnership with adaptive mountain bike equipment providers and coaches to introduce and/or expand knowledge and skills in the sport of adaptive mountain biking.

Special Olympics Hawaii Inc.

Ewa Beach, HI  96706

$7,762– Fitness and Wellness

Fitness Experiences for Everyone

This Direct Effect grant provides enhanced services at the Sports & Wellness Center for individuals living with paralysis through the purchase of a Dual Cable Cross machine that is specifically designed for wheelchair use. The equipment will be used for strength training and conditioning, for preparation for competitions, for overall health and wellbeing, and will be available to athletes and individuals in the community living with paralysis.

The Split Second Foundation

New Orleans, LA  70122

$24,495 – Fitness and Wellness

Split Second Fitness

This Direct Effect grant supports Split Second Fitness, the first adaptive gym facility in Louisiana dedicated to people living with paralysis, stroke, and amputation. Funds will be used to purchase a WheelChair Fitness Solution Exercise System and a NuStep T4R Total Essentials Bundle. The equipment will both increase access to exercise and fitness and increase their independence by helping individuals gain mobility, functionality, and improvement to perform daily activities.

StableStrides

Elbert, CO 80106

$4,940 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Accessible Picnic Tables Project

This Direct Effect grant supports StableStrides ongoing project to creating a fully accessible facility for individuals who are living with paralysis. Funds will be used to purchase four ADA-compliant picnic tables that will allow individuals with paralysis to meet and eat with StableStrides members and staff and position their wheelchairs directly at the table thereby creating a more inclusive environment.

Steffi Nossen Dance Foundation

White Plains, NY 10606

$14,356 – Arts

Adaptive Dance Program

The Direct Effect grant supports an adaptive dance program for people living with paralysis. Funds will support three adaptive dance instructors and a community outreach director. This program will provide participants with opportunities for creative self-expression: community-building; and physical strengthening, balance, and fluidity.

Sunnyview Hospital and Rehabilitation Center Foundation, Inc

Albany, NY 12208

$7,524 – Transitioning Home

Smart Hospital Room to Promote Independence for Patients Living with Paralysis

This Direct Effect grant supports a “smart room” of assistive technology devices for individuals living with paralysis to assist them as they prepare to transition home. Funds will be used to purchase equipment such as voice and eye-controlled devices that can decrease limitations for patients with paralysis by providing increased social connectivity, independence in making comfort adjustments, and the ability to complete some instrumental activities of daily living without assistance.

Turnstone

Fort Wayne, IN46805-1918

$25,000 – Fitness and Wellness

Accessible Strength Training Fitness Equipment

This Direct Effect grant supports the Plassman Athletic Center, Turnstone’s fully accessible fitness center which includes wheelchair-accessible fitness equipment for both youth and adults living with paralysis. Funds will be used to purchase a Cybex Total Access Chest Press; a Cybex Total Access Shoulder Press; a Cybex Total Access Lat Pulldown; and a Cybex Total Access Row/Rear Delt.

Unite 2 Fight Paralysis

Minneapolis, MN 55403

$18,708 – Consumer Education

Improving U2FP’s CureCast podcast to increase SCI education and advocacy.

This Direct Effect grant supports Unite 2 Fight and their production of CureCast, a podcast that aims to educate the SCI community. CureCast includes interviews with leading scientists, clinicians, industry representatives and community advocates from across the spinal cord injury landscape. Funds will be utilized to hire a podcast producer, purchase services from a press release distribution company, and to purchase quarterly page ads in New Mobility magazine.

United States Curling Association

Eagan, MN  55121-3210

$25,000 – Adaptive Sports

USA Curling Wheelchair Team

This Direct Effect grant supports the USA Curling Wheelchair Team by funding a portion of their travel expenses to national competitions. The team has been consistently showing its dominance resulting in medal contention at World Championships and Paralympic Games. The team most recently competed in the 2022 Winter Paralympics.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC  28223-0001

$25,000 – Accessible Trail

Trails for All

This Direct Effect supports an accessible trail at the University of North Carolina Charlotte’s Botanical Garden. Located on 10 acres and rated as one of the “Top 3 Places to Visit” in Charlotte in 2019, the Garden plans to increase visitorship of community members living with paralysis and mobility issues, providing them and their families a place of beauty and respite. They also plan to develop staff-guided and self-guided tours in the newly accessible areas, highlighting significant plants, plant collections, and some of the Gardens’ most interesting historical landmarks.

USTA Texas Tennis Foundation

Austin, TX

$18,126 – Adaptive Sports

Wheelchair Tennis-Youth

This Direct Effect grant supports a youth tennis wheelchair program by providing five Top End Tennis Wheelchairs. The chairs will be available through a loan closet offering players an opportunity to play with and against able bodied tennis players in tournaments, leagues and on school teams besides wheelchair tournaments.

Virginia Beach Adaptive Watersports, Inc.

Virginia Beach, VA  23456

$9,639 – Adaptive Sports

Virginia Beach Adaptive Watersports 2023 Program

This Direct Effect grant supports an adaptive watersports organization aimed at improving the lives of adults and children with paralysis by providing a safe and challenging adaptive water sports program. Funds provide equipment and supplies for six adaptive skiing/tubing events which will take place at Oak Grove Lake Park, Chesapeake, Virginia. The events will include a Warrior Week Program serving wounded military members living with paralysis and other cross-disabilities, and a Special Olympics with Chesapeake Sheriff’s Department.

Washington, Indiana Free Methodist Church / Comforting Hearts

Washington, IN  47501

$19,878 – Accessible Playground/Ballfield

Longfellow All-Inclusive Playground

This Direct Effect grant supports an all-inclusive playground to promote the inclusion of children living with paralysis and cross-disabilities. Funds will be used to purchase equipment including an adaptive seesaw, swings with adaptive seats, sensory wave seats, and a Discover Cave with primary grips. The playground will promote inclusion and support integration by modifying a community space that makes it possible for people with disabilities and people without disabilities to play side-by-side.

Westchester Parks Foundation

White Plains, NY  10549-2816

$25,000 – Accessible Trail

Launch the First Accessible Trails Hiking Program for the Parks of Westchester County

This Direct Effect grant supports an accessible hiking program through the purchase of two All-Terrain Trackchairs. The battery-operated All-Terrain Trackchair provides its users access to terrains that a traditional wheelchair either cannot or should not attempt for the safety of its passenger and the integrity of the equipment itself. The program will run in rotation every Saturday from March through November for five hours in parks in Peekskill, Yonkers, Hartsdale, and White Plains. WPF will partner with Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Montrose to provide the program one alternating weekday.

Wheelchair Help.org Inc.

Elkhart, IN 46516

$10,000 – Durable Medical Equipment

Wheelchair Restoration

This Direct Effect grant supports a program that provides loaned or affordable subsidized mobility equipment to individuals living with paralysis who are not able to obtain equipment due to current Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance policies. Funds will support an equipment restorer to restore 75 donated wheelchairs and 10 power chairs for use through a loan.

Wheeling Park Commission

Wheeling, WV  26003-9849

$25,000 – Accessible Playground/Ballfield

Making Wheeling Park’s Stifel Playground Inclusive

This Direct Effect grant supports the accessibility modification of Wheeling Park Commission’s Stifel Playground. The project will include an ADA path connecting the playground to the parking lot. Additionally, the parking lot will be enhanced to provide space for four accessible vehicles.

2022 1st Cycle Direct Effect Quality of Life Grants

57 Grants totaling $1,216,425

Access Ability Wisconsin, Inc.

Mineral Point, WI 53565-9901

$25,000 – Accessible Trail

Outdoors Access 4 All! Serving Individuals Living with Paralysis in Underserved Populations

This Direct Effect grant purchases one outdoor wheelchair and one trailer to provide the opportunity for individuals living with paralysis and other mobility challenges to access and enjoy the great outdoors, especially for fishing, which is essential in this community. AAW’s objectives focus on those with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and networks with organizations serving those with SCI and their social connections, particularly in underserved populations.

 Access to Independence, Inc. (CIL)

Madison, WI 53714

$11,434 – Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Gaming Groups and Services

This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of two gaming set-ups, including a TV and gaming consoles that enhances e-sports accessibility for people with paralysis. E-Gaming provides a significant source of socialization, recreation, competition, and even income, for people living with paralysis.

 Allaire Community Farm

Wall, NJ 07719

$11,300 – Accessible Trail

Accessible Farm Hayrides for People Living with Paralysis

This Direct Effect Grant supports the purchase of a hay wagon and a wheelchair lift that will make the hay-ride tour at the farm accessible to individuals living with paralysis.  This purchase, in conjunction with the Path to Independence installation of over 5,000 feet of ADA-accessible grant mats, will make visits enjoyable for every visitor.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association – MO

Saint Louis, MO 63146

$23,395 – Assistive Technology

Loan Closet Plus Program

This Direct Effect grant purchases two Hoyer sit-to-stand lifts, two slings, two electric Hoyer lifts, and two Obi feeding devices.  Each piece of equipment is essential to the Loan Closet Plus Program’s capacity to increase the ability of a person with ALS to maintain a level of independence while also ensuring that senior caregivers are more likely to be able to assist their loved ones.

Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center

Breckenridge, CO 80424

$10,702 – Adaptive Sports– Cycling

Expanding Access to Adaptive Cycling Adventures for BOEC Participants Living with Paralysis

This Direct Effect Grant supports the purchase of a Hase Kettwiesel Handbike for an adaptive cycling program providing options for those who have difficulty or cannot ride other adaptive bikes, such as the recumbent or upright bike. The grant will also facilitate the purchase of the tandem hitch, which allows participants to attach to another bike so that the experience can be enjoyed together.

Burke Rehabilitation Hospital

White Plains, NY 10605 -2523

$25,000 – Education

Burke Rehabilitation Hospital “Everything Else Education” Program (BEEP)

This Direct Effect Grant funds education programs aimed at filling the information gap currently available to SCI patients due to abbreviated lengths of stays at IRFs, by providing seminars to promote independent living, inclusion, and community integration. The program provides access to adaptive sports, vocational rehabilitation, accessible transportation, and self-advocacy. In addition, it will educate participants on how to navigate insurance, access home health care services, and acquire/obtain durable medical equipment (DME) when returning home.

 Can Do Multiple Sclerosis

Avon, CO 81620

$24,062 – Education

2022 Take Charge Program

This Direct Effect grant funds the staff salaries and supplies for the coaching sessions for the program. Can Do MS TAKE CHARGE Program is designed specifically for Veterans and their support partners.  Participants will collaborate in four coaching sessions focusing on wellness areas that the VA has identified as pressing needs for the Veteran community: 1) Mobility and Daily Activities, 2) Mood and Cognition, 3) Nutrition, and 4) Relationships and Communication. Each session will be facilitated by Can Do Coaches® (a multidisciplinary team of health and wellness educators) along with facilitators recommended by the VA with expertise in Veteran’s care and military culture.

 Center for Medicare Advocacy

Washington, DC 20036

$24,287 – Education

Medicare Education and Advocacy for Veterans Living with Paralysis

This Direct Effect grant partially funds the Center’s project to help veterans living with paralysis recognize common obstacles to Medicare coverage and access to care and find resources and assistance to appeal coverage denials and challenge other inappropriate barriers to receiving necessary care in the setting they choose.

CHI Health Foundation

Omaha, NE 68154-2155

$25,000 – Transportation

Driving Simulator Project

This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of a driving simulator. The primary goal of this project is to provide individuals who are living with paralysis an evaluation of their ability to drive with the aim of helping individuals develop or relearn skills necessary to increase their quality of life through independent driving.

 City of Orem

Orem, UT 84057

$5,927 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Orem Family Fitness Center Accessibility Modifications

This Direct Effect grant increases access at the Orem Family Fitness Center by purchasing and installing two ADA electronic door operators and wireless push plates. These electronic door openers and wireless push plates will ensure that individuals living with paralysis can independently travel between the aquatics area and family locker lounge, the two areas of the facility used most by individuals living with paralysis.

 City of Reno

Reno, NV 89501

$24,899 – Adaptive Sports

Renown Alumni Recreation Therapy Program

This Direct Effect grant supports adaptive equipment and recreation staff salaries that are essential for the implementation of the “Renown Adaptive Sports Extravaganza”, an overnight multi-sport camp.  The City of Reno offers individuals living with paralysis an action-packed adaptive sports camp/camping weekend. The camp will center on accessing a variety of adaptive sports such as mountain biking, rock climbing, archery, yoga, and more. The camp will partner with adaptive equipment providers and coaches to introduce and expand the knowledge and skills in the various adaptive sports.

City of Tampa

Tampa, FL 33602 – 5211

$25,000 – Accessible Playground

Glide Swing Installation at Giddens Park

This Direct Effect grant purchases a We-Go-Swing playground unit. Individuals living with paralysis in the City of Tampa will have access to a wheelchair and mobility-abled amenities, which promotes socialization and inclusivity and allows participants to stay active.

 City of Youngstown Park and Recreation Department

Youngstown, OH 44503

$5,600 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Replacement of Chairlift at Northside Pool for Individuals living with Paralysis

This Direct Effect grant funds the replacement of an outdated, not usable chairlift to provide access to patrons living with paralysis at the Northside Pool. In addition, the Youngstown Parks and Recreation Department seeks to expand its Community Learn to Swim Program to include individuals living with paralysis by partnering with the Youngstown Lifeguard Academy and the American Red Cross.

Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland, OH 44195-2432

$25,000 – Adaptive Sports, Golf

Challenge Golf Program

This Direct Effect grant funds the purchase of a Paramobile golfer to increase the number of individuals living with paralysis served at the golf course. The Paramobile golfer allows a player to be strapped in safely and elevated to a nearly upright position to hit the golf ball. In addition to those impacted by paralysis, the program serves many individuals who have mobility and balance issues as the result of a stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, amputation, or neuromuscular disorder who may rely on a golf cart or use other methods to maintain their balance.

Disability Resource Association, Inc. (CIL)

Festus, MO 63028-2432

$25,000 – Transportation

Door-through-Door Transportation to Support Independence for Individuals Living with Paralysis

This Direct Effect grant supports DRA’s transportation program which offers door-through-door transportation for individuals living with paralysis who have no other form of transportation for medical visits and virtual shopping. Funds cover part of the drivers’ salaries which provide essential transportation services.

Doman International Institute

Fort Washington, PA 19034

$24,999 – Fitness and Wellness

Scholarships to Support Children with Paralysis

This Direct Effect grant supports 30 low-income families of children living with paralysis to participate in the online Doman Method Course promoting independent living by equipping families with the knowledge and resources they need to support their children living with paralysis. Recipients will participate in 25 lectures taught by subject matter experts to share knowledge and tools with parents to help them create an at-home treatment regimen that will enable their children to thrive. Recipients will also have 15 hours of live Q&A sessions with program staff, and a dedicated one-on-one staff coach. To serve diverse communities, the online course is available in English, Spanish, and Italian languages, among others.

East Coast Zoological Society of Florida d/b/a Brevard Zoo

Melbourne, FL 32940

$18,128 – Accessible Beach/Dock/Pier

ADA-Accessible Kayak Launch for Brevard Zoo’s Wetlands Dock

This Direct Effect grant funds the purchase and installation of an ADA Kayak Launch at the Wetlands Dock at Brevard Zoo to enable guests living with paralysis to participate in kayak tours and Zoo Camp. By elevating the kayak out of the water, this “drive-through” EZ Launch station will provide extra stability when launching and docking, allowing guests living with paralysis to feel confident transferring into their kayak independently. The transfer bench is designed to accommodate users of different size wheelchairs and differing kayak heights, with slide boards that move securely on a railing system and grab bars for easy side movement.

Easter Seals  -TX (Easter Seals Central Texas, Inc.)

Austin, TX 78754-2324

$25 000 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Facility Modifications for the Easterseals LIFE Center: Supporting a Journey Towards IndependenceThis Direct Effect grant supports the modifications of Easter Seals TX front entrance. The project will add a ramp, two automated entry doors, handrails, and two accessible parking spots. This will provide accessible access to clients who utilize the Fitness Life Center and to access the gym unassisted.

Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc.

Bedford, NY 10506-4233

$25,000 – Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Equine Assisted Services for Veterans Living with Paralysis, their Families, and Their Caregivers

This Direct Effect grant provides personnel costs for the veteran coordinator, therapeutic riding instructors, and equine specialist for ETH’s Equine therapy program. This program is available for Veterans, Active-Duty Military, and their families. The equine therapy program helps to improve balance, well-being, quality of life, spasticity, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and sense of accomplishment.

First Descents

Denver, CO 80216

$24,999 – Camp

Improving Quality of Life through Adventure and Peer Support

This Direct Effect grant funds the personnel cost of facilitators and professional rock climbers, as well as the rental of vans for 12 young adults living with Multiple Sclerosis to participate in a rock-climbing program taking place outside of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. First Descents will create an environment where young adults with MS can reclaim their physical agency, explore new activities in natural environments, nurture lifelong supportive peer relationships, and improve their long-term quality of life.

Free Cycles Missoula

Missoula, MT 59801

$20,000 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Free Cycles Opening Doors Accessibility Project

This Direct Effect grant funds accessibility improvements to the Free Cycles community shop by installing an automatic entry door in the main entry and exit, ramps, landing, and bathroom modifications. The shop program’s aim is to provide mechanical knowledge and tools needed to work on bicycles to transfer across to wheelchairs, walkers, and adaptive cycles. By teaching these individuals about the process during the repair, they gain confidence and useful skills.

Freedom Service Dogs of America

Englewood, CO 80112

$24,590 – Service Animal Program

Incarcerated Persons Train Service Dogs for People Living with Paralysis

This Direct Effect Grant supports the expenses for the Colorado Correctional Industries’ Prison Trained K-9 Companion Program (PTKCP) and the Puppy Development department staff salaries. The PTKCP trains service dog candidates taking their first steps to becoming service dogs for people living with paralysis.

Friends of Ridgway State Park

Ridgway, CO 81432

$19,309 – Accessible Beach/Dock/Pier

Ridgway State Park Beach Accessibility Project

This Direct Effect grant funds the purchase of 317 feet of Mobi-Mat and necessary installation accessories, two Mobi-Chairs, and one beach walker. These items allow guests and residents to visit the park and access the water they otherwise could not, as there is currently no wheelchair access from the top of the beach to the water.

Granite State Independent Living

Concord, NH 03301-8539

$25,000 – Peer Mentoring and Support

Project Independence

This Direct Effect grant provides personnel costs for this peer mentoring and support project. Peer mentors will organize multiple social events for GSIL consumers, their families, friends, and caregivers. By focusing on inclusive and accessible opportunities, GSIL hopes to create a space that offers connectedness amongst peers and the larger community.

Hudson River Community Sailing

New York, NY 10011-0012

$25,000 – Adaptive Sports, Sailing

Adaptive Sailing for New Yorkers

This Direct Effect grant provides personnel costs to run an accessible sailing program for individuals with spinal cord injuries and foster social-emotional well-being by creating a space where they can feel safe and have fun on the water.

JCC Chicago

Northbrook, IL 60062

$24,206 – Accessible Playground

Accessible Playground Equipment

This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of a We-Saw Seesaw and Universal Carousel that will be part of a complete renovation of the outdoor playground and space. The goal of the outdoor playground renovation is to accommodate campers, students, staff living with paralysis, and the greater community with disabilities, which will significantly increase everyone’s ability to participate—both as individuals and in social groups.

Kanawha State Forest Foundation

Charleston, WV 25314

$24,999 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

ADA Vault Toilet

This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase and installation of a modern ADS vault toilet to be used in the 9,300 acres of the WV State Park systems, a fully inclusive wheelchair-friendly forest. Vault toilets are waterless, non-flush toilets that store waste in a large airtight underground container (vault). This type of toilet is different from the standard flushing toilets and installed in areas where water is not readily accessible, like parks and recreational spots, campgrounds, and other public spots. The toilet meets all ADA regulations for toilets and user comfort.

Lake Superior Zoological Society

Duluth, MN 55807-1854

$14,399 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

ADA Accessible Caboose Zoo Train Experience

This Direct Effect grant funds the purchase of an ADA-accessible train caboose to provide children and individuals living with paralysis and their families an opportunity to experience the zoo – the only zoo in Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin – to its full potential. Staff will also be trained in safety protocols for its use.

Live After Injury Foundation

Laramie, WY 82072

$20,000 – Adaptive Sports, Racing

Live After Injury Ride-Along Program

This Direct Effect grant provides upgrades modified racing truck. Adding safety upgrades allows individuals living with paralysis to experience the thrill of going down the racetrack and to have the participants drive the truck down the track.

MAC Angels Foundation

Larchmont, NY 10538

$24,000 – Caregiving

MAC Angels Cares

This Direct Effect grant supports a caregiving program by funding part-time salaries of direct service providers, including a nurse, a social worker, and a case manager. These services allow people with ALS (PALS) who wish to stay home with family or loved ones the choice to do so versus living in a nursing home or assisted living facility.

Magee Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation

Philadelphia, PA 19102

$24,999 – Arts

Art Therapy at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital

This Direct Effect grant supports Magee’s Art Therapy Program. Sessions are currently provided six days a week, during the day, evenings, and on the weekends, to provide service to patients outside of their rehabilitation therapy schedule and as they are available.

Medstar NRH

Washington, DC 20010

$24,999; Transportation

Support for Adaptive Driving Training For People Living with Paralysis

This Direct Effect grant provides access to adaptive driving instruction for people living with paralysis in the Washington, D.C. area. Funding supplements the costs of workshops and driver training lessons, which average $1,400 per person.

Miracle Flights for Kids

Las Vegas, NV 89119-3064

$25,000; Transportation

Transportation Assistance for individuals living with paralysis

This Direct Effect grant provides approximately thirty-five life-saving flights to individuals with paralysis-causing conditions and their families in need of distant, specialized medical care over the span of twelve months. The program goal is to serve economically disadvantaged families with children facing life-threatening and life-changing medical conditions who must travel to distant medical facilities for specialized care. Funds support the transportation needs for patients and up to two caregivers in order to access medical specialists and treatment facilities not available in their local communities.

Mt Brighton Adaptive Sports Program

Brighton, MI 48116

$17,067; Adaptive Sports

Mobility is Medicine and Laughter is Life – Adaptive Alpine Ski Experience Renovation

This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of equipment to be added to the loan closet of the Adaptive Alpine Ski Experience, adding an Enabling Technologies, Dynamique Bi Ski and SledgeHammer Freerider SkiBike in order to aid the program’s goal in offering adaptive ski and snowboarding solutions to winter athletes. Additional funds will be allocated to train adaptive ski volunteers.

National Spinal Cord Injury Association Houston (DBA United Spinal Association Houston)

Houston, TX 77004

$23,300 – Employment

Opening Arts and Minds: a creative pathway to employment

This Direct Effect grant supports an employment program offering workshops and weekly, one-to-one private mentorship. Mentorship includes mock interviews, personal growth assignments, and accountability “check-ins.” The program aims to build valuable job skills and confidence in a wide spectrum of job settings. Funds support salaries and supplies for the program.

NeuroLab 360

Encinitas, CA, 92024

$22,842 – Fitness and Wellness

Adapted Open Gym

This Direct Effect grant provides adaptive exercise equipment, including an Evolution 6000 Multi Purpose Strength Training System, a VitaGlide, a Spirit CR900 Recumbent Bike, and Scifit PRO1000 Upper Body Exerciser, specifically for individuals living with paralysis and other neurological mobility-limiting conditions to allow for independent exercise. The goal for this program is to have at least twenty open gym members with paralysis benefit from the new equipment in order to improve their physical capacity, strength, balance, and flexibility in order to promote independence in the home and community.

NextStep LA

Lawndale, CA 90260 4411

Unique Entity ID: CWU2TM9P8JL7

$25,000 – Fitness and Wellness

NextStep Los Angeles Enhancement Project

This Direct Effect grant provides NextStep Fitness with two new Nustep bikes and the replacement of an existing EasyStand standing frame. These new Nustep bikes will replace the existing bikes, which are fourteen years old and consistently break down. Funds also support the service and much needed repair of a vital treadmill that has been utilized for the past fifteen years.

Northeast Disabled Athletic Association

Burlington, VT 05408 2702

$25,000 – Adaptive Sports

Northeast Disabled Athletic Association – Expanded Adaptive Kayaking Program

This Direct Effect grant provides two kayaks, a pulley system to haul kayaks up steeper inclines, and a vehicle dedicated to the program in order to increase geographical impact. Tow ropes, safety whistles, and bulkhead floatation bags, along with 2-way radios will also assist with communication and maximize safety. This grant also supports accommodations for staff for overnight adventure experiences, travel, and marketing materials.

Ohio State University

Columbus, OH 43210

$21,190 – Transition from Institution to Home

Disorders of Consciousness Equipment Library

This Direct Effect grant provides the tools and devices necessary in order to create the Disorders of Consciousness (DOC) Equipment Library. The DOC Equipment Library will consist of various high tech and low tech items, such as switches, toggles, smart technologies, augmentive communication devices, and high tech complex durable medical equipment (DME). The creation of this Library will decrease the burden of care and improve the function, communication, access to environment, and quality of life of persons served, with an overall goal of increasing success with transition to home.

Opportunities Unlimited

Sioux City, IA 51104

$24,999 – Durable Medical Equipment

Standing Frames to Combat Decline from the COVID-19 Pandemic

This Direct Effect grant provides five new standing frames to be utilized within the program’s residential homes so that each house will have a standing frame by individuals in the home to help prevent a decline in function and lessen caregiver burden. These frames will help ease the burden on caregivers and ease the stress on staff while they take on the important role of providing daily personal care and active treatment to individuals living with paralysis at their facility.

PVA-WI

Milwaukee, WI 53202

$22,490 – Accessible Beach/Dock/Pier

Accessibility for All: Accessible Marina Lift Project

This Direct Effect grant supports the launching of an initiative to create accessible marinas located at Reef Point Marina in Racine, WI. While partnering with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to bring accessibility to Wisconsin waters, they plan to educate the public, and purchase and install electric Hoyer lifts. The Hoyer lifts will be used to safely transfer a person needing assistance from their wheelchair to a boat. These solar-powered, winter-protected Hoyer lifts will additionally be added to Mckinley Park in Milwaukee, Lake Geneva, and two more marinas in Wisconsin.

RSU 57

Waterboro, ME 04087 3209

$25,000 – Accessible Playground

Little Mustang Meadow Accessible Ground Cover

This Direct Effect grant supports the Little Mustang Meadow Project in upgrading a playground in order to provide an accessible play area for children aged 2-12 in the community. This upgrade includes a more accessible ground cover which is an ADA compliant, pad-like artificial turf and underlying shock pad to ensure fall safety. This welcome upgrade is vital to the project’s goal to increase independence for individuals living with paralysis and promoting inclusion for RSU 57’s students and community.

Salisbury University

Salisbury, MD 21801

$24,268 – Adaptive Sports

The Inclusion of Wheelchair Sports into Physical Education and Intramural Sports Programs

This Direct Effect grant provides assistance and guidance on PE and extracurricular athletics for students living with paralysis while also aiding Salisbury University in their collaboration with the Director of Intramural Sports Programs to make wheelchair options available to students seeking to participate in the intramural sports program. This grant will provide eight all-sport wheelchairs to introduce wheelchair sports as part of adaptive sports modules for physical education teacher education (PETE) program area students. This will allow PETE students to be introduced to the critical skills of wheelchair basketball, tennis, rugby, soccer, and lacrosse.

Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding

Lenoir City, TN 37772  

$12,269 – Facility Accessibility Modifications

Electric lift for STAR Therapeutic Riding Program

This Direct Effect grant provides an overhead lift in STAR’s South Knoxville location and supports the installation of rubber matting on the existing rough concrete floor. The Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding program currently serves four individuals in their therapeutic riding program and is seeking to accommodate those currently on their waiting list.

Sinai Health System

Chicago, IL 60608 1782

$25,000 – Peer Mentoring and Support

Spinal Injury Support and Social Group for Young Men Affected by Violence

This Direct Effect grant supports the expansion of Schwab Rehabilitation’s Peer Mentoring Program and the Spinal Injury Support Group. The major goal of the Spinal Injury Support Group is to promote socialization and support amongst men living with SCI, while also reducing isolation and helping individuals form connections with peers.

South Shore YMCA

Norwell, MA 02061

$8,191 – Fitness and Wellness

Expanding Partnership

This Direct Effect grant provides the South Shore YMCA with a VMX Dual Trainer that will add new fitness opportunities for their Partnership Program participants (who are predominantly experiencing paralysis) and increase capacity in general.  This will allow them to expand their program and support an increased amount of individual with physical disabilities, predominantly spinal cord injuries and paralysis

Southampton Fresh Air Home

Southampton, NY 11968

$20,000 – Assistive Technology

Accessible Gaming Center

This Direct Effect grant supports an on-site Accessible Gaming Center. Funds will be used to purchase equipment (such as adapted X-Box controllers and iPad switches), train staff, and implement the accessible gaming program. Every child enrolled in the summer camp program will participate in the accessible gaming center program. The program aims to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.

The ALS Association

Arlington, VA 22209

$19,050 – Assistive Technology

Kentucky Loan Closet Plus

This Direct Effect grant purchases three Obi Independent Feeding Devices, one per ALS Certified Clinic in the state of Kentucky. The grant supports the Equipment Loan Program which offers temporary loaner equipment to Kentucky residents with a verified diagnosis of ALS and are uninsured, underinsured, or cannot access the benefits of insurance. The Obi Independent Feeding Devices have led to reports in decreased stress, frustration and anxiety associated with mealtime because the individual living with ALS is independently feeding themselves.

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation

Washington, DC 20037 2444

$25,000 – Caregiving

Supporting Military Caregivers and Wounded Warriors Living with Paralysis

This Direct Effect grant provides respite services to caregivers of paralyzed veterans. The EDF Respite Relief Program is part of a holistic model of support for military and veteran caregivers and their families. EDF is focused on three goals related to improvements in the lives of caregivers of veterans living with paralysis or spinal cord injuries. The goals are: improve the lives of veterans living with paralysis and their caregivers and families, combat social isolation by connecting military and veteran caregivers with their peers, and bring military and veteran caregivers out of the shadows to encourage national recognition for their selfless and uncompensated support.

Theatre Adventure, Inc

Brattleboro, VT 05301

$17,314 – Arts

Building Embodiment and Self-Expression Skills for Performing Artists Living With Paralysis

This Direct Effect grant expands Theatre Adventure’s curriculum and teaching team by creating a framework for participants in their programming to work with a Movement Specialist whose background focuses specifically on supporting people living with paralysis and cross-disabilities. Through small group and one-on-one sessions, the program helps participants develop techniques for knowing their bodies, where their bodies are in space, and how to use their bodies with self-knowledge. The one-on-one sessions will be offered specifically to the Theatre Adventure participants living with full paralysis.

TR 4 Heart and Soul

Bismarck, ND 58504

$19,525 – Fitness and Wellness

Inclusive and Holistic Health for Individuals living with paralysis

This Direct Effect grant funds the purchase of raised and accessible garden beds and supplies to add to the traditional garden onsite at TR 4, the only year-round therapeutic riding center in ND.  The funding will also contribute to additional personnel salaries (Horticulture Expert and Equine Specialist) and the installation of a pergola for additional shade. These improvements will facilitate families and participants with respite care providers with additional time at the ranch after their riding sessions are completed. The program will provide volunteer and mentorship opportunities to individuals living with paralysis with trained staff and peer mentors to offer workforce and life skills.

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI 02881

$22,752 – Adaptive Sports

University of Rhode Island Adaptive Sport Exercise and Recreation (SER) Program

This Direct Effect grant supports an effort to start an inclusive, adaptive sports, exercise, and recreation (SER) program. The program’s initial focus will be on four activities; court sports (wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby), Sled hockey, hand-cycling, and rowing. Funds provide twelve Top End Pro 2 All Sport chairs which will be used to offer the first of the experiential community outreach programs and also in all future court-related activities.

University of Texas Foundation

Austin, TX 78759

$24,999 – Fitness and Wellness

Increasing Access: Power Stepping and Paralysis

This Direct Effect grant will cover part of the cost to purchase a Power Neuro Recovery PowerStep treadmill. The treadmill will enhance UT Health San Antonio’s fitness and wellness program by providing much-needed access to people living with paralysis in and around San Antonio who are seeking exercise opportunities close to home, as well as those based in South Texas who do not have accessibility to fitness and wellness opportunities in their community.

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

Pittsburgh, PA 15222 4718

$25,000 – Education

Page Street Accessible Vegetable Garden

This Direct Effect grant supports the installation of an ADA-accessible community vegetable garden at a city-owned lot in Pittsburgh, PA. Funds will be used to cover implementation of raised vegetable beds and construction to make the garden wheelchair accessible. The primary goal of the Page Street Accessible Vegetable Garden project is to provide greater accessibility to people living with paralysis and other disabilities, who might not otherwise have the opportunity to garden, especially in a low-income urban area, where the garden is located.

Why Not Now? Inc. d/b/a Camp Big Sky

Princeville, IL 61559

$20,146 – Camp

Accessible Kayaking Program

This Direct Effect grant supports an Accessible Kayaking Program by providing funds that will be used to purchase kayaking equipment and an ADA accessible launch. The grant will provide two kayaks, four paddles, and prepare the kayaking program to be utilized by campers throughout the camping season.

Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association

Brookfield, WI 53045

$24,943 – Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Sports Outreach Program for Economically Disadvantaged Youth – City of Milwaukee

This Direct Effect grant supports Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association’s new Adaptive Sports Community Outreach Program in creating access to recreational and competitive adaptive sports for economically disadvantages youth living with paralysis and other physical disabilities in Milwaukee. The grant will provide fourteen adaptive youth sports wheelchairs of varying sizes in order to accommodate the needs of Milwaukee youth participants that require updated chairs throughout their growing years.  The program seeks to create a sense of belonging by promoting a supportive culture and community integration while also improving independence, well-being and quality of life through adaptive sports.

WNY Wreckers

Webster, NY 14508

$14,847 – Adaptive Sports

Wheelchair Rugby Program chairs

This Direct Effect grant provides two new rugby wheelchairs and new equipment to allow new and current WNY Wreckers players to better learn the sport. The program also provides participants with increased training opportunities, promoting healthier lifestyles overall. This grant will further allow ten new people who have never tried wheelchair rugby to experience the sport.

2021 2nd Cycle Direct Effect Quality of Life Grants

67 Grants totaling $1,403,071

Acting Without Boundaries

Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

$11,548; Arts

AWB Acting Lab

This Direct Effect grant supports a unique theater arts educational program for people with paralysis and physical disabilities. Six acting lab workshops will feature various components of acting such as acting for the camera, audition technique, voice and speech for the actor, and script analysis, etc. Acting classes will also include an introduction to playwriting and performance through a video project. The primary goal of the program is to provide high-quality, 100% free accessible theater arts programing that will positively impact 40-90 individuals living with paralysis. Funds represent 46% of the program budget.

Adaptive Fitness Legion

Fairfax, VA 22030

$21,750; Fitness and Wellness

Adaptive Fitness Open Gym Hours and Group Classes

This Direct Effect grant provides fitness and wellness opportunities for individuals living with paralysis who are looking for affordable, safe, and effective adaptive workout programs through in person and virtual adaptive group classes. Open Gym would consist of allowing participants use of adaptive gym equipment under the general supervision and assistance of two qualified physical trainers. Free adaptive workout classes are designed to provide many different modifications so anyone living with paralysis can participate. AFL expects to serve 400 people living with paralysis through its Open Gym hours and group classes. Funding represents 82% of the program budget.

Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country

Franconia, NH 03580-0304

$25,000; Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Mountain Biking

This Direct Effect grant supports the launch of an adaptive mountain bike program – the first adaptive mountain bike program covering both the North Country of New Hampshire and the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Funds will purchase two adaptive off-road mountain bikes: the NUKE Off Road Recumbent handcycle, a unique, capable, rear wheel drive recumbent handcycle with rear suspension; and the Bomber, an off-road handcycle designed for a rider in the prone body position. ASP will offer adaptive mountain bike opportunities seven days a week, from May 1st until December 1^st. Family and friends of athletes living with paralysis will be invited and encouraged to join in the activities, creating a positive social experience and activity people can do together. Over 50 people living with paralysis will be served through this program. Funding represents 100% of the project budget.

Adler Aphasia Center

Maywood, NJ  07607-1006

$25,000; Assistive Technology

Aphasia Rehabilitation via Telehealth for People Living with Paralysis

This Direct Effect grant supports the Aphasia Telehealth Program which provides a lifeline of support for a very vulnerable, underserved population of stroke and brain trauma survivors who live with aphasia, an isolating communication disorder, and, in many cases, with stroke-induced paralysis. The major goal of the project is to provide a proven, effective channel for activities for people with aphasia and paralysis who will benefit from having virtual access to ongoing support to improve their communication while providing a platform for socialization during the pandemic. Over three semesters, 106 participants living with paralysis will choose a program of activities that include the arts, popular hobbies, computer lab technology, and facilitated discussion groups. Funds represent 8% of the total program budget.

Angel City Sports

Los Angeles, CA 90064-2109

$25,000; Adaptive Sports

Angel City Sports Adaptive Sports Equipment Closet

This Direct Effect grant helps youth and adults with SCI improve their independence by strengthening their physical, mental, and emotional well-being through handcycling. Through the introduction of handcycles, ACS aims to make a deeper impact on the health and engagement of individuals with SCI through 1) Greater physical strength and wellness; 2) Reduction in health challenges related to a sedentary lifestyle; 3) Increased social engagement and connections; 4) Motivation and confidence to engage in physical activity more consistently; and 5) Overall increase in social-emotional well-being. Funds, representing 61% of the project budget, will add six handcycles to AS’s loaner closet to directly benefit 24 individuals with SCI in Los Angeles, County, California. ACS will also offer 12 new clinics: racing, road cycling and triathlon with 20 total participants at each clinic benefiting 168 additional individuals living with paralysis.

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago

Chicago, IL 60611

$24,953; Durable Medical Equipment

Spina Bifida Center at Lurie Children’s – Focus Toward Independence

This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of two pieces of durable medical equipment for the Spina Bifida Center: a bioelectrical impedance analyzer and a powered adjustable-height examination table. This equipment addresses the unique challenges of accurately measuring a spina bifida patient’s height, weight and body composition, as well as enabling them to independently transfer to an examination table to allow for full body evaluation. The Center will serve 375 patients living with paralysis. Funds represent 100% of the budget.

Area Cooperative Educational Services

North Haven, CT 06473-3108

$25,000; Accessible Playground

ACES Village School Inclusive Playground

This Direct Effect grant provides wheelchair ramps, guardrails, supports, and an accessible climber for an accessible and inclusive playground for 69 students with paralysis and who use wheelchairs. The project will support the emotional, mental, physical, and social needs of the student population at the ACES Village School, which provides collaborative educational, emotional, and physical services to children ages 3 to 14 years with a range of cognitive, physical, behavioral, language, and medical challenges. Funding represents 10% of the total project budget.

Arts of Life Inc.

Chicago, IL 60612-1602

$25,000; Transportation

Arts of Life Wheelchair Accessible Van

This Direct Effect grant provides a wheelchair accessible van to support a myriad of different needs within AoL’s Artist Enterprise Program (AEP), a comprehensive professional development program that showcases artists’ abilities, facilitates the exhibition and sale of their artwork, and provides the opportunity to grow through three career tracks—Curator, Career, Educator. A wheelchair accessible van will allow nine artists living with paralysis to attend exhibitions, field trips, artist talks outside of AEP studios, openings, and other professional development opportunities alongside other AEP artists. Funding represents 42% of the project budget. AoL currently serves nine artists living with paralysis, they hope that the addition of the accessible van will attract additional artists to the program.

Atrium Health Foundation

Charlotte, NC 28203-4720

$22,100; Adaptive Sports

Growing our Game

This Direct Effect grant supports AHF’s adaptive sport programs through the purchase of two new tennis chairs, one rugby chair, one handcycle, four active hands, one quick release system for our adaptive waterski program, and one handcycle. AHF runs 3-4 weekly programs year-round in the greater Charlotte region. The total funding request, representing 100% of the budget, will be used to purchase the adaptive equipment to serve 100 people living with paralysis.

BACKBONES

Prospect Heights, IL 60070-1037

$25,000; Fitness and Wellness

Women & SCI Health Program

This Direct Effect grant supports the Women & SCI/D Health Program which includes educational webinars, small group discussions, social outings, and fitness empowerment classes. Webinar and discussion topics will focus on Access to Healthcare, Self-Esteem & Body Image, Sex & Disability, Addressing Abuse, Aging and Menopause, Pregnancy, Motherhood, Navigating a Partner and a Caregiver, Self-Care, and more. Webinars will be recorded and live on a dedicated playlist on the BACKBONES YouTube channel. Over 900 women living with paralysis will be served by this program. Funds represent 89% of the budget.

Beacon Charter School Corp.

Woonsocket, RI 02895-3138

$25,000; Facility Accessibility Modifications

Ramping Up the Beacon Charter Center for the Arts!

This Direct Effect grant provides an accessible ramp for the Beacon Charter Center for the Arts (BCCA) which serves as home to theatre productions and arts-related events for Beacon Charter Schools and organizations across the state. The 250-300 seat venue fills a need in the state and in the city for small theatre companies to have an accessible and affordable performance space. In addition, there is a commercial kitchen and cafe space, providing an intimate setting for gallery showings and open mic events. Funds represent 100% of the project budget and will serve approximately 50 people living with paralysis during the grant year.

Bridges For Brain Injury

Farmington, NY 14425

$11,000; Facility Accessibility Modifications

Facility Accessibility

This Direct Effect grant provides an accessible ramp and automatic doors for an organization that provides case management and day services to brain injury survivors and people with disabilities who are at risk for nursing home placement or are transitioning into the community from an institutional setting. Funding will serve 20 people living with paralysis and represents 100% of the budget.

Bruckner Chase Ocean Positive, Inc.

Somers Point, NJ 08244

$24,175; Adaptive Sports

Blue Journey Unified – Providing Inclusive Open Water Access for Recreation, Fitness and Competition

This Direct Effect grant supports the Blue Journey Unified (BJU) program which brings together communities of people with and without spinal cord injuries and disease for open-water recreation, fitness, and competition through the removal of physical and social barriers while providing a sustainable impact on quality of life and the development of community. Funds will be used towards the purchase of sports equipment: two Paddleboards, one Surfski Kayak, a Waterwheels floating beach wheelchair, beach matting for two locations, facility modifications to an accessible changing area, and open water instruction. Funds represent 62% of the project budget and will serve 60 individuals living with paralysis.

California State University, East Bay Foundation, Inc.

Hayward, CA 94542

$22,259; Fitness and Wellness

Adaptive Online Group Exercise for Individuals with Aphasia

This Direct Effect grant supports a fitness and wellness program to increase the number of online group exercise classes for the community of stroke survivors with aphasia and paralysis in the East San Francisco Bay Area. This type of online program for individuals in the chronic stages of stroke is not readily available elsewhere. A project manager will be supported by the grant to develop new class materials, modify existing materials, and increase the frequency of class offerings from 2 to 3 days per week. Twenty-three individuals living with paralysis will be served through the program. Funds represent 100% of the budget.

Camp Aldersgate

Little Rock, AR 72205

$16,599; Camp

Accessible Picnic Tables and ADA Wheelchair Swing for Campers at Camp Aldersgate in Little Rock

This Direct Effect grant provides six heavy duty metal, accessible picnic tables and one ADA wheelchair swing. Camp Aldersgate is dedicated to serving children and youth living with paralysis and other special needs in a camp environment. The picnic tables have wheelchair accessibility in the middle, enabling campers with paralysis to sit among their peers, rather than at the end of the table. The wheelchair swing will be located on Camp Aldersgate’s playground and will promote inclusion by giving all campers – those with and without paralysis/limited mobility – the ability to swing. Between 75-100 campers living with paralysis will be served through the grant year. Funds represent 100% of the budget.

Catamount Film & Arts Co.

St. Johnsbury, VT 05819

$15,000; Arts

Northern Vermont Concert Accessibility

This Direct Effect grant provides a six-passenger Wheelchair Golf Cart for use at CFA’s popular free summer concert series on Dog Mountain, site of the celebrated Dog Chapel, Stephen Huneck Art Gallery, and 150 acres of spectacular mountaintop views, drawing over 1000 visitors every summer Sunday. A Wheelchair Golf Cart will increase accessibility for approximately 40 people living with paralysis to this popular weekly event, which has become a staple in this rural, economically disadvantaged community, a community disproportionately affected by COVID’s myriad challenges including illness, mental health risk, economic hardship, and extreme isolation. Funds represent 80% of the project budget.

Central California Adaptive Sports Center

Shaver Lake, CA 93664

$23,540; Adaptive Sports

Outdoor Activity Programs For Persons Living With Paralysis

This Direct Effect grant supports a program that will help meet the growing demand for adaptive sports programming for persons living with paralysis in Central California. The program will provide 75 full days of skilled instruction, free of charge, in winter and summer outdoor mountain activities and will allow CCASC to purchase equipment that will facilitate access to the outdoors and promote independence for their participants living with paralysis. This program is needed to meet increasing demand for no-cost adaptive sports programming in the low income region CCASC serves. Funds representing 100% of the budget will be used towards two Sand Rider beach wheelchairs, a wheelchair accessible picnic table, and adaptive sports instructors to serve 18 people living with paralysis.

Challenge Alaska

Anchorage, AK 99501-3057

$25,000; Adaptive Sports

Parasport Alaska Handcycle Program Expansion

This Direct Effect grant supports existing ParaCycle programs and adds off-road handcycling to Challenge Alaska’s offerings. The goal of this project is to increase the well-being of persons living with paralysis and empower them to be active members of their communities through participation in regular sports/recreation. Funds will be used to purchase one adult off-road handcycle, a youth handcycle, and necessary supplementary equipment. Approximately 25 people living with paralysis will be served through this expansion. Funds represent 85% of the expansion budget.

Challenge Center

La Mesa, CA 91942-1607

DUNS #: 052689120

$15,000; Fitness and Wellness

Specialized Health and Wellness for Individuals with Paralysis

This Direct Effect grant supports a Health and Wellness Program to assist people living with paralysis – on their own individualized timeline – in recovering health, fitness and function to enable them to live the healthiest, happiest, most independent life possible, regardless of income. Core activities of the initiative are offered on an ongoing basis, with each person receiving a comprehensive initial assessment, customization of goals/objectives, and individualized activity/exercise prescription. A minimum of 250 people living with paralysis will be served by this project. Funding, representing 29% of the program budget, will support two specialist certified personal trainers.

Challenged Athletes Foundation

San Diego, CA 92121-2953

$25,000; Adaptive Sports

Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) Adaptive Sports Camps and Clinics Coaching

This Direct Effect grant supports expert adaptive sports coaching at upcoming adaptive sports camps and clinics to be held across the U.S. which include a multitude of inclusive sports such as swimming, surfing, cycling, winter sports, and CAF’s High School Adaptive Sports Program.

CAF believes everyone should have the opportunity to experience the power of sport, which includes the physical, social, and mental health benefits proven to be associated with physical activity. CAF clinics will address the barriers preventing people from experiencing those benefits in a safe and fun learning environment. Adaptive sports expert coaches will provide technical expertise, mentorship, and support. Eighty-eight athletes living with paralysis are expected to benefit. Funds represent 19% of the program budget.

Chicago Adaptive Sports

lombard, IL 60148

$24,372; Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Sports Wheelchair Request

This Direct Effect grant provides six adjustable sports wheelchairs for CAS’s adaptive sports programs which include wheelchair basketball and softball. These chairs will replace current program chairs that are over twenty years old. In August, CAS plans for its junior teams to compete in the 2022 Wheelchair Softball National Tournament. Forty-three people living with paralysis will be served through the grant year. Funds represent 96% of the budget.

City of Lewisburg

Lewisburg, TN 3709

$14,526; Fitness and Wellness

Lewisburg Recreation Center Transfer Chairs and Wheel Chair

This Direct Effect grant provides two transfer chairs and an Aquatrek Wheel Chair for the city’s Natatorium and outdoor swimming pools. These will allow people living with paralysis, those who use wheelchairs, families, and caregivers better access to programs offered in the center’s pools and will promote access for exercise and leisure activities. The City of Lewisburg is a rural community centrally located in Marshall County, TN. The Lewisburg Recreation Center’s swimming facilities services all of Marshall County as well as citizens from Maury, Giles, Lincoln, Williamson, and Lawrence counties. Over 100 people living with paralysis will be served by this grant. Funding represents 100% of the budget.

Community Rowing, Inc.

Brighton, MA 02135

$22,362; Facility Accessibility Modifications

Boathouse Accessibility Project

This Direct Effect grant supports CRI’s para rowing programs by enhancing access to the CRI boathouse by providing three automatic opening doors to the main lobby to the boat bay, administrative offices, and weight room. CRI’s programs are integrated in a rowing community with members of all ages and abilities rowing from the same clubhouse. Rowing is an inclusive sport that fosters connection and community. It is easily adaptable for those living with paralysis as it strengthens muscle tissue and interconnectivity of muscles and also helps to promote weight loss and healthy body composition, enhances the cardio-respiratory system, reduces stress, and improves joint mobility and can be pursued as an individual or as a team sport. CRI’s para rowing programs aim to serve 45 individuals living with paralysis. Funding represents 50% of the project budget.

Constructive Partnerships Unlimited

New York, NY 10006

$24,750; Adaptive Sports

CITY YOGI’S Adaptive Yoga Program

This Direct Effect grant supports the launch of CITY YOGI’s Adaptive Yoga Program to help 30 people living with paralysis and cerebral palsy embrace a markedly new lifestyle that will improve their quality of life physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Partnering with Honor Yoga Foundation, CITY YOGI’s will provide both in person (in downtown Manhattan) and live/on demand adaptive yoga classes to serve its constituents. Adaptive yoga helps with improved respiration, motor coordination, focus and concentration. It also addresses other underlying challenges including pain management, relaxing, and fun – to enlighten the spirit and bring peace to the whole being. Movements will be adaptable for those in wheelchairs and those with different levels of paralysis. Funds represent 82% of the budget.

CPATH Cerebral Palsy Awareness Transition Hope

Austin, TX 78731-5043

$25,000; Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Community Programming

This Direct Effect grant supports an adaptive community sports program. From specialized sled ice-hockey to wheelchair power soccer and rock climbing, CPATH’s adaptive community programs aim to eliminate loneliness and allow those living with paralysis to adopt a more independent, healthy lifestyle. It is estimated that 150 people living with paralysis will benefit from these programs and family and community events will serve greater numbers. Funds represent 23% of the budget will be used to purchase Stiker Force Powerwheel Chairs and adaptive sporting equipment as well as other program-related costs.

Critter Barn

Zeeland, MI 49464-9079

DUNS #: 076439947

$23,508; Fitness and Wellness

Adaptive Trikes and Trays for Increased Inclusion at Critter Barn

This Direct Effect grant supports an educational farm dedicated to teaching about farming and agriculture while inspiring people of all ages and all abilities through the miracles in nature. It is based on the belief that if children are given a chance to explore and discover their inherent strengths in a safe and structured farm-based environment, their self-esteem, compassion, coping and social skills will improve. Farm activities focus on raising domestic farm animals and birds, growing flower gardens, vegetable gardens and a small orchard. Teaching focuses on farming, animal care, life cycles, seasons, raising food, sustainability and stewardship. Funds will be used to purchase seven adaptive trikes and five activity chairs with trays and will serve an estimated 300 individuals living with paralysis.

Dance for All Bodies

Folsom, CA 95630

$9,320; Arts

Free & Accessible Community Dance Classes

This Direct Effect grant supports an adaptive dance company offering eight culturally diverse styles of dance: Salsa, Contemporary Ballet, Contemporary Brazilian, Urban Jazz, Flamenco, Chair Tap, Contemporary Improvisation, and Cumbia. DfAB expects to serve over 1,000 adaptive dancers through this program which will also be offered virtually.  Funds represent 25% of the project budget and will support eight adaptive dance instructors.

Eagle Mount Bozeman

Bozeman, MT 59715-8005

$14,759; Assistive Technology

Eagle Mount Adaptive Mountain Biking

This Direct Effect grant provides one Bowhead RX Adventure-E Bike and additional equipment that will make it usable by participants living with paralysis. Eagle Mount is uniquely positioned in its southwestern Montana home to open the outdoors and many other recreation opportunities to people living with paralysis and other types of disabilities. Its programming is designed to promote inclusive opportunities that empower and engage people with a wide range of disabilities to explore, be active, and connect with their peers and others with shared interests. Ten people living with paralysis will be served through this program. Funds represent 70% of the budget.

ExercisAbilities, INC

Rochester, MN 55906-3968

$13,500; Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Athletes Strength and Conditioning Program Equipment Purchase

This Direct Effect grant supports the development of a program that will serve adaptive athletes with safe and effective strength and conditioning opportunities. ExercisAbilities is the only accessible program offering exercise, health coaching, and wellbeing programs to adaptive need community members of Rochester, MN within 100 miles. Forty people living with paralysis will be served through thir program. Funds, representing 21% of the budget, will purchase adaptive equipment including Concept 2 Skierg, Hoist multistation functional training system, adjustable bench, and Plyo Boxes.

Families and Communities Together (FACT) Relief

Marietta, GA 30062

$20,000; Caregiving

FACT Relief Home and Respite Care Program

This Direct Effect grant provides respite relief to families in Georgia providing caregiving to loved ones living with paralysis. FACT Relief will work closely with families to help coordinate care, pay home care agencies and qualified caregivers, and provide resources to help families save time and frustration. Funds will be paid to qualified caregivers and/or home care agencies directly to help fill gaps in caregiving for people living with paralysis. It is expected that over 50 family members and caregivers will benefit from this program. Funds represent 100% of the budget.

Follow the Footsteps Epic Adventures

Leadville, CO 80461

$23,500; Adaptive Sports

Loan Locker – Adaptive Equipment “Look up and Live”

This Direct Effect grant supports a program designed to inspire people living with paralysis to experience epic outdoor recreation and embolden them to explore the US National Trails System. Programs take place on the US National Trail System, ski resorts close to the National Trail System and the communities that serve as way points on the National Tail System in the State of Colorado. Funds will help expand the “Lookup & Live” Loan Locker of adaptive equipment through the purchase of two dynamique bi-skis and one Reactive Adaptations Recumbent electric assist mountain bike hand cycle. One hundred fifty people living with paralysis will be served through the program. Funds represent 62% of the project budget.

Foundation for Sustainable Community DBA Farmer Frog

Everett, WA 98077-8068

$25,000; Facility Accessibility Modifications

Bee, yourself, and farm!

This Direct Effect grant supports an organization focusing on sustainable food and hands-on education as a pathway to climate resiliency. Funds will be directly used for accessible pathways for members using wheelchairs allowing them to join classes and programs. Team members who live with paralysis are confident that a minimum of 50 people will be utilizing these pathways and will join the programs as soon as the gardens and areas are accessible. Funding represents 42% of the project budget.

Franciscan Children’s

Boston, MA 02135-3680

$24,560; Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Sports at Franciscan Children’s – Offering Sport Wheelchairs to Expand Programming

This Direct Effect grant supports Franciscan Children’s Adaptive Sports Program serving children, ages 4-18, with paralysis who live in the Greater Boston area providing access to a variety of recreational options throughout the year. Funds, representing 12% of the total program budget will be used to purchase eight Top End sport wheelchairs for 70 children to use during athletic sessions throughout the grant year.

Freedom To Live Foundation

Carlsbad, CA 92009

$24,500; Facility Accessibility Modifications

Backyard and Bathroom Modifications for Accessibility and Safety at FTL’s – Freedom Home.

This Direct Effect grant provides accessibility modifications for Freedom Home where residents living with paralysis learn to live independently in a safe environment while taking part in an Independence Training Program before moving to a permanent long term living situation. Funds, representing 100% of the budget, will be used to modify two existing bathrooms and pathway access and will serve between four to 12 people living with paralysis in the grant year.

Full Circle Farm Therapeutic Horsemanship

Newport, NH 03773

$8,050; Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Full Circle Farm Therapeutic Horsemanship Equine Program

This Direct Effect grant provides programming support for this PATH International accredited riding center whose goal is to inspire, encourage, and enable the development of social, emotional, physical, educational, and equestrian skills, for the benefit of body, mind, and spirit. FCF currently serves four people living with paralysis, but is looking to increase its service population throughout the Upper Valley of New Hampshire and Vermont. Funds represent 70% of the project.

Guardian Angels for Special Populations

Cape Coral, FL 33915

$7,000; Facility Accessibility Modifications

The Special Populations Center Accessible Entrance and Walkway Cover

This Direct Effect grant provides an accessible entrance way for its Freida B. Smith Special Populations Center. Funds will support the purchase of an electronic door opener, door, and pressure button access. Funds represent 33% of the project budget and will serve a current 15 people living with paralysis.

Hope Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center

Manhattan, KS 66503

$7,500; Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Lift for Hope Ranch Therapeutic Riding Facility Topeka

This Direct Effect grant provides a Sure Hands Lift to allow Hope Ranch to safely provide services to individuals who live with paralysis as well as other mobility issues such as Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, ALS, and Spina Bifida. Twelve people living with paralysis will be served. Funding represents 50% of the project budget.

Jefferson County Parks and Recreation

Port Townsend, WA 98339-9745

$25,000; Accessible Playground

JUMP! Jefferson Universal Movement Playground

This Direct Effect grant supports an accessible playground at HJ Carroll Park in Jefferson County, Washington located on the north Olympic Peninsula and comprised of various rural communities. The nearest accessible playgrounds are over an hour’s drive each way. HJ Carroll County Park was chosen for this playground replacement project, as it is the County’s largest, best and most visited park and is central to the neighboring rural communities. It hosts a variety of Rec League sports throughout the year for children and adults, has a BMX bike section, Disc Golf, and a perimeter trail featuring a salmon recovery project. This park has a local public transit stop and schools use the playground regularly for field trips. Funds will be used towards the purchase of a We-Go-Round accessible merry-go-round and represent 2% of the overall playground budget.

Lewisboro Town Park Playground Improvement Corp

South Salem, NY 10590

$15,000; Accessible Playground

Lewisboro Town Park Playground Improvement Project

This Direct Effect grant supports an adaptive, inclusive playground through the purchase of an Assisted ZipKrooz that will be paired with an additional bay to ensure a truly inclusive play experience where kids of all abilities can play side-by-side. Funding represents 2% of the total playground renovation budget and will serve 33 children living with paralysis.

LifePath Foundation

Bethlehem, PA 18017

$21,580; Facility Accessibility Modifications

LifePath Lehigh Day Program power doors

This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of a set of electrically-powered double doors with sensors/motion detectors that activate the doors to open, for a day program which serves adults with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities, 17 of whom have partial or full-body paralysis. Funds represent 100% of the project budget.

LifeScape

Sioux Falls, SD 57105

$22,000; Transportation

LifeScape ADA Minivan

This Direct Effect grant supports an independent, non-profit organization providing a wide range of services for more than 4,000 children and adults living with disabilities in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Sioux City and many communities throughout South Dakota. Funds will be used to purchase an ADA minivan to enable community members to access medical appointments, employment, recreation, education, and shopping needs. Approximately 200 LifeScape community members living with paralysis will benefit from this project. Funds represent 43% of the minivan purchase.

Made4Me, Inc.

Raleigh, NC 27616-1860

$25,000; Assistive Technology

Promoting Independence with Public School Partnerships

This Direct Effect grant supports a loan closet of Assistive Technologies for public school children living with paralysis, cerebral palsy or other neurological conditions in Wake, Durham and Granville Counties. Made4Me has several collaborative partners throughout North Carolina that make referrals and assist with assessment and evaluation. They include pediatric therapy organizations, hospitals, and school systems. The main goal of this project is to promote independence and remove barriers to learning while providing access to participation in educational activities for 300 children living with paralysis. Funds represent 54% of the project budget.

Marty Turcios Therapeutic Golf

Augusta, GA 30909

$21,000; Adaptive Sports

Therapeutic Golf

This Direct Effect grant supports year-round, weekly recreational therapeutic golf classes, 9-hole games, and an annual adaptive golf tournament. There are currently 17 people living with paralysis amoung current participants. Funds represent 34% of the program budget and support ParaMobile Stand and Play units and other adaptive equipment. Adaptive golfing quipment enables wheelchair riders to stand up and play safely and comfortably.

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital

Grand Rapids, MI 49503-5247

$25,000; Consumer Education

Holistic Sexual Health Education for Individuals with Disabilities

This Direct Effect grant supports the launch of a Holistic Sexual Health Education Program for individuals ages 16 years and older living with paralysis and cross-disabilities. The program will provide in-person or virtually patient-centered sexual health education in one-on-one sessions, individually or partnered, as well as group-based teachings. Program components will include education and awareness about one’s physical anatomy by demonstrating awareness and exploration of one’s personal functionality. Work will include using books and showing patients different tools and devices that may help them meet their sexual health needs and goals. The goal of the program is to create a space for individuals to feel empowered to question their own sexuality after injury or illness; to provide a space where they can gain a knowledge base of skills and resources that will assist them in achieving their sexual health goals, allowing them to achieve the hope and freedom needed for them to be an autonomous sexual being. MFB expects to serve at least 150 people during the grant year. Funds represent 54% of the project budget.

Metroparks Toledo Foundation

Toledo, OH 43615

$24,700; Fitness and Wellness

Metroparks Toledo Adaptive Equipment

This Direct Effect grant supports adaptive and accessible programs for people living with paralysis. Programs include kayaking, paddle boarding, dune riding, and biking events. Funds represent 77% of the program budget and will be used towards a STS Action Track Chair that will allow for all-terrain usage and a 32×22 vinyl mobile pool that has the capacity to allow three kayaks and two paddle boards at one time (or multiple combinations of equipment). The program is expected to serve hundreds of people living with paralysis throughout Lucas County, OH.

Mount Clemens Community Schools

Mount Clemens, MI 48043-3011

$25,000; Accessible Playground

Inclusive Play and Accessibility in the Educational Environment

This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of a High Country Play System, an accessible playground structure that provides ramped entry for students with and without paralysis and other neurological diagnoses, to promote health fitness and inclusion during play. This will especially benefit the many (25-30) students who live with a wide-range of diagnoses including spina bifida, cerebral palsy, pediatric strokes, and other disabilities at Seminole Academy in Mount Clemens, Michigan. Funds represent 50% of the project budget.

National Association of Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA)

Alabaster, AL 35007

$24,500; Peer Mentoring and Support

Brain Injury & Paralysis Training for Veteran Peer Support Specialists

This Direct Effect grant supports the Brain Injury and Paralysis Training Toolkit for Veteran Peer Support Specialists. This Toolkit will include several easy-to-use, culturally sensitive/inclusive resources for veteran peer support specialists to help empower them to identify whether a veteran they are serving who is living with paralysis, is also experiencing additional impacts of a brain injury. In addition to information related to screening, the Toolkit will include resources related to common challenges experienced by veterans with brain injury, suggestions for adaptive compensatory strategies and, finally, information related to resource referral and available community-based supports. The Toolkit would consist of up to three fact sheets and three recorded training modules. Funding represents 100% of the project budget and will serve at least 50 veterans living with paralysis within the grant year.

New England Disabled Sports

Lincoln, NH  03251-0026

$25,000; Adaptive Sports

AMP! Adaptive Mountain Bike Program

This Direct Effect grant supports the expansion of NEDS’s AMP! Adaptive Mountain Bike program to people living with paralysis. This grant will cover the cost of purchasing electric-assist technology (e-assist) for two hand cranked mountain bikes so participants can spend more time mountain biking during a lesson. Funds also cover the cost of all lesson fees including lift tickets, rental equipment for the athlete and their accompanying family members in addition to quality instruction for the adaptive athlete. It is expected that a minimum of 15 unique individuals living with paralysis will participate, having the opportunity to engage in a minimum of 50 mountain biking experiences. Funding represents 100% of the project budget.

New Horizons Disability Empowerment Center

Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

$16,510; Adaptive Sports

NHDEC Wheelchair Tennis Program

This Direct Effect grant supports a new project that will serve individuals with paralysis who wish to improve their physical and mental health through playing wheelchair tennis. Additional program goals include increasing socialization and opportunities for camaraderie with peers, educating the public about wheelchair sports, counseling new clients on NHDEC CIL programs and activities, which promote independent living, and creating a core group of successful wheelchair tennis players to create a team to compete in local and national tournaments. Fifteen people living with paralysis will be served. Funds represent 100% of the budget.

North Broward Hospital District d/b/a Broward Health

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

$24,783; Transportation

Adaptive Driving Program

This Direct Effect grant supports an Adaptive Driving Program that will utilize innovative technology and hands-on programming, including Advanced Therapy Product’s WT-960 Car Transfer Car Simulator. The WT-960 is an adaptive driving system that allows participants to practice car transfers and controls steering, gas, and braking. The WT-960 has functional doors, real bucket seats, tilt steering column, and a wheelchair loading space that makes it look and feel like a real car. The open back design makes training easier for participants and for staff to assist them as needed. The simulator will allow participants to test different control devices, to practice car transfers in a clinical environment, practice driving without the dangers of being on the road, and can be used as a safe way to evaluate driving ability. The WT-960 will be used as a tool to help assess flexibility, range of motion, hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and the ability to use adaptive equipment. Two hundred fifty people living with paralysis will be served during the grant year.  Funds represent 100% of the budget.

Options for Independent Living

Green Bay, WI 54307-1967

$25,000; Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Adventures

This Direct Effect grant supports the Adaptive Adventures program to provide people with paralysis recreational bicycling in a service area in which there are no adaptive recumbent tricycles available. Funds, representing 56% of the project budget, will be used to purchase an adaptive recumbent tricycle with electronic assist (ICE Adventure HD 26 Fast Track Trike) and a variety of adaptive accessories. The program will serve 15 people living with paralysis.

Reimagine

Santa Ana, CA 92705-4940

$25,000; Facility Accessibility Modifications

Reimagine Accessibility Project

This Direct Effect grant provides four motorized changing tables and two wheelchair swings for participant use at its Fullerton and Santa Ana campuses in Orange County, CA. The project is intended to increase opportunities for inclusion, accessibility, and autonomy for 71 individuals, ages 18 and over, who live with paralysis. Funds represent 100% of the project budget.

RISE Center

Beaumont, TX 77701

$3,195; Facility Accessibility Modifications

Center for Independent Living (CIL) Touchless Electric Door Opener

This Direct Effect grant provides a hands free, contactless, automatic door opener for the Center’s existing entrance door. The CIL serves thousands of people living with ambulatory disabilities, including paralysis. Funds represent 100% of the budget.

Senior Citizen Services Inc DBA 125 LIVE

Rochester, MN 55901

$22,266; Fitness and Wellness

Inclusive & Accessible Wellness Center

This Direct Effect grant supports an Inclusive & Accessible Wellness Center featuring aerobic and strength exercise equipment with ergonomic design to be accessible for individuals living with paralyis, using wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment. Funding represents 65% of the buget and will be use for the purchase of a 9160 HUR Pec Dec, a roll in, or chair/seated added pneumatic resistance machine that enables users with mobility restrictions to better customize the position of their bodies so that they can exercise their pectoralis major and anterior deltoids in an ergonomic position that minimizes the risk of injury; an 9125 HUR Dip Shrug, a roll-in, or chair/seated added pneumatic resistance machine that enables users to better customize their workouts from a wheelchair or seated position; and an 9120 HUR Push-Up / Pull Down, a multi-exercise pneumatic resistance machine that allows users to both perform pull-downs (muscle for posture and back strength) as well as push-ups aka shoulder presses (muscles for shoulders and arm strength). Ergonomic design allows convenient entry to wheelchairs and is designed for user safety. Four hundred twenty-five people living with paralysis will be served through the Center.

Sidney Park Project

Sidney, NE 69162

$23,760; Accessible Playground

Sidney Park Project

This Direct Effect grant supports a project to address the need for a safe community playground in which people of all abilities and ages can interact, grow, and play by replacing the equipment and ground surfaces at a playground in Legion Park in Sidney, NE. The project was created in response to the overwhelming community need for an updated accessible, inclusive playground and the desire to create the first accessible playground in western Nebraska following ADA standards for playground equipment and ground surfacing. Funding, representing 3% of the full project budget, will be used to purchase a We-Go-Round. Twelve people living with paralysis and living in close proximity to the park will be served immediately by this playground, but it is predicted that hundreds will be served going forward.

Sitting Bulls Sled Hockey, Inc.

Johnstown, PA 15904

$24,710; Adaptive Sports

Sitting Bulls Sled Hockey Program

This Direct Effect grant supports a sled hockey program that provides the opportunity for people living with paralysis the chance to participate in an organization that offers exercise and competition and provides opportunities for the individual athlete to grow as they learn the sport of hockey. These areas of growth include physical strength and endurance, self-esteem, teamwork, and on-ice achievements which can be transferred to accomplishments within the daily life of these athletes. Funds will be used to purchase five new adaptive sleds, assistive equipment, and ice rental time, and represent 71% of the program budget. Sixteen athletes with the following diagnosis will be served: spina bifida (6), cerebral palsy (4), Friedreich’s Ataxia (2), spinal cord injury (1), Congenital Muscular Dystrophy-Bethlem Myopathy (1), Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (1), and left-sided hemi-paresis (1).

Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports

Tucson, AZ  85716-5502

$25,000; Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Sports

This Direct Effect grant supports SAAS’s adaptive cycling program through the purchase of  three recumbent trikes, three handcycles, and by providing funding for accessible transportation to adaptive cycling rides on The Chuck Huckleberry Loop, a system of paved, shared use paths connecting 136 miles of recreational pathways and trails along river banks and greenways in the greater metropolitan Tucson area and surrounding rural areas. SAAS seeks to build its fleet of loaner handcycles and trikes, the only such loaner program in Southern Arizona, to loan to people living with paralysis so they can experience and become hooked on the lifelong benefits of cycling. The SAAS adaptive cycling program will serve about 60 people living with paralysis in the grant year. Funding represents 50% of the budget.

Special Kids Therapy and Nursing Center

Murfreesboro, TN 37130-4043

$25,000; Camp

Camp Ability

This Direct Effect grant supports Camp Ability, a seven-week summer camp for youth and young adults living with paralysis, cross-disabilities and other special needs, ages 6 to 25 years. As the only summer programming in middle Tennessee tailored to the needs of families caring for children with disabilities, youth will enjoy games, swimming, tennis, bowling, creative arts, field trips, and special activities. Nineteen campers will experience improved physical functioning and social functioning as a result of participating in Camp Ability. Funds represent 13% of the program budget.

St. Joseph Home

Cincinnati, OH 45241-3061

$25,000; Fitness and Wellness

Warm Water Pool Program Restoration

This Direct Effect grant supports a project to restore SJH’s warm water pool to functionality (ADA entrance ramp, deck, etc.) and re-activate the previously successful aquatic exercise and recreation program for the benefit of up to 200 individuals who experience paralysis, their caregivers and family members who currently have no access to a comparable resource in SJH’s 8-county Tristate region. Warm water pools are beneficial for individuals living with paralysis. The warmth of the water relaxes the spasticity, in tone as well as rigidity. After being active in a warm pool, individuals experience a decrease in heart rates and an increase in both mobility and range of motion. Funding represents 29% of the project budget.

Tackfully Teamed Riding Academy, Inc.

Henry, VA 24102-3005

$25,000; Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Service, Support, and Stability

This Direct Effect grant supports a therapeutic horseback riding center located in the foothills of Southwest Virginia. The center serves individuals of all ages with disabilities including stroke, traumatic brain injury, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, closed head injury, multiple sclerosis, Moya-Moya phenomenon, and paralysis. Tackfully Teamed provides therapeutic horseback riding and other equine related activities to four counties which include Henry, Franklin, Patrick, and Pittsylvania. These rural counties are economically depressed and lack local resources that enhance progress towards independence for this population. Funding, representing 83% of the budget, will serve 50 people living with paralysis.

The Arc

Washington, DC 20006-1202

$25,000; Peer Mentoring and Support

Circles of Connection: Ending Social Isolation for People Living with Paralysis & Their Supporters

This Direct Effect grant supports the Arc of Rhode Island’s Circles of Connections program to develop paralysis-focused circles targeting and serving individuals living with paralysis, their caregivers, and families. Launched in direct response to the pandemic, this online community provides weekly human connections in small group settings (5-6 individuals in each circle). To meet the needs identified by Rhode Islanders living with paralysis, the Arc will create paralysis-focused online Circles of Connections group that would include discussions of Building Healthy Relationships, Social Drop-Ins, Friendship Connections, Life Choices, and Self-Determination, along with a Family Members/Caregivers Circle. All Circles of Connection programs will be virtual as the world continues to navigate the pandemic. About 30 individuals living with paralysis will be served through this project, with funds representing 36% of the project budget.

The Audubon Society of New Hampshire

Concord, NH 03301-8311

$25,000; Accessible Trail

Trail for All: Improving Outdoor Access to Pollinator Meadow and Forest Habitats in Concord, NH

This Direct Effect grant supports an accessible trail for people living with paralysis and others who use wheelchairs to experience and connect to wild spaces. In addition, ASNH will offer seasonal guided nature experiences, including birding. This project will allow NH Audubon to develop and host future educational programs that focus on meeting the needs of people living with paralysis and other mobility issues. It is estimated that 66 people living with paralysis will access the trail in the grant year. Funding represents 17 % of the overall project budget.

The Sheltering Arms Foundation

Richmond, VA 23059-5755

$21,828; Adaptive Sports

Introducing Adaptive Sports to Newly Injured & Diagnosed Inpatients

This Direct Effect grant supports a new adaptive sports program serving people living with spinal cord injury, brain injury, and stroke/neurological disorders. Funding, representing 100% of the budget, will go towards the purchase of adaptive sports equipment including a 16’ and 18’ Pro 2 All Sport Wheelchair, Recumbent Tricycle-Villager, Excelerator Hand Cycle, and pickleball set. Weekly adaptive sports clinics will be held serving 150 people living with paralysis. Group activities will provide patients the opportunity to interact, fostering relationships and connections with others through shared experiences.

Town of Bristol

Bristol, ME 04539

$8,000; Accessible Trail

Increasing Accessibility to Bristol Parks for Visitors Living with Paralysis

This Direct Effect grant provides five wheelchair accessible picnic tables and a beach wheelchair for the Town of Bristol, ME which hosts over 130,000 annual visitors to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park, Pemaquid Beach Park, and Ellingwood Park. This equipment will encourage and allow visitors living with paralysis to better access these destinations and builds upon a new ADA compliant Pemaquid Beach facility built to increase access for visitors living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers. Funds represent 80% of the project cost and will serve hundreds of people living with paralysis.

United States Adaptive Recreation Center

Big Bear Lake, CA 92315-2897

$25,000; Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Alpine Ski Equipment for Persons living with Paralysis

This Direct Effect grant supports a project benefiting 100 persons living with paralysis through 300 outdoor recreation lessons from January 2022 to December 2022. Lessons include snow skiing, snowboarding, water skiing, kayaking, fishing, sailing, and hand cycling. Funds, represent 53% of the program budget and will be used to purchase Dynamique Bi Ski, Bi Ski and Mono Ski Outriggers, and aSnow Slider as well as for instruction.

Veterans Mobility Projects

Santa Ynez, CA 93460

$22,548; Adaptive Sports

Expanding Our Adaptive Sports Program: Warrior Veterans Adaptive Sports Club

This Direct Effect grant supports the expansion of VMP’s adaptive sports program by adding more sports to its program and recruiting more Veterans to join. Funds, representing 100% of the project budget, will purchase a Strike Force Power Soccer Chair and other adaptive sporting equipment (including shot put, hammer throw, discus, and javelin throw). The program currently has seven athletes living with paralysis; team members have won medals in at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games.

Youth LEAD NC

Raleigh, NC 27675

$11,560; Advocacy

The 2022 North Carolina Leadership Forum (NCYLF)

This Direct Effect grant supports a multi-day summer program for young people with disabilities, ages 15-30, to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to transition into adulthood successfully. NCYLF fosters emerging youth leaders by teaching them how to advocate in their communities and for themselves. Delegates from across North Carolina attend sessions led by disability rights leaders around topics such as the Disability Rights Movement, the Americans with Disabilities Act, goal-setting, healthy relationships, and requesting education or employment accommodations. Funds, representing 94% of the budget, will support 11 youth delegates as they learn what it means to be leaders in the Disability Rights Movement.

​2021 1st Direct Effect Quality of Life Grants

67 Grants totaling $1,305,579

American Therapeutic Riding Center

Sand Springs, OK 74063
$24,530 – Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Outdoor Accessibility and Tactile Stations (OATS) Project
This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of a portable ramp, lift system, supportive saddles, safety helmets, and an Equicizer, a mechanical horse that simulates riding so riders can build muscle and strength before getting on a horse. Funding will support 18 current participants living with paralysis as well as increase capacity for more individuals to be served throughout the grant year and beyond.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association – DC/MD/VA Chapter

Rockville, MD 20850
$9,869 – Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology (AT) for Richmond, VA area Loan Closet and AT Lab
This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of varied assistive technology and equipment to expand the offerings available at the ALS Association DC/MD/VA Chapter’s AT Loan Closet, located in Richmond Virginia. The addition of this equipment will provide ALS patients the opportunity to test various options and software applications prior to purchasing the expensive equipment for themselves or requesting reimbursement from insurance. This equipment, which includes items such as the PCEye Mini, Windows Control and Communicator 5 software, Microsoft Surface Pro, and ConnectIT tabletop mount, will help ALS patients access and control specialized tablets hands-free, allowing them to maintain a level of independence and communicate with their family members and caregivers. Funding will serve 12 individuals within the grant year.

Assistance Dogs of the West

Santa Fe, NM 87594
$7,397 – Facility Accessibility Modifications
Assistance Dogs of the West Facility Accessibility Modification Automatic Door Installation
This Direct Effect grant supports the installation of automatic door openers for Assistance Dogs of the West’s new training center in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the client placement process and service dog training occurs. Funding will increase access for over 100 individuals living with paralysis and co-occurring disabilities.

Beaver Brook Association

Hollis, NH 03049
$20,000 – Accessible Trail
Beaver Brook Association Fully Accessible Trail
This Direct Effect grant supports modifications to increase accessibility at Wildflower Trail, an existing, diverse, and popular half-mile nature trail located in Hollis, New Hampshire. By increasing accessibility at Wildflower Trail, wheelchair users will have a new opportunity to join their family and friends outdoors and enjoy everything that the trail has to offer. Following the completion of the trail and in addition to an opening day program, Beaver Brook Association will partner with local organizations and school districts to offer two environmental education program sessions for people living with paralysis to increase awareness and encourage use and nature exploration along the trail. Funding will serve up to 70 people living with paralysis in Hollis and other surrounding communities.

BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding Center

Harvard, IL 60033
$24,750 – Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Equine Services for Veterans with Paralysis
This Direct Effect grant will subsidize the cost of 330 equine therapy hours for 15 military veterans living with paralysis. Each veteran will receive 22 hours of equine therapy at zero cost to themselves. Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) certified instructors will provide lessons, monitor progress, and complete regular evaluations for each participant to ensure individual goals are reached.

Break the Barriers, Inc.

Fresno, CA 93720
$24,943 – Assistive Technology
Adaptive Access
This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of three specialized wheelchairs that will encourage full participation in outdoor and aquatic programming provided by Break the Barriers (BTB), Inc. The purchase of an Action Track Chair will allow for people with paralysis to access activities on rough terrain, and two Aqua Creek Heavy Duty Pool Chairs will provide the opportunity to take part in water-based athletics and allow BTB to double the number of children assisted through its partner, Valley Children’s Hospital. A minimum of 110 individuals with paralysis/TBI will be served over the course of the grant period.

Bridge II Sports

Durham, NC 27705-8009
$25,000 – Adaptive Sports
Year Round Adapted Sports serving people with SCI
This Direct Effect grant will support a year-round adapted sports program that is designed to cultivate skill, independence, acceptance, community, and giving back. After joining Bridge II Sports program offerings, each athlete is responsible for setting four core goals in alignment with their wants and needs: sport goals, skill goals, independent living goals, and personal growth/educational goals. Program Cultivators work with each participant to implement goal setting and keep accountability, and when the season is over, goals are reviewed to appreciate accomplishments and set new goals for the upcoming season. This program will serve 40 unique people with SCI in 6,600 diverse program hours.

Burleigh County Water Resource District

Bismarck, ND 58502-1255
$25,000 – Accessible Beach/Dock/Pier
McDowell Dam Accessible Kayak/Canoe Launch
This Direct Effect grant supports the installation of an accessible kayak/canoe launch at McDowell Dam, a popular water-based recreational facility in Bismarck, North Dakota. The accessible launch will be the first in the community and will provide access to water recreation for people living with paralysis and co-occurring disabilities. The launch will allow for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards to enter the water with ease, and includes a transfer station for wheelchair users. Funding is proposed to serve approximately 1,000 community members living with paralysis, their family members, and caregivers.

California Aquatic Therapy & Wellness Center, Inc. (DBA Pools of Hope)

Long Beach, CA 90805-1133
$25,000 – Transportation
Transportation to Wellness Services for Individuals Living with Paralysis
This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of a full-sized converted van with wheelchair accessibility to allow Pools of Hope to expand access to services by providing transportation from program participants’ homes to the Pools of Hope facility. Pools of Hope serves the under-resourced, medically underserved area of North Long Beach and the surrounding cities of Compton and Paramount, CA. Services include Veteran and youth wellness programs. Funding is proposed to serve a minimum of 75 individuals living with paralysis each year.

Camp Millhouse

South Bend, IN 46614
$13,932 – Facility Accessibility Modifications
Open Table – Empowerment~Independence~Compassion
This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of 14 accessible picnic tables. Camp Millhouse, which was originally established in 1937 as a camp for children with polio, now serves campers with a variety of paralysis-causing conditions and co-occurring disabilities. The installation of these new accessible picnic tables will remove barriers between campers and encourage inclusion and equality for all. Forty individuals living with paralysis will be served during the grant year.

Catalyst Sports

Atlanta, GA 30325-2021
$25,000 – Adaptive Sports
Get Off the Pavement – Adaptive Mountain Biking Program
This Direct Effect grant supports the Get Off the Pavement Program (GOTP) by providing funding for the purchase of an off-road handcycle and program staff. The GOTP program consists of four components: 1) training on adaptive equipment use, 2) monthly group rides, 3) access to adaptive mountain bikes year around with privately guided tour opportunities and 4) increased awareness of adaptive mountain bikes and the outdoor needs of people living with disabilities in the general community. The addition of an adaptive off-road handcycle will encourage wheelchair users without their own equipment to try off-road handcycling, and the hiring of a Program Director will ensure success of the program’s eight-city adaptive bike tour and year-long schedule of monthly clinics across several southeastern cities. Catalyst anticipates a reach of 350 participants living with paralysis within the first year.

Central Florida Pediatric Therapy Foundation (aka Central Florida Dreamplex)

Clermont, FL 34711-6816
$25,000 – Adaptive Sports
Power Wheelchairs for Power Soccer Program
This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of three power soccer chairs to allow the Central Florida Dreamplex to provide a top-tier power soccer experience to athletes living with paralysis during practices, scrimmages, and games. With the help of these new power chairs, Dreamplex will be able to continue offering soccer clinics consisting of practices and scrimmages. These clinics, which each serve 15 to 25 individuals from age six and up, afford wheelchair users both familiar and unfamiliar with power soccer the opportunity to learn the game of power soccer, enhance their skills, and have fun with their peers.

City of Elizabeth City

Elizabeth City, NC 27909
$2,119 – Facility Accessibility Modifications
Knobbs Creek Recreation Center Entryway Replacement
This Direct Effect grant provides accessible doors for the City’s only community center, the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center (KCRC). KCRC offers space for fitness classes and other activities for people living with paralysis. It currently serves as a training site for the Special Olympics, and hosts “Chair One” fitness courses, and provides numerous community/activity rooms.

City of Greenville Recreation and Parks

Greenville, NC 27835
$14,525 – Adaptive Sports
Specialized Recreation Access
This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of an all-terrain wheelchair and adaptive stroller to be used throughout the Greenville Recreation and Parks system. The Greenville Recreation and Parks Department provides a variety of athletic, recreational, and arts and crafts activities for all ages and populations. The funded equipment will be available for community member use for a variety of offerings, including camps, outdoor nature exploration programs, sporting events and community outings. This equipment will promote inclusion and support integration of those living with paralysis and paralysis-causing conditions into the physical, cultural, and spiritual communities in which they live.

City of Warren

Warren, PA 16365-2388
$25,000 – Accessible Playground
Lacy Park Soft Surface Playground
This Direct Effect grant supports a multi-sensory, accessible playground at Lacy Park in the City of Warren, Pennsylvania. Designed for children aged two to twelve, this playground will provide stimulating play opportunities for children of all abilities, with an emphasis on inclusive play for those with disabilities. Funding will support a poured-in-place rubberized safety surface in the play equipment fall zones. The installation of pour-in-place surfacing will enable children and family members living with paralysis and mobility issues to engage in play activities safely and easily and will promote inclusive play among children of all abilities.

Clinic for Special Children

Strasburg, PA 17579-9770
$25,000 – Healthcare
Providing Accessible Healthcare for Plain (Amish/Mennonite) Patients with Paralysis
This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of three accessible medical examination tables and a gynecological exam table for patients living with paralysis. The Clinic for Special Children serves a unique population – uninsured Plain (Amish and Mennonite) patients living with genetic illnesses in rural Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Many patients are being treated for medical issues associated with paralysis including spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), cerebral palsy, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, and other types of muscular dystrophy which are common in Amish communities. It is anticipated that the clinic will treat at least 200 individuals with paralysis in 2021.

Cohesion Dance Project, Inc

Helena, MT 59601
$9,314 – Facility Accessibility Modifications
Cohesion Dance Project’s Facility Accessibility Upgrade Project
This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase and installation of two automatic door openers for an arts center offering education and adaptive dance classes for youth and adults living with disabilities and who have special needs. Seventeen participants living with paralysis who attend or participate in classes, rehearsals, and performances at Cohesion Center will experience increased independence and reduced reliance on caregivers and family members to assist them with accessing the building.

Common Roots Farm

Santa Cruz, CA 95060
$15,175 – Facility Accessibility Modifications
Seed to Salad Project
This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of six wheelchair accessible picnic tables (two different configurations to add maximum flexibility), four accessible portable outdoor worktables, and a permanent shade structure. During farming season, Common Roots Farm, an urban, organic farm where people with and without disabilities work together to grow healthy food, beautiful flowers, and build relationships that sustain everyone, has a steady schedule of visitors including students on field trips from special education and regular education classes, post-secondary disabled students learning pre-employment skills, adult day program participants, interns who qualify for California’s Blueprint for Employment of People with Disabilities Program, and other nonprofit organizations serving people living with paralysis. The project will serve approximately 70 people living with paralysis.

Craig Hospital Foundation

Englewood, CO 80113-2811
$25,000 – Fitness and Wellness
Therapeutic Recreation for People Living with Spinal Cord Injury
This Direct Effect grant supports an independence and life quality program that integrates multidisciplinary skill development, community reintegration activities, and adventure-based programming. “Adventure outings” range from adaptive bike rides to multi-day adaptive scuba diving trips –and provide opportunities for people with SCI/TBI to experiment with travel, sports, and outdoor exploration. The program aims to serve 350 people living with paralysis along with 500 family members and enables people with paralysis to explore recreation options while still completing their inpatient rehabilitations.

Creston Arts

Creston, IA 50801-3013
$25,000 – Facility Accessibility Modifications
Regional Community Art Center Accessibility and Community Engagement
This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of a lift, accessible restrooms, and automated door opener for an arts center located in Creston, Iowa. Integrated programming permits individuals living with paralysis to engage with the community, and more beneficially, provides the opportunity for the community to engage with individuals living with paralysis. The project will serve between 50 and 75 individuals with paralysis during the grant year.

Disability Options Network (the CIL)

New Castle, PA 16101-5236
$25,000 – Transition from Institution to Home
Ramp Loan Program
This Direct Effect grant provides, via a loan closet, temporary, modular ramps that will increase independence by allowing for individuals living with paralysis to safely enter and exit their homes. The addition of these ramps will provide the option for those living with spinal cord injuries and paralysis to leave rehabilitative and nursing facilities, live in their own homes, and begin to explore community living. Once the individual returns home, a staff person from the CIL will assist the individual with securing other equipment and services that they might need to live as independently as possible. The project will serve up to 10 individuals in the first year of the program.

Don’t Stop Dreamin’

Butler, PA 16001
$24,000 – Transportation
Drivin’ for Dreams
This Direct Effect grant supports a transportation program for an organization that provides “dreams” to residents living with paralysis who are living in Quality Life Services’ skilled nursing and personal care facilities or in hospice. Funding goes towards the purchase of an accessible van. Don’t Stop Dreamin’ aims to provide transportations services to 100 individuals living with paralysis during the grant year.

Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center

Evansville, IN 47714
$6,607 – Fitness and Wellness
Motorized wheelchair-to-water pool lift
This Direct Effect grant provides funding for a motorized wheelchair-to-water pool lift to enable individuals living with paralysis and cross-disabilities to safely access Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center’s facility pool. Ongoing access to pool exercise will enable people living with paralysis to maintain or improve their fitness levels and overall health status. Enhanced physical and emotional wellness will empower individuals to engage in the life of the community more fully, whatever their interests might be. The project will serve approximately 10 people in the grant year.

Equine Therapy,Inc. dba. Healing Horses Kauai

Lihue, HI 96766-1105
$25,000 – Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Healing Horses Kauai Hoist Mount & Driving Program
This Direct Effect grant supports an equine therapy program that provides riding lessons, youth camps, training workshops and special group programs for people living with paralysis and other co-occurring disabilities. As the only equine therapy center on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, Healing Horses plans to serve over 50 people living with paralysis each month.

Forest County Potawatomi Community

Crandon, WI 54520-8627
$25,000 – Accessible Playground
FCPC Stone Lake Inclusive Playground Project
This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of a Powerscape Inclusive Ramped Play Unit and ADA Primetime Swing for a fully inclusive and accessible playground in the rural region of Forest County, Wisconsin. Currently, there are no public community centers, swimming pools, or recreational facilities that provide inclusive equipment serving those living with paralysis within 25 miles of the Potawatomi Community. The addition of this fully inclusive playground equipment will provide play, exercise and recreation opportunities to all community members living with disabilities including paralysis.

Forever Parks Foundation of Pearland

Pearland, TX 77584-6047
$25,000 – Accessible Playground
Inclusive Playground
This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of the We-Go-Swing for an accessible, inclusive playground. The all-inclusive playground will increase independence for people living with paralysis by providing space and equipment that will allow them to develop strength, confidence, self-esteem, and motor skills through play in a safe, but challenging environment. The playground, which will provide 100% accessibility to wheelchair users, will promote inclusion by installing rubberized pour-in-place surfacing and inclusive equipment pieces that will intentionally facilitate play between children of all abilities.

Free Rein Therapeutic Riding

Spokane, WA 99223
$10,000 – Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Sure Hands Lift System for mounting ramp and extension of mounting ramp platform
This Direct Effect grant provides a Sure Hands Lift System equipment and mounting ramp for Free Rein Therapeutic Riding’s Military Horsemanship Program. This program was created through a partnership with the PATH International Equine Services for Heroes program and the Wounded Warrior Project. Injured soldiers returning from a deployment and disabled veterans often struggle with reintegrating into the civilian world and may be in pain from physical injuries or struggling with PTSD. This program focuses on building confidence and self-esteem through relationships formed with horses and is facilitated by the participant grooming and training their equine partner. A Sure Hands Lift System will safely assist participants who are unable to mount the horse without full-body support assistance, and an extension of the mounting ramp platform will better accommodate various sized wheelchairs. The project will serve more than 10 individuals living with paralysis in the grant period.

Glacier National Park Conservancy

Columbia Falls, MT 59912-3843
$25,000 – Accessible Trail
Trail Resurfacing Around Swiftcurrent Lake in Glacier National Park
This Direct Effect grant supports an accessible trail in Glacier National Park. Glacier National Park currently offers a limited number of accessible trails to visitors. Barriers that have long prevented accessibility improvements to this National Park include a lack of trails with appropriate grades in the mountainous park, limited trailheads with adequate parking, and the sustainability of accessible tread for resurfacing. With the goal to create an unmatched experience for visitors living with paralysis and limited mobility, this project overcomes all three of these barriers and adds the additional desirable component of a trail loop. An estimated 18,000-20,000 visitors with limited mobility will benefit from being able to explore the backcountry of one of America’s most treasured and most scenic national parks each year.

Golden String, Inc.

Youngstown, OH 44503
$3,980 – Facility Accessibility Modifications
Restroom Accessibility at Farmer Casey’s Ranch
This Direct Effect grant provides accessible entry switches to two restrooms at Golden String, Inc.’s 30-acre Farmer Casey’s Ranch. The Ranch, which houses a vegetable garden, greenhouse, lake with accessible deck seating, and farm animals, does not currently have accessible restroom entry. This inaccessibility adds independence barriers and causes individuals living with paralysis and limited mobility to rely on others to open the door for them. Six people living with paralysis will be immediately served by the addition of these entry switches, and this increased accessibility is expected to attract numerous visitors with paralysis per year.

Herreid Area Housing Development, Inc.

Herreid, SD 57632
$3,867 – Facility Accessibility Modifications
Fresh Start Market Project
This Direct Effect grant supports the purchase of an ADA compliant door and electronic door openers for the Herreid Area Housing Development’s Fresh Start Market. Located in a remote, rural food desert with the nearest grocery store being 15 miles away, the Fresh Start Market is the only market in the Herreid community. Four people living with paralysis that currently access the Market will immediately be served by this project, and this increased accessibility has the potential to reach even more Herreid community residents that are affected by paralysis and mobility issues.

Idaho Zoological Society, dba Friends of Zoo Boise

Boise, ID 83702
$18,657 – Facility Accessibility Modifications
Improving Access to Mixed Animal Exhibit at Zoo Boise
This Direct Effect grant benefits Zoo Boise visitors living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers by providing a ramp and viewing platform to a popular, large, mixed animal exhibit at the zoo. For more than 100 years, Zoo Boise has become a community treasure that provides wonderful educational and recreational opportunities for more than 340,000 visitors annually – making it one of the largest attractions in the state of Idaho. 168 regular Zoo Boise guests living with paralysis will immediately be served by this project, and Zoo Boise anticipates that the installation of this new viewing platform and ramp will benefit approximately 232 new visitors living with paralysis per year.

Josephine County Parks Department

Grants Pass, OR 97527-5587
$25,000 – Accessible Playground
Tom Pearce Park Rebuild
This Direct Effect grant supports an inclusive and accessible playground at Tom Pearce Park, the most popular Day Use Park in Josephine County. Located on the main Interstate Highway connecting California, Oregon, and Washington, this fully inclusive and accessible playground will be the first in the Josephine County Parks system and will provide an immediate and lasting benefit for the community. Funds will be used to provide rubber tile surfacing for wheelchair access.

Jubilee Association of Maryland

Kensington, MD 20895
$8,028 – Facility Accessibility Modifications
Open Hearts, Open Doors
This Direct Effect grant provides automatic door openers for the Jubilee Association of Maryland’s main administrative building. Jubilee provides opportunities and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live in and enrich their community while fulfilling their personal, family, social and spiritual needs. Eight people living with paralysis will be served immediately with the potential of 32 people being served during the grant period.

Macungie Memorial Park

Macungie, PA 18062
$15,423 – Facility Accessibility Modifications
Creating an Accessible Park Environment to Serve Multigenerational Families Living with Paralysis
This Direct Effect grant supports a project that will increase independence and inclusion by purchasing a pool lift and accessible restroom accessories such as ADA-compliant grab bars, sinks and toilets for the Macungie Memorial Park in Macungie, Pennsylvania. By providing the pool lift and restroom accessories, park visitors living with paralysis and their families will be able to safely participate in all community activities and recreation. The installation of these accessibility features will have the potential to benefit up to 50 Macungie residents living with paralysis, their family members, and caregivers.

Mesa Verde Foundation

Arvada, CO 80002
$13,139 – Facility Accessibility Modifications
Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum Accessibility Project
This Direct Effect grant provides two wheelchair accessible ramps to the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum, the only museum in Mesa Verde National Park. Mesa Verde National Park in southwest Colorado is one of the world’s most significant archeological sites, with remarkably well-preserved cliff dwellings that were home to the Puebloan people for more than 700 years starting in 550 A.D. The museum displays dioramas illustrating Ancestral Pueblo life, many exhibits of prehistoric artifacts, and a chronology of Ancestral Pueblo culture. The installation of these two ramps will make the museum fully accessible to wheelchair users.

Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation Department

Miami, FL 33128
$24,207 – Accessible Beach/Dock/Pier
PROS Project Name is Accessibility to Aquatic and Special Events
This Direct Effect grant supports a project that aims to increase accessibility at Miami beaches by purchasing eight new beach wheelchairs, 350 ft. of ADA-compliant pathway, and 480 sq. ft. of portable ADA-compliant decking to accommodate individuals living with paralysis and co-occurring disabilities at beaches and at park special events. Additionally, this project will provide a specialized event, coordinated in collaboration with the Spinal Cord Injury Support Group of Miami. This project will serve approximately 40 people with paralysis living in Miami-Dade County, as well as recently released Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) patients from the SCI rehabilitation units from Jackson Memorial Hospital and the Miami VA Medical Center.

NeuroHope of Indiana

Indianapolis, IN 46236
$17,681 – Fitness and Wellness
“Path to Independence” Wellness Program
This Direct Effect grant supports a wellness program for people living with paralysis that features individualized workout plans, gym assistance from certified personal trainers, daily group cardio, strength training and stretching sessions, and regular participant evaluations. People living with paralysis often have difficulty maintaining cardiovascular health and must continually work to prevent skin-breakdown, muscle contracture, and other complications, and there is currently no place in the Indianapolis metropolitan area that offers an adaptive workout facility, assisted gym access, or personalized fitness plans. The purchase of a NuStep T5-recumbent cross trainer and a SCI-Fit Pros 2 Total Body Exerciser, as well as the support of a wellness coordinator, will provide NeuroHope members with the proper equipment and training to exercise and reach their fitness goals. The project will serve a minimum of 50 people living with paralysis in the first year.

New Mexico Caregivers Coalition

Bernalillo, NM 87004-0297
$25,000 – Caregiving
Stress-Busting for Family Caregivers
This Direct Effect grant supports an evidence-based program of stress reduction techniques for caregivers of people living with paralysis. Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers (SBP) is a multi-component program in which facilitators meet with small groups of family caregivers to lead education, support, problem solving and stress management workshops. Program evidence has shown that these workshops not only improve the quality of life of family caregiver participants, but also provide coping tools to help manage stress and day-to-day life.

Each workshop is 90 minutes/week for nine weeks, and topics include (1) stress: effects on mind, body, and spirit; (2) grief, loss, and depression; (3) facing challenges; (4) coping with stress; (5) positive thinking; (6) taking time for yourself; and (7) choosing a path of wellness. Stress management techniques taught include relaxation breathing, meditation, imagery, art, music, journaling, and aromatherapy. The program will serve 200 caregivers.

New York Lawyers for the Public Interest

New York, NY 10001-4017
$25,000 – Advocacy
Fair Housing Advocacy Project
This Direct Effect grant supports a program that aims to prevent the harassment, displacement, and homelessness of at-risk low-income tenants living with paralysis and other co-occurring disabilities in New York City. By educating and empowering tenants and tenant groups, negotiating with landlords, and providing pre-litigation services and full representation to tenants across all f