Accessible Recreation in Delaware
More Recreation: Resources for Finding Interesting Places to Go and Things to Do
Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation
The website for the division is a great resource for finding “places to go,” “things to do,” and “things to know” in and around our state (www.destateparks.com). If you don’t have a computer then you can call 302-739-9200 to ask about parks near where you live or are planning to visit. They will provide you with the phone number of the park nearest your destination. Most state parks are accessible, but it is a good idea to check before visiting to make sure you have a truly enjoyable outing.
Visit Delaware
This is a source of information for the entire state (www.visitdelaware.com or toll free: 866-284-7483). A paper copy of the Visitor Guide can be downloaded from the website or requested by phone. The website provides access to an events calendar, as well as information regarding many areas of interest—arts and culture, history and heritage, sports and gaming, outdoor recreation, and shopping and leisure.
Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber of Commerce covers the gambit when it comes to the area—accommodations, real estate, services, dining, shopping, events, activities, and attractions (www.beach-fun.com, toll free: 800-441-1329, or email: rehoboth@beach-fun.com).
Curious Parents: Local Resources for Inspired Parents
This site provides “Get Up & Go”—activities, places to go, events, and more, and “Resources”—a wide range of family centered information, all focused in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware (www.curiousparents.com, toll free: 877-370-8800, or email: Info@CuriousParents.com).
Bay Weekly
Bay Weekly, the Chesapeake’s Independent Newspaper, is your access to things going on in and around the Chesapeake Bay. Make sure to search out the article titled “101 Ways to Have Fun on the Bay,” (www.bayweekly.com or toll free: 800-579-0304). In addition; you may search for past editions of the article as each has wonderful ideas for “fun on the bay.”
The Sunny Day Guide
The Sunny Day Guide is a guide to the Delaware Coast(htt p://www.sunnydayguide.com/rehoboth/index.php). This resource offers access to a calendar of events, area maps,
Holiday Junction
Holiday Junction offers links to Chamber of Commerce websites throughout the state (http://holidayjunction.com/state/delaware). You’ll need to scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “Tourism Resources” to access the information. Most of the other links take you to lists of lodgings—hotels, motels, inns, and bed and breakfasts. Once you get to the list of Chamber of Commerce, you can access area specific information in the location of your choice including events calendars, visitor information, and much more. There is not a toll free number for Holiday Junction, and their office is located in Ontario, Canada. You can call them at 613-729-5002.
The Philly Fun Guide
The Philly Fun Guide covers a seemingly endless array of events—outdoors, sports, and kid-friendly, to name just two— in the Philadelphia region(www.phillyfunguide.com, 215-557-7811 or email: site_admin@phillyfunguide.com). The exciting part of this site was the link titled “Accessible Events” where you can find out about “upcoming arts and cultural events open to the general public that are accessible to people with disabilities and economic disadvantages.”
Online Arts Accessibility Guide
Clicking on this link will take you to the “Online Arts Accessibility Guide” (http://www.art-reach.org/ARR_AccGu.html, 215-568-2115, or email: General Email: info@art-reach.org), then you’ll need to click on the “Online Accessibility Guide” link. This link will take to a page where you can search events by type of venue, accessibility feature, and location.
Emerging Horizons: Accessible Travel News
Emerging Horizons: Accessible Travel News is a subscription based website, $16.95 per year, though it offers some information at no charge(www.emerginghorizons.com, 209-599-9409, or e-mail: horizons@EmergingHorizons.com). The resources found here are focused on people with mobility limitations—wheelers and slow walkers, as they put it. You can also order several travel publications that could prepare you for and/or enhance your travels. There isn’t any travel information about Delaware, or the tri-state area for that matter, but you’ll find information about travel in 16 other states as well as international destinations.
Wilderness Inquiry
Wilderness Inquiry is a non-profit organization that makes adventure travel accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability (www.wildernessinquiry.org, toll free at 800-728-0719, email: info@wildernessinquiry.org). There don’t seem to be any trips in Delaware or the surrounding states, but there are many opportunities around the country and abroad.
The National Park Service
The National Park Service offers a variety of passes (https://pwrcms.nps.gov/pwr/fees_passes.htm or 202-208-4747). Two passes that may be of particular interest are the “Access Pass,” which is free when purchased in person by a person with a disability and with qualifying documentation (statement by a licensed physician; document issued by a Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency), and the “Senior Pass,” available for $10 to people 62 years of age and older.
Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports
The Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports was created to make sports and recreation more accessible for people with disabilities. Many of their programs are conducted right in the community alongside able-bodies peers. They are constantly developing and adding new programs and keeping pace with the state of the art in equipment design and techniques. All ages and abilities participate in the programs. Here is a sampler of what is available:
- Rowing: May-Oct. Schuylkill River, Philadelphia, PA
- Snow Skiing: Jan-March, Camelback Mt., Poconos
- Kayaking: Adapted Kayaking, Spring through Fall
- Running: in Partnership with Achilles Track Club
- Climbing: Indoor climbing, Blind and Visually Impaired, other disabilities as well
- Cycling: May-Oct., Handcycling program and tandem cycling program
- Aquatics: Nov.-March, Learn to swim or improve your technique
- Consultation: PCAS conducts training and consultation programs for agencies and communities
- Sled Hockey: Year round program, all ages and abilities
To learn more: www.centeronline.com or call 215-765-5118.
