Table Of Content

. ! AM^F. £A\0'/; ?^do^) j&Es 3120bb 0277 13bS b "tj: m/v" Universal Access D€M Program Office RCC6SS DEM Regit ^N. Headquarters <fe PO Box 484 MA Amherst, &/W04 413-5ffc535?UL / 413 VteOQUY °?00$ "Integrating People of All Abilities into State Parks Winter 2003 °*»%*f ILlP* A3 Universal Access Program Springfield College for their support of Invited to National Forum DEM and their work with the Shared In this issue . . Universal Access Program staff Cyndy Ventures Outdoors grant! Chamberland, Angie Cullinan, and National Access Marcy Marchello attended the National Second Annual Climb 1. Recreation and Parks Association of Mt. Greylock Successful Forum Congress in Tampa, Florida in October. On October 5th and 6th the Universal Cyndy, and Anne Rothschadl, Access Program, in conjunction with 2. Mt. Greylock Associate Professor at Springfield Venture Into Well Being, hosted a group Climb College, presented "New Recreation hike on Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts' Experiences for Persons with highest peak. Over the two days, the 25 3. Messagefrom Disabilities." Marcy and Angie present- people hiked 3 of the 37 trails located the UAP ed "Accessible Adventures in State on the mountain, covering a collective Forests and Parks." Congratulations for total of approximately 4 miles. Director ajob well done and for representing Saturday, participants explored the DEM on a national level! A special Bradley Farm Trail at Greylock Glen 4. State Parksfor thanks to Don Snyder, Ann and the Appalachian Trail to the sum- Everyone Rothschadl and Akiko Sato of mit. The day's adventures were discussed over dinner followed by a 5. Pathways to fireside chat at Bascom Lodge, located Participation on the summit of Mt. Greylock. Many participants took advantage of the 6. Winter Calendar overnight accommodations and awoke to a beautiful sunrise. After breakfast, * Indoor Ice the group enjoyed spectacular, Skating panoramic views of the fall foliage on * Outdoor the Round Rocks Trail. A wonderful Recreation time was had by all Programs Marcy Marchello, Akiko Sato, (See page 6forphoto ofhikers) Spring Event Don Snyder, and Angie Cullinan 7. at NRPA Congress. Photo courtesy of Marcy Marchello. 1 Message from Tom McCarthy, In addition, the Universal Access Director of UAP Program recently completed a major The Universal Access Program enjoyed grant proposal to the National Institute a very active and successful summer on Disability and Rehabilitation season of accessible recreation pro- Research to refine accessible recreation grams in our parks this year. The techniques and technologies as part of launching of the State Parks for our ongoing recreation programming. Everyone project, funded in part by the If accepted, the Universal Access U.S. Department of Education, allowed Program will have the opportunity and us to increase our efforts to bring inclu- support to continue our programs while sive outdoor recreation to many of our developing a replicable model for pro- parks in eastern Massachusetts. The viding water based recreation programs. Universal Access Program staff contin- ues to be committed to and successful As we continue to look for new possi- in expanding the range and number of bilities to fund and expand our pro- recreation opportunities available to all. grams we ask you to stay on the look- out and keep us informed about new Given the less than ideal revenue levels grants or other opportunities you may experienced by the Commonwealth this be aware of that fit our mission. past year, the Universal Access Thanks for your support. Program has taken a proactive approach to finding alternative strate- To Make a Donation to UAP gies for continuing accessible programs • Make a check out to DEM and activities at Department of Conservation Trust and earmark Environmental Management properties. your donation for Universal Access Over the past six months the Universal Program on the memo line - send Access Program has been actively to us at P.O. Box 484, Amherst, MA seeking new funding sources and part- 01004 nerships to increase accessible pro- • Make cash or check donations at UAP Director gramming. any Universal Access Program Tom McCarthy. at the registration table. Photo courtesy of Thanks to the efforts of Sharon Hoey, William Elwell. Director of the Department of State Parks for Everyone Environmental Management's Program Conservation Trust, the Universal State Parks for Everyone, a program Access Program can now accept mone- funded in part by the U.S. Department tary donations to support our recreation of Education, finished its first year of programs. The Universal Access operation, and what a success! The pur- Program was also successful in partner- pose of SPE is to expand the outdoor ing with All Out Adventures, Inc to recreation opportunities in eastern receive a two-year, $120,000 grant Massachusetts forests and parks for from the Massachusetts Developmental people with disabilities in a fun, safe, Disabilities Council to run accessible inclusive and accessible environment. recreation programs in our state parks. This project was the natural continua- The project, Pathways to tion of Shared Ventures Outdoors Participation, will be offering regular- (SVO), a 3-year federal grant project ly scheduled programs in our parks also funded by the U.S. D.O.E. that during the duration of the grant. developed model outdoor recreation 1 programs in state parks. Thanks to the exciting new program and register for unusual stretch of sunny days with no January 1 1, call All Out Adventures rain, most of the activities scheduled at 413-527-8980. for the months of July and August ran as planned. The summer was busy with Calendar: canoeing, kayaking, rowing, hiking, Indoor Ice Skating: camping and cycling. These activities, Join us for accessible ice skating pro- added to the skating and skiing programs! Instruction and support provid- grams from last winter, allowed State ed as needed. Minimal fees for both Parks for Everyone to reach many new rink admission and equipment: usually participants and visitors who would less than $7 per person, no more than otherwise not be able to enjoy the $15 per family. Fees vary at different beautiful natural areas within the rinks. Sled use is free during programs. Department ofEnvironmental Management's properties. Program Times Date Location Day Time Pathways to Participation: New Opportunities for People Jan. 4 Brockton Saturday 2-4 with Developmental Disabilities Jan. 1 Greenfield Saturday 4-5 All Out Adventures invites people with Jan. 18 Brockton Saturday 2-4 developmental disabilities to partici- Jan. 19 New Bedford Sunday 4-6 pate in an exciting new project, Jan. 25 Holyoke Saturday 3-5 Pathways to Participation: A Feb. 1 Brockton Saturday 2-4 Community Inclusion Initiative. Feb. 15 Brockton Saturday 2-4 Pathways will help youth and adults Feb. 15 Greenfield Saturday 4-5 access integrated outdoor recreation Feb. 16 New Bedford Sunday 4-6 activities including skating, snowshoe- Mar. 1 Holyoke Saturday 3-5 ing, cross-country skiing, hiking, bik- Mar. 1 Brockton Saturday 2-4 ing, and paddling in western Massachusetts. Building from their recreation experience, participants can explore further opportunities such as outreach assistance, peer mentorship, and project advisory roles as programs continue over the next two years. Pathways programs are offered at no cost to the participant thanks to gener- ous funding from the Massachusetts Participants enjoy sled skating Developmental Disabilities Council at the Brockton Rink. and to the equipment support from the Photo courtesy of Rob McBride. Universal Access Program. Program Locations: Pathways offers programs quarterly, * Brockton: John G. AsiafMemorial starting in 2003 with a winter program Skating Rink, 508-583-6804 (6 sleds) at Wendell State Forest, Saturday Holyoke: Henry J. Fitzpatrick January 1 1th, from 1 lam - 3pm along- Skating Rink, 413-532-2929 (2 sleds) side the scheduled Universal Access (continued on page 4) Program. To find out more about this Greenfield: Collins-Moylan Memorial conditions permit. Hiking, nature Skating Rink, 413-772-6891 (2 sleds) walks, and other activities will take *New Bedford: Stephen Hetland place in the event of no snow or ice. Memorial Skating Rink, 508-999-9051 Call 413-545-5758 for a recorded (2 sleds) message to confirm program status in the event of inclement weather. Skate on your own during public skating hours at any of the sites above! Number of sleds available at each rink indicated in parenthesis. More sleds are brought in for programs. Skate on your own at these addition- al sites! (Rink entrance and rentalfees Accessible warming area at Wendell may apply.) State Forest. Springfield: Ray Smead Memorial Photo courtesy of Marcy Marchello. Skating Rink, 413-632-4310 (2 sleds) North Adams: Vietnam Veterans *Great Brook Farm State Park Memorial Skating Rink, 413-662-5112 Lowell Rd., Carlisle (5 sleds) *Newburyport: Henry J. Graf, Jr. Every Sunday from 1 lam-3pm Skating Rink, 978-462-8112 (1 sled) January 12-February 9 Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and kicksledding Outdoor Recreation Programs: as weather and conditions Join us for winter recreational activi- permit. Hiking, nature ties. Instruction, equipment, and assis- walks, and barn tours will take place in tance are provided for except as indi- the event of no snow. Call 617-626- cated. 1294 for a recorded message to con- Preregistration for programs is highly firm the program status in the event of recommended. Please call: inclement weather. • 617-626-1294 for Eastern Mass. Conventional cross-country skis and a • 413-545-5758 for Western Mass. limited number ofsnowshoes are also availablefor rental at Great Brook Ski Wendell State Forest Touring Center (978-369-7486). Montague Rd., Wendell Pay trailfee to ski on groomed trails or Every Saturday from lam - 3pm skiforfree on ungroomed trails. 1 January 4 - March 1 Winter recreation to include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, kicksledding, ice skating, sled hockey, and snowmobiling rides as weather and MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Universal Access Program Participant Registration and Release Form This waiver covers all Universal Access Program activities and events in Massachusetts State Forests and Parks in the following time frame: January 1 to December 31, 2003 One adult per registration form. Children may be registered along with an adult family member on the same form with adequate description. You must be a parent or legal guardian to register children under 18 years old. Name(s): Date: Street Address: Phone: City, State, Zip: Email: Emergency Contact Person: Day Phone: Evening Phone: __ Primary Physician: Phone: What conditions may affect your ability to participate in recreation activities that we should know about in order to provide appropriate assistance, equipment, and safety? Please describe: Please read and sign below: I, as a participant(s) in the Universal , Access Program, hereby release the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management, their employees and agents from all claim, loss, damage, expenses and/or injuries which may result from my participation in Department programs and projects. do further agree to hold harmless the Commonwealth of I Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management and their employees and agents from liability for any damage or injuries resulting from my participation in department programs and projects. Signature Date Parent/Legeil Guardian Signature ( < 1 8) Date Please return to Universal Access Program, MASS DEM, PO Box 484, Amherst, MA 01004 ADAPTIVE WINTER RECREATION PROGRAMS: Winter 2002-3 Referral List: Downhill Skiiii" in Massachusetts: Downhill Skiing in Maine: Wachusetl Mountain Accessible Ski Program Maine Handicapped Skiing at Sunday Rivet Kalhy Chandlci 8 Sundance Lane 206 Chacc Hill Road Ncwr \4aine04261 Sterling, MA 01564 800-630-7770 978-365-7149 w v vv.skimhs.ore ( 'hallcngc Ski Program 978-464-2300 Downhill Skiing in Vermont: Downhill Ski Trips/ Rental Kquiptncnt: Vermont Adapted Ski and Sports Adaptive Sports and Rec www,vermontadapt vc.oru 130 Maple Street, Suite 140 i MA m At Pico at Killinuton: Springfield. 01 103 POB 139 413-788-9695 Voice and Killington. VT 05751 R02-786-4991 x ass'crsovcr.nci At Simarbush : P013 1393 Wailsfickl. V (r},~ i K02-5S3-4283 \ ass2sb(-' m,h!; i\ ei com Snowshocing in Massachusetts Dogslcddinu in Minnesota: : Ouldooi \ploi itiotis Wilderness Inquin I outdt>oi ore wildernessiiuniii \ : Winchc cmieSI I i MN ledlord UA 021 Minneapolis. 554 14- 1 7Kl-3°5-4,.») -Si.v05.41s4 iv 612-676-9400 \ oice or I! N 1 Sled Hockey: WeMc em n.Mjj i i)cer! Contact: Mclanic 600-620 4514 Q«i 1 1 :.i 1 ichi ion Blades ! Ii Com. ' * ' ! 20 Oakland Ave Ncedham. 192-3150 I 7S I -444-1019 cl\visc'«:mei New Hamp: h 'Cuba, )o\ ei lee Arena I org •x A Libia:;. V. IMI llcwill Hall. Durham. Nil " 603-862 llOlt!: Digitized by the Internet Archive 2012 with funding from in Member Boston Library Consortium Libraries http://archive.org/details/demaccessnews2003mass Borderland State Park permit. Hiking and nature walks will Massapoag Ave., North Eastern take place in the event of no snow or ice. Call 413-545-5758 for a recorded Sunday, January 12 and message confirming program status in Sunday, February 23: lam - 3pm 1 the event of inclement weather. Snowshoeing if conditions permit, plus hiking and nature walks, indoor activities. Call 617-626-1294 for a recorded message to confirm the program status in the event of inclement weather. Special events at Borderland pm January 12. 1 Reptile and Amphibian live demo and petting zoo for all ages Gary Doucett and kids enjoy the February 23. 2pm open ice at DAR State Forest. "Bart the Raccoon" Puppet Photo courtesy of Marcy Marchello. Show with American Sign Language, for kids Pittsfield State Forest age 3-8 Cascade Street, Pittsfield Mt. Tom State Reservation Sunday, January 19, 11-3pm Cross-country skiing, snow- Reservation Rd., Holyoke shoeing, kicksledding, and | Sunday. February 2 and snowmobile rides as weath- Sunday. February 16: llam-3pm er and conditions permit. Ice skating, sled hockey, Hiking and nature walks may take snowshoeing, and kicksled- place in the event of no snow. Call 413- ding as weather and condi- 545-5758 for a recorded message con- tions permit. Hiking, nature firming program status in the event of walks, and other activities will take inclement weather. place in the event of no snow or ice. Call 413-545-5758 for a recorded mes- *DEM's State ParksforEveryone Grant sage confirming program status in the Project is a U.S. DepartmentofEducation event of inclement weather. grant in itsfirstofthreeyears, in collabo- ration with the Massachusetts Rehabilita- DAR State Forest tion Commission, Massachusetts Commi- Rte. 112, Goshen ssionfor the Blind, andMassachusetts Sunday. January 5 and Commissionfor the DeafandHardof Sunday. March 2: llam-3pm Hearing, toprovide accessible recreation Cross-country skiing, opportunities in eastern Massachusetts. snowshoeing, kicksledding, ice skating and sled hockey as weather and conditions Upcoming Spring Event: Annual Spring Cycling Event Waivers are required to participate Mark your calendar! The 6th annual in recreational programs. Please Accessible Cycling Fair on the complete the enclosed form and Norwottuck Rail Trail will take place return to: Sunday, May 4th, at Valley Bikes Universal Access Program Office Trailside in Hadley from 1 lam - 4pm, DEM Region IV Headquarters rain or shine! Come check out a wide PO Box 484 variety of accessible bicycles and other MA Amherst, 01004 wheeled devices. Individuals: Please fill out and return a 2003 waiver. Families: Please include all family member names on 2003 waiver. Groups: Please contact us for a group waiver. Thanks! Volunteer Jeff Sendek assists Joy Gosselin on a handcycle at last year's Accessible Cycling Fair on the Norwottuck Rail Trail. Photo courtesy of Maribeth Dawkins From page 1: Mt. Greylock summit hikers at Bascom Lodge. Left to right: Connie Danek, Kris Gaylord, hike leader Brenda Kennedy (rear), volunteer Mickie Matula, Doug Wright, and volunteer Andrea Koziel. Photo courtesy of Demise Carpenter. The Universal Access Program is part This newsletter is available on audio of the Massachusetts Department of cassette tape. To request a copy, Environmental Management 413-545-5353 call www.mass.gov/massparks Printed on recycled paper ft