The FTA is thrilled to announce our newest program, FTAccess! FTAccess provides hiking experiences to individuals who would not be able to hike on their own. Through hiking and spending time outdoors, our goal is to enhance participants' lives by providing an opportunity to explore trails in a safe and supportive environment. Our core belief is that, for a person with a disability, experiencing the thrill of accomplishment can be a rewarding experience. To that end, we are committed to doing what we do best: sharing hiking experiences on the Florida Trail and beyond while exposing others to beautiful ecosystems and landscapes across the state.
While many accessible trail devices exist, FTAccess employs the Joëlette, an all-terrain wheelchair with a single wheel, which allows any person with a disability to go hiking with the help of at least two guides. Very few places on the 1,500 miles of the Florida Trail will be inaccessible.
FTAccess relies heavily on volunteers to make the program a success, and we are looking to build a network of enthusiastic, dedicated, community-minded individuals and groups looking to make a big impact in the lives of others. Together, we can make the Florida Trail accessible to a large part of our community. To do so, we need volunteers with a wide variety of skills, especially those with medical backgrounds, physical and occupational therapists, and anyone with experience working with people with disabilities.
Stay tuned for program updates and opportunities! This fall, registration will be open for program participants.
