Recognizing International Wheelchair Day!
On March 1, we celebrate International Wheelchair Day by honoring people who use wheelchairs for freedom, independence and the possibilities their wheelchairs help unlock. Wheelchairs open doors to community, adventure and everyday moments that matter.
Counselor and Camper enjoying rock wall climbing
We recently sat down with Amber, who is Easterseals PORT Health’s Camp Director at Camp Easterseals Virginia, to learn more about how Camp Easterseals delivers great experiences.
Since it opened in 1957, Camp Easterseals Virginia has created opportunities for campers with disabilities who rely on wheelchairs to explore, play and connect with the outdoors in their own way. “Mobility shouldn’t determine who gets to experience the magic of camp,” says Amber. “Our accessible activities and experiences welcome and empower campers who use wheelchairs. Creating an environment where everyone can have fun starts way before the campers arrive. Our camp sits on 56 acres of incredible land that is safe and accessible for campers using power chairs, manual wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Our cabins, bathrooms and all buildings are also designed and maintained with wheelchairs in mind.”
“Campers can engage in a variety of activities including canoeing, swimming, horseback riding and even rock wall climbing. All adventure activities include accommodations for wheelchairs, including lifts and hoists. For campers who need extra core support during canoeing and horseback riding, our camp counselors provide one-on-one assistance. This includes ‘back riders’, where a counselor sits directly behind the camper to ensure their safety and enjoyment,” says Amber. “Our pool is equipped with a wheelchair lift to eliminate the need for stairs, life jackets, pool floats and one-on-one staff support to ensure everyone can have fun in the water.”
Additional camp activities include arts and crafts, archery with adaptive equipment and plenty of games. Wheelchairs enable our campers to be where they belong, which is right in the thick of the action! Thinking about International Wheelchair Chair Day reminded Amber of her favorite quote from a camper who attended camp for the first time: “I need my wheelchair for mobility. But my favorite thing about camp was how much I was able to get out of my chair and participate in the activities.”
Everyone deserves to enjoy a great camp experience. Get involved with Camp Easterseals Virginia! We are now hiring summer staff and accepting camper applications. Visit eastersealsPORT.com/camp-easterseals to learn more.
ABOUT US
Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy, compassionate partner providing exceptional disability, mental health and substance use services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our diverse and inclusive 2,600 member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home, facility and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia. Learn more at eastersealsPORT.com.
