Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adam Donnelly

TSÚTSWECW PROVINCIAL PARK

Shuswap TrailRiders unveil newest adaptive hiking tool for people with mobility challenges

Jun 17, 2019 | 4:35 PM

SCOTCH CREEK, B.C. — Many able-bodied folks take the ability to get around in nature for granted. However, it’s not that easy for people who rely on mobility devices to access some of the natural spaces we have in our region. That’s why there’s a group in the Shuswap working to help make it easier for people with different levels of mobility to enjoy the outdoors. Thanks to a grant from BC Parks, they unveiled a new piece of mobility equipment on Saturday.

For Debra McDonald, getting out and enjoying the natural beauty of the Shuswap area is a luxury these days. However, before she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, being outside was just part of her everyday life.

“I worked in forestry for many years,” McDonald explained. “My multiple sclerosis had gotten quite a bit worse, and I had to leave work.”

It became apparent that without the ability to get out and enjoy nature, her quality of life wouldn’t be the same. After some research, she discovered the TrailRider on former Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan’s website.

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“It was freedom,” McDonald explained. “Freedom to be out with my friends socially and to breathe the fresh air.”

That was the beginning of the Shuswap TrailRider Adaptive Adventure Society. On Saturday, the Society introduced their newest TrailRider, which they bought with the help of a grant from the BC Parks Park Enhancement Fund.

“Parks are for everyone,” Community Liaison Officer Jude Stirling told CFJC Today. “At BC Parks, we have a commitment to increasing and improving accessibility in all of our parks so that everyone can come out and enjoy.”

This TrailRider is unique because it has a special harness which allows smaller riders — like Tyler Gallant — to sit comfortably. The Gallant family got the opportunity to demonstrate the new unit.

Image Credit: CFJC Today

“Tyler has a power chair, but this allows us to get out on trails where his [power] chair doesn’t suit the trail,” Tyler’s Dad Phil Gallant explained. “So we’re not worried about getting stuck or breaking his main mode of transportation.”

The society is based in Salmon Arm and has several different pieces of adaptive adventure equipment available for people to borrow at no cost.

“We just really want to get the word out that we have this equipment and it’s free to use,” Shuswap TrailRider Director Nicole Norrish said. “You don’t rent it, you just phone us up and say, ‘Hey, we want to use it these days.’ You can keep it overnight; you can keep it for a week; you can keep it for a day.”

Tyler will be heading out camping with his class later this month. His Dad Phil and the TrailRider will be coming along to make sure Tyler doesn’t miss out on any of the hikes or activities with his classmates. For McDonald, seeing one young man experience nature, thanks to the society is the ultimate reward.

“It is just very fulfilling to get people out, to enjoy [the outdoors],” she said. “Knowing that Tyler is going on a school trip with his classmates, camping — that’s huge.”

For more information on the Shuswap TrailRider Adaptive Adventure Society or to book the equipment, you can visit their Facebook page or their website.