North Dakota Association for the Disabled (NDAD) has awarded Adaptive Recreation Grants to six organizations across North Dakota, totaling $26,350.

Receiving awards were Wheelchairs and Walleyes, Prairie Grit Outdoors Program, University of Mary Physical Therapy/Racetrack Heroes Adaptive Sports Event, International Peace Garden, Kalix/Swing into Inclusion and McVay Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, NDAD announced.

“Our philosophy is that people with disabilities can live more satisfying, productive lives if they have the opportunity. We believe each of these programs closely match our mission to enhance the quality of lives of individuals facing health challenges,” said DeAnn Burckhard, NDAD marketing director in a news release.

Wheelchairs and Walleyes focuses on providing unrestricted lake access to individuals with adaptive needs by implementing wheelchair-accessible ramps, adaptive lifts and inclusive fishing opportunities. Funds from NDAD’s grant will support the construction of North Dakota’s most inclusive wheelchair ramp and disabled person lift at Beulah Bay Campground on Lake Sakakawea.

“Traditional docks and shorelines are not designed for wheelchair users making it difficult and often impossible for some people to fish, boat or simply enjoy being at the water,” Jeff Gooss, president of Wheelchairs and Walleyes, said in the release. “We aim to change this by ensuring outdoor spaces are welcoming and accessible to all.”

Funds from NDAD’s grant will support Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports’ hunting and fishing opportunities for youth and adults with physical and mental disabilities to enhance their quality of life. The project collaborates with the Velva Wildlife Club, and hunting opportunities include turkey, pheasant, deer, antelope and bear locally and regionally.

“Recreational opportunities should be inclusive of all abilities. We are grateful for the support of this program as we continue to grow our participant base,” said Krystal Butgereit, executive director of Prairie Grit, in the release.

The University of Mary’s Racetrack Heroes is an annual event at which children with disabilities can try a variety of sports and activities while socializing with other youth. Activities include adaptive bowling, golf, basketball, obstacle courses, sensory station, cornhole, baseball, scooter racing and many other activities for all participation levels. NDAD Adaptive Recreation Grant funds will be used to support the annual winter event, including additional adaptive sporting equipment.

Through the NDAD grant, the Peace Garden will add raised garden beds to the All-American Selection Garden that meet wheelchair height recommendations, enabling individuals who use wheelchairs or mobility aids to access and enjoy the garden with ease. The organization also will purchase adaptive gardening tools to help individuals maintain garden plots.

“With a goal of inclusivity, this project will provide both a therapeutic and recreational environment for participants while promoting physical activity, independence and mental well-being,” Beverly Coutts with the Peace Garden said in the release. The project is expected to be completed by October.

Funds from NDAD’s grant will be used by Kalix to establish an accessible indoor sensory space with the addition of an adaptive swing.

“The adaptive swing will provide a vital source of relaxation and help support social equity for people of all abilities. Even more, the swing’s table will encourage participants to socialize and engage with others,” Shannon Rolandson of Kalix said in the release.

Kalix offers personalized residential and vocational services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Minot, Belcourt and Rolla area. Its Discovery program provides scheduled activities, formalized training and staff support to promote skill development for individuals to achieve and maintain health and well-being and attain independence in all aspects of life.

McVay Elementary’s PTO in Williston is enhancing its school experience by providing access to its playground for all students. Through NDAD’s grant, the group will install an ADA sidewalk to the playground.

“Increasing access to the playground promotes inclusivity and ensures all students receive the vast benefits of play through physical development, sensory stimulation, cognitive growth and emotional well-being,” said Shelby Stewart of McVay Elementary’s PTO in the release.