(BPT) - Spending time outdoors benefits everyone's mental and physical health, offering a chance to recharge and cope with life's challenges. Research continues to confirm these benefits, showing just how important outdoor recreation can be - especially for people living with paralysis, for whom every opportunity to be active and engaged can be life-changing.

This is the motivation behind the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation's "Outdoors for Everyone" initiative, launched in 2023 to ensure outdoor spaces are accessible for those living with paralysis and other disabilities, their families and caregivers. The Reeve Foundation is committed to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving quality of life for individuals and families affected by paralysis.

"Outdoors for Everyone" provides community and outdoor organizations with the knowledge, solutions and resources to ensure that the great outdoors can be enjoyed by everyone. The initiative is part of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation's National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC), which provides free and comprehensive information and support to navigate challenges of living an independent and fulfilling life with paralysis.

Focus on fitness

The pilot "Outdoors for Everyone" program initially focused on ensuring that walking, hiking and other outdoor trails are accessible for wheelchair users and others living with disabilities. Last year, the program focused on water-based activities, from accessible kayaking and adaptive water sports to accessible beach equipment and more.

"Adaptive fitness is my lifeline to feeling somewhat normal," said Mason Branstrator, disability advocate and partner of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. "Yoga, stretching and cardio on my hand-cycle, ski erg or swimming help me stay focused mentally, sleep better, and take care of my body. Moving in new ways is everything."

Through the lens of exercise and movement, the Reeve Foundation this year aims to help connect the paralysis and disability communities to a variety of programs and opportunities across the U.S. that share a commitment to quality of life, with the goal of making fitness available to everyone.

"Sharing my journey with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation has been incredible, showing others that adaptive sports can be safe, enjoyable and empowering," said Mason. "People with disabilities need to hear this message: Community, exercise and freedom are possible, and resources exist to help you get there."

"The 'Outdoors for Everyone' initiative is opening doors to the health and well-being benefits of outdoor activity," said Dan McNeal, director of the Quality of Life Grants Program at the Reeve Foundation. "Adaptive exercise and recreation for all abilities doesn't just improve physical fitness - they build confidence, nurture mental health and create vital social connections."

How the program works

The Foundation's highly trained Information Specialist team helps identify accessible exercise programs, adaptive sports opportunities and specialized movement classes. It also assists community members in planning safe and adaptive fitness experiences.

Programs are easy for individuals, family members and caregivers to find via the Foundation's digital, ZIP code-based tool, "Resources in Your Area."

Community partners this year include:

• The Kelly Brush Foundation - Encourages and assists people with spinal cord injuries to lead active, connected lives by providing inspiration and grants for adaptive equipment.
• Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association - Improves access to adaptive sports and comprehensive programs for people with physical and visual disabilities.
• Catalyst Sports - Provides access to adventure for people with physical disabilities in a supportive community.

Community partners are recipients of the Quality of Life Grants Program supported by the Foundation's NPRC, the only federally funded program of its kind that directly serves individuals living with spinal cord injury, MS, ALS, stroke, spina bifida, cerebral palsy and all other forms of paralysis.

"The Reeve Foundation is proud to champion programs that give people living with paralysis and their caregivers the chance to stay active, grow stronger and rediscover the joy of movement," McNeal said.

Learn more by using the digital ZIP code-based tool Resources in Your Area, visit ChristopherReeve.org or call their Information Specialists at 1-800-539-7309. Information specialists are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Live agents are available to chat via the Reeve Foundation website, and you can also leave a message if you are calling after hours.

This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as part of a financial assistance award totaling $10 million, with 100% funding by ACL/HHS. The content is those of the author(s) and does not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS or the U.S. government.