The Thoughtful Travelers Go West

The Thoughtful Travelers go West…PART 1 (Nov 2019)

Even though I am not the most outdoor-hiking-adventurous type of guy, this 8 day itinerary had something for everyone. During this early November trip, we checked off some amazing bucket list destinations, but The Thoughtful Travelers also gathered some valuable hands-on research on the future viability of hosting a group tour for individuals with disabilities and their caretakers.

We originally planned this trip for research focused on the Grand Canyon/Phoenix/Scottsdale area as well as Zion National Park in Utah. But then, as we were looking for the best flights (one of my favorite things to do), I looked at the map and suggested Salt Lake City as an alternative arrival airport. Once Salt Lake City left my lips, my mother said, “Yes Harold, we should go to the National Ability Center (NAC)!”. The NAC is a world class center that specializes in all types of adaptive sports activities for individuals of all abilities. Steve was somewhat hesitant to add to the already busy itinerary, but given the relevance of the NAC to the mission of The Thoughtful Travelers, mom and I convinced him it would be worth it. So we added Park City to the trip, and have highlighted our experiences below!

Departing for Salt Lake (SLC) out of Boston (BOS)

Arrive Salt Lake City – 2 Nights @ The National Ability Center, Park City, UT

If you are adventurous and have any sort of disability, the National Ability Center is a place you should consider visiting. Depending on the time of year, there are lots of activities people can participate in at the NAC. They have structured programs for groups, or you can go as an individual and participate in various adaptive activities of your choice. Below is a list of all their program activities, but check out their website for a more detailed look at this amazing facility and program. Click here to visit their website. Below are also a few pics from their site…

*Photos (DiscoverNAC.org)

ACTIVITIES OFFERED AT THE NATIONAL ABILITY CENTER

ADAPTIVE RECREATION

Nordic Skiing

Snowshoeing

Indoor Rock Climbing

Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding

Sled Hockey

Cycling

Challenge Course

Archery

Paddle Sports

Water Sports

Aquatics

SPLORE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Fat Tire Biking

Nordic Skiing

Snowshoeing

Rafting

Mountain Biking

Outdoor Climbing

Paddle Sports

Camping & Backpacking

Open Adventures

EQUESTRIAN

Adaptive Horseback Riding

Trail Riding

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)

Hippotherapy

MILITARY

Military Family Programs

Military Camps & Expeditions

Military Partnership

The staff is trained and equipped to accommodate all different abilities. The NAC is designed to handle group programs and can coordinate transportation to and from Salt Lake City (SLC) airport, accommodations on site, as well as meals. The accommodations are dorm like, but very comfortable, clean and most importantly accessible with roll in showers with shower chairs upon request. There are washer and dryers available, as well as a kitchen for your convenience.

Awesome accommodations! There is an additional portable shower chair if you need it as well!

There is a kitchen on each floor for your convenience. It also has a washer and dryer!

Me with new new friend Helen at the NAC!

Even though I did not want to do any indoor rock climbing, because I get anxious about heights and not having control over my body, I told my mom I would be open minded and participate and watch as others demonstrated how adaptive rock climbing works for someone in a wheelchair. Steve and my sister Izzy both demonstrated how the system works, and how you can mechanically raise yourself up the wall with a pulley system, or the staff can hoist you up. You can also have a partner climb along side of you as you go along. Even though I did not participate myself, it was good to see up close how it works, and I can now explain to my friends and others how it could work for them. See these great pictures below! The staff was awesome!

Steve demonstrating how some people can pull themselves up if they have use of their arms.

Izzy demonstrating special grip device to help hold the pull bar if you have limited us of your hands

Steve getting strapped in to an adaptive harness.

We did get a chance to bike ride, and we were able to show off our Hoyt Running Chair (click here to visit their website). We recommended that the NAC get one of their own for others to use while staying at the center. Like we have done in the past, we rented an eBike to help pull Harold in his chair, and the four of us went for a cold but great bike tour in the afternoon! Park City is really beautiful, and there is so much to offer at the NAC. If you love skiing and other winter activities, this is definitely a place to consider coming to if you have a disability and need adaptive accommodations.

Enjoying the scenery even though it’s pretty cold out!

Iz and mom with their traditional hand stand pose!

Amazing views. Park City, UT is beautiful

On the last day before we headed off from SLC airport to head to PHX, Mom, Steve and I went to the Olympic Training Center in Park City where they have a small museum. While we were checking out the museum, Izzy was rock climbing in Little Cottonwood Canyon near Salt Lake. We picked her up on the way to catch our flight at SLC airport, where we were heading to Phoenix and off to see the Grand Canyon!!! Check out the pics below.