JESSE'S DOORWAYS TO ADVENTURE

Jesse's  DOORWAYS  to Adventures Program

Outdoor Family Adventures is committed to sharing the outdoors with everyone,. Jesse's Doorways to Adventures (DOORWAYS) is an innovative program giving adults and children with cognitive disabilities, including developmental disabilities and brain injuries, the skills they need to enjoy outdoor  experiences in a more supported environment.

DOORWAYS provides participants with the opportunity to learn and practice the kinds of skills and behaviors typically needed to have a safe, enjoyable, integrated outdoor experience. DOORWAYS takes an extra step to ensure participants are given the additional pre-trip assistance and support needed to be as fully accepted and integrated as possible during the trip.

The DOORWAYS program offers several ways to get involved in outdoor activities.

Introduction to DOORWAYS Workshops

Come out to a free workshop and learn basic paddling skills!  Workshops are a great way to introduce yourself or a group to Jesse's DOORWAYS to Adventure program. Outdoor Family Adventures  will be at many events throughout the summer. DOORWAYS Events are offered free of charge. Please register for the workshop on our calendar  by clicking on the event. Contact us if you would like to bring a group to one of these events. We want to encourage Inclusion for our families with disablities.

DOORWAYS Training Trips

Training trips are a great introduction to the wilderness for adults and children  with cognitive disabilities. These one hour to a 1/2 day trips focus on developing the necessary skills such as setting up a tent, paddling skills, camp craft, wilderness cooking, and social skills. The goal is for these training trips to provide the necessary tools for these children and adults to experience longer, more integrated outdoor experiences. We work with you to make sure all needs are accommodated--including additional staff and other supports needed for the caregivers. Additional pre-trip assistance is available for each of these trips.

 

Must be a Basic Level Member to participate with our  DOORWAYS families.

Currently Scheduled DOORWAYS Events will be posted after the  New Year Holiday.

Meet Jesse:

Jesse is the son of  Ron and Angela Ballard. He was born in his 29th week gestation ( at 7months). He was an abruption birth premie and survivor. He lived a very active life until his early death at age 2 1/2 years old.  He suffered with epilepsy, hydrocephalus, hypothermia, hipathermia, blindness, hearing loss, cerebral palsy and non- verbal communications or sound.  He went on many outdoor activities with his family. He saw the beach,did horseback therapy,visited the Desoto Caverns, the Bellengrath Gardens at Christmas, many parades in small local towns, and of course he rode the Dumbo ride at Disney magic kingdom. During his time with his family many friendships were built in the world of disability and difference. Along with many small successes for the little guy himself. The lesson taught through the life of  Jesse was compassion for differences in all people. His family and friends who loved him dearly  developed  the Jesse's DOORWAYS  to Adventures as a way  to offer  an inclusion program for others that are just as Jesse was, Differently Abled.