NDAD has awarded a $5,000 Adaptive Recreation Grant to Spirit of Wonder of Dickinson in support of its Wonder Without Limits initiative. The funding will help expand Spirit of Wonder’s adaptive equine recreation program, increasing access, safety, and meaningful participation for children with disabilities.

Wonder Without Limits is designed to broaden inclusive recreational opportunities for children with physical, sensory, and behavioral disabilities through both mounted and unmounted equine activities. With support from NDAD, Spirit of Wonder will enhance its programming and purchase adaptive equipment so more children can safely participate—regardless of their individual support needs.

Expanding Access to Inclusive Recreation

Adaptive recreation opportunities can be limited in rural areas, creating barriers for families seeking inclusive programs for their children. NDAD’s investment helps ensure children and families have access to high-quality, adaptive recreational experiences close to home.

“This grant is about more than equipment—it’s about building a stronger, more inclusive community where children and families can access services that may not otherwise be available in rural areas,” said DeAnn Burckhard, Marketing Director at NDAD. “By supporting adaptive recreation like Spirit of Wonder’s program, we are helping remove barriers, expand access to essential services, and create spaces where children of all abilities can participate, connect, and thrive.”

Supporting Safety, Sensory Needs, and Participation

Grant funding will support program enhancements that allow Spirit of Wonder to meet a wide range of physical and sensory needs while maintaining a safe, engaging environment for participants. Funded improvements include:

• Adaptive riding supports and enhanced safety equipment
• Sensory-friendly tools and regulation supports
• Expanded unmounted, ground-based equine activities
• Increased scholarship access to reduce financial barriers for families

These enhancements will help ensure children can participate in ways that are comfortable, appropriate, and aligned with their individual abilities.

Reaching More Children Across the Region

Spirit of Wonder expects the funding to significantly increase access to its adaptive equine recreation programming.

“NDAD’s grant provides incredible enhanced access to the program by expanding inclusive recreation in an underserved rural region, providing equitable access for children of all disabilities, and increasing community awareness of adaptive recreation and therapies,” said Jenna Weisz, Executive Director of Spirit of Wonder. “We anticipate serving more than 60 children annually, which represents a 20 percent increase in access.”

Part of NDAD’s Statewide Commitment

This award is one of 12 grants distributed statewide through NDAD’s Adaptive Recreation Grant program during the current funding cycle. In total, NDAD awarded $60,390 to organizations across North Dakota that are expanding inclusive recreation and physical activity opportunities for people with disabilities.

Through partnerships with organizations like Spirit of Wonder, NDAD continues its commitment to creating inclusive recreational opportunities that help children of all abilities explore, grow, and thrive.