NDAD has awarded Adaptive Recreation Grants to six organizations across North Dakota, totaling $26,350. The grant funds are used to support adaptive recreational opportunities for people with disabilities. 

“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,” states DeAnn Burckhard, NDAD Marketing Director.

Wheelchairs and Walleyes
Wheelchairs and Walleyes is an initiative dedicated to breaking down accessibility barriers in outdoor recreation, specifically at public lakes. They focus 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 Adaptive Recreation 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,” shares Jeff Gooss, President of Wheelchairs and Walleyes. “We aim to change this by ensuring outdoor spaces are welcoming and accessible to all.”

Prairie Grit Outdoors Program
Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports provides sports and recreational opportunities for youth and adults with physical and mental disabilities to enhance their quality of life. Funds from NDAD’s Adaptive Recreation Grant will support the Outdoors Program which provides 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,” notes Krystal Butgereit, Executive Director of Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports.

University of Mary Physical Therapy | Racetrack Heroes Adaptive Sports Event
University of Mary’s Racetrack Heroes is an annual event where children with disabilities can try a variety of sports and activities while socializing with other youth. The event promotes inclusion within the community and provides opportunities for physical therapy students to gain experience with the pediatric population. An average of 40 – 50 school aged children participate annually. 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.
“Racetrack Heroes is truly a unique experience designed to promote inclusivity and activity among individuals of all abilities,” shares Melissa Taylor of University of Mary’s Student Physical Therapy Association. After the event, the group looks to share the equipment with other local groups in the area to increase availability of adaptive recreation.

International Peace Garden | Inclusion Opportunities
Located on the border of North Dakota and Manitoba, Canada, the International Peace Garden is dedicated to promoting peace, environmental education and cross-border cooperation. Through the NDAD Adaptive Recreation Grant, they 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. They will also 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,” states Beverly Coutts with the International Peace Garden. The project is expected to be completed by October 2025.

Kalix | Swing Into Inclusion
Kalix offers personalized residential and vocational services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Minot, Belcourt and Rolla area. Their 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. Funds from NDAD’s Adaptive Recreation Grant will be used 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,” notes Shannon Rolandson of Kalix.

McVay Elementary PTO | ADA Sidewalk
McVay Elementary’s PTO in Williston is enhancing its school experience by providing access to its playground for all students. Through NDAD’s Adaptive Recreation Grant, they will install an ADA sidewalk to their 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,” states Shelby Stewart of McVay Elementary’s PTO.