Program areas at AAW
Individuals - we provide for free (with a small refundable deposit), an outdoor wheelchair (owc) & enclosed trailer that individuals with mobility challenges and disabilities can use to explore the great outdoors. Aaw's model is unique in that the individual can reserve equipment and take it where they want to go with it or use it on-site at certain network partner locations. Aaw's fleet consists of 32 owcs and 27 trailers. The fleet includes event trailers that hold multiple owcs. Since inception, over 1,000 - 1,500 people per year have directly benefited from our programs in 2023. Aaw's network of local community partners in 11 wi counties facilitates our hosting program. This makes aaw equipment available for local use.
Program education (for all ages to be participants and leaders) - equity, Access, and inclusion are rarely implemented in existing conservation, environmental, and outdoor educational programs throughout the state and the country. Aaw leaders and staff focus on educating the boards, teachers, and leaders of these existing programs. When the aaw team successfully shares and teaches other organizations about our programming (veterans, youth, older adults, community engagement, hosting, and peer mentoring action), these organizations have tools to implement Access, inclusion, and equity for individuals with mobility challenges and their families.
Community engagement - this is one of the many services provided by aaw. Our comprehensive programs provide support and resources to organizations and community groups to collaborate on how to blend and market "outdoors Access 4 all!" Within their programs to enhance services to increase health and wellness by providing opportunities to experience nature and Access the great outdoors. This education and collaboration help local community partners reach visitors and residents of all abilities in their communities so they can include them in the outdoor programming. Aaw's impact in 2023 was over 40,000 people learning aaw's mission and goals by attending and co-hosting events.