What is Erie ACCESS?
Erie ACCESS (Erie’s Adaptive Equipment & Community Connections for Equitable Support Services) is a program funded by a grant from the Boulder County IDD Mill, which utilizes funds to support those with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as brain injuries in adulthood with a similar effect.
The grant funds were utilized to purchase adaptive equipment for biking, rock climbing, and ice skating to ensure everyone has access to equipment and recreation that fits their needs.
We are excited to now bring this equipment to you through adaptive biking, rock climbing, and ice skating programs!
Name Change for Existing Programs: Familiar with our other “Therapeutic/Adaptive” programs? We will now house all Therapeutic/Adaptive programs under the Erie ACCESS name! If you’re looking for programs for individuals with disabilities, look for Erie ACCESS.
New Erie ACCESS Offerings
Biking
Our biking program will be leisure and social based to get outside, get active, and connect with others. We’ll pair each participant with a cycle that meets their needs to use during the program.
The current fleet consists of:
- Wheelchair Accessible Bike
- Tandem Recumbent Trike
- Handcycles
- Recumbent Kids Tricycles
- Kids Tricycle with Additional Gait Support and Adaptive Pedals
- Teen/Adult Tricycles
- Fat Wheel Adaptation Kits for 2-Wheel Bicycles
Climbing
Get ready to rock Erie’s indoor rock wall with the new adaptive climbing program. Whether access looks like utilizing the new adaptive climbing equipment or learning in an environment with additional support, Erie ACCESS climbing will adjust to the needs of each climber.
Staff will participate in an Adaptive Climbing Initiative led by Paradox Sports, a leading organization in adaptive climbing, to ensure our team is equipped with the knowledge and skills to support each participant’s unique needs and create an inclusive, empowering climbing expeience.
Ice Skating
Join us for a morning skate at the Erie Ice Rink (575 Kattell St.) without music and closed to the public. Adaptive equipment is available including Skate Helper (x10), Kettler Snow Comfort Bobsled (x4), and Cube Chair (x4). Wheelchairs and other mobility devices may also be used on the ice at your own discretion.
Upcoming Low Sensory Skates:
- Dec. 5: 9:45–10:45 a.m.
- Dec. 21-23: 8:30–9:45 a.m.
- Dec. 28-30: 8:30–9:45 a.m.
- Jan. 2: 9:45–10:45 a.m.
- Jan. 18: 8:30–9:45 a.m.
- Feb. 6: 9:45–10:45 a.m.
- Feb. 12: 8:30–9:45 a.m.
- Feb. 15: 8:30-9:45 a.m.
Reservations are not required and admission must be paid by credit or debit card. No cash.
Stay tuned for additional ice skating opportunities with Erie ACCESS. Coming soon!
Which new Erie ACCESS offering are you most excited about?
Existing Erie ACCESS Offerings
Sports & Movement
Find the sport and movement that meets your needs!
We currently offer six different sports alongside the Special Olympics season, so each sport can attend those competitions!
Current sports include:
- Basketball
- Bocce
- Flag Football
- Soccer
- Swim Team
- Volleyball
Don’t miss out on our summer adventures!
- Adaptive Water Skiing
- Adaptive Sailing
More to come!
Social & Enrichment
Making connections, learning skills, and having fun! See the opportunities below-
- Social Group
- Cooking Classes
- Movie and Game Nights
- Lego Building
- Parent and Caregiver Workshops
What sort of Erie ACCESS opportunities would you like to see in the future?
New to Erie ACCESS or familiar with our existing Therapeutic/Adaptive Recreation Programs? Let us know what else you'd like to see offered to the community. (max 140 characters).
