Physical activity is beneficial for everyone and people with disabilities can benefit and participate in different forms of activity too. This week, I have the pleasure of sharing information from the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association (FDOA). I want to thank Laurie Gussak, the Executive Director and David Jones, the President of FDOA for answering my questions and being open to letting me profile the organization.
1. Can you give me a brief description of the origins of FDOA?
It is rare that someone can take a “tragedy” as an opportunity to change their life and help others. That is exactly what David Jones did. His injury became a personal commitment to help others. In 1988, David Jones was shot in a hunting accident resulting in a serious head injury that left him with permanent paralyses of left leg, limiting mobility and no use of left hand. David utilized a wheelchair for one year, then gradually increased mobility to the point where he could walk with a walker and now walks with a slight limp without any device. He remains paralyzed in one arm. In the process of his rehabilitation, he became aware of the importance of recreation for rehabilitation – not only to improve mobility, but to improve mental well-being. David saw this event in his life as a challenge and an opportunity to assist others. This life changing event developed into his personal crusade.
David went back to school and received his bachelor’s degree and with his degree in Marketing learned that an effective organization fills a need that is not being met. David Jones overcame the challenge of his disability utilizing sports for himself and others by forming the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association in 1990. The Florida Disabled Outdoors Association has grown since that point to have multiple programs including, the Recreation Activity Program for Adults with Disabilities, ALLOUT Adventure Program, Miracle Sports, Community-Based Therapeutic Recreation for People with a Brain or Spinal Cord Injury and SportsAbility.
2. What are the requirements to become a member? An interest in improving the quality of life for people with disabilities through accessible, inclusive recreation
3. What is the cost of membership? $0
4. What activities are available to members? We have a variety of programs. More info can be found at http://www.fdoa.org/programs
5. Can you tell me some of the benefits of being involved in your Association? (In other words health wise or socially)
People with disabilities are often excluded from recreational pursuits and active leisure for a number of reasons.
- There is a lack of barrier-free facilities and equipment.
- There is a deficiency of inclusive recreation programs.
- Staff is not trained to help people with disabilities to participate in recreation and active leisure.
- There is a general lack of awareness about them and about the importance of physical activity.
- The majority of people with disabilities finds it difficult to be motivated and inspired to participate in fitness and active leisure. The message of the importance of active leisure for wellness has not been heard by people with disabilities because people with disabilities do not relate to traditional communication methods. This has been a serious deterrent to people with disabilities in receiving the message of the health and wellness benefits of recreation and an active lifestyle.
It is for these very reasons that the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association (FDOA), an organization dedicated to enriching lives through accessible, inclusive recreation and active leisure for all, seeks to deliver its programs.
6. Do you have any volunteer opportunities available to people who would like to help out?Â
Volunteers are needed at all programs. In addition, volunteer fundraisers, graphic artists and grant writers would be appreciated.
7. Is there anything else you would like to share?Â
FDOA has seen that inclusion in all aspects of society begins with recreation and active leisure. With the recent passing of Nelson Mandela, his words are ever present in our minds.
“Sport has the power to change the world…it has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.”
You can also “Like” FDOA on Facebook
Thanks for reading..
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