Education with SOAR Experiences

We provide education and programming in partnership with universities, organizations, and community-based programs. Through collaboration with individuals living with disabilities, their caregivers, educational and medical institutions, therapists, and other healthcare professionals, our work extends beyond delivering adaptive community programming. We aim to foster a strong, evidence-informed understanding of the physical, mental, and social health benefits associated with outdoor spaces and inclusive, group-based activities.

Our educational efforts address not only the health-promoting value of adaptive outdoor recreation, but also the health conditions and risk factors that must be considered during outdoor activities. This includes instruction on environmental and programmatic adaptations, accessibility considerations within community spaces, and individualized modifications to adaptive seating and mobility equipment to ensure safety, comfort, and participation.

Educational Programs

In 2024, SOAR presented at the Columbia Medical School workshop for fostering inclusivity in physical medicine & rehabilitation. The results were presented at the “21st Annual Doctors’ Recognition Day Symposium, Poster Presentations & Physicians’ Exposition” hosted by the Bronx County Medical Society, Westchester County Medical Society, and NY Chapter American College of Physicians. The collaborated effort resulted in winning first in the category of “Research” at the symposium, see printed excerpt.

  • We have presented at many venues on topics ranging from the positive impact of adaptive outdoor recreation to building adaptive trail programs at parks. Venues include:

    • Stony Brook University School of Health Professions (2026)

    • ALS United Greater New York (2026)

    • Yeshiva University Occupational Therapy Master’s Program (2025)

    • The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) INSPIRE (2025)

    • Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (2024)

    • Iona University Occupational Therapy Master’s Program (2024)

    • SUNY New Paltz: The Need for SOAR (2024)

    • Marist College Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (2024)

    • American Trails - Building Adaptive Trail Programming Webinar (2024)

    • NYS Recreation & Parks Society Annual Conference: Get Your Mud On! - Developing a SOAR Program (2022)

    • Move United Education Conference: Using Universal Design and New Equipment to Improve Access to Outdoor Sports and Recreation (2022)

  • Here are some of the Rehabilitation Hospitals we work with:

    • Burke (White Plains, NY)

    • Helen Hayes (West Haverstraw, NY)

    • Sunnyview (Schenectady, NY)

  • Here are some of the Universities we have worked with:

    • Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

    • Iona University Occupational Therapy Master’s Program

    • Marist College Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

    • Pace University College of Health Professions

    • Stony Brook University School of Health Professions

    • SUNY New Paltz

    • Yeshiva University Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program

  • We help communities establish and maintain their own adaptive hiking programs at their venues. Our services include training their staff & volunteers on guest interaction, safety and risk mitigation. Here are some of the organizations we have worked with:

    • Chenango Valley State Park

    • The Nature Conservancy, Connecticut Chapter

    • Westchester County Parks