Education with SOAR Experiences

We provide education and collaborate with universities, organizations, and community programs.

By empowering current and future healthcare professionals, community organizations, and students with a foundational understanding of accessibility and the health-promoting benefits of outdoor spaces, we are cultivating advocates for individuals with physical disabilities and for our shared community spaces to meet accessible standards.


Educational Programs

In 2024, we presented at a Columbia Medical School workshop. The work from that workshop was 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”

  • 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:

    • 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

    • 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