Access Ability Wisconsin

Our organization encourages independence in a meaningful way and empowers those with disabilities to participate in the outdoors. Participating in outdoor activities makes a positive impact on the individual’s self-esteem and well-being and aids in reducing depression. Everyone should be able to enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation! Everyone can be a conservationist. It is better for the community to include everyone.

Access Ability Wisconsin (AAW) is dedicated to facilitating and providing the means for individuals with mobility challenges to access and enjoy Wisconsin’s natural resources. AAW accomplishes its mission by purchasing and making available at no cost (FREE to use!) outdoor wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment.

Our goal is to place at least one outdoor wheelchair in each of the 72 Wisconsin counties and to be a model for other states. The demand for use of these chairs is growing. In 2014 AAW purchased its first outdoor wheelchair. Today, we have fifteen including host locations in eight counties!

AAW’s goals consist of providing increased opportunities for those with physical disabilities to participate in outdoor activities with family and friends, as well as improving access to our equipment by establishing more host locations. Our reward is the smiles on everyone’s face when the chairs are used.

Goals are measured through reservation counts and survey results. AAW’s goals for 2018 are to increase the number of host locations and number of days used. We attend events to promote AAW’s mission: Outdoors Access for All! Also, we continue networking and outreach with organizations that have similar missions.

Why are we doing this? Greater than 80% of users report an increase in feelings of independence, spontaneity, ability to resume activities with friends and family, and the practical access to those individual’s rights to use public land just like everyone else. Also, they report decreased feelings of depression and isolation.

In its first five years, AAW has impacted the lives of tens of thousands of individuals with family and friends.

Not only is AAW providing a much-needed service to individuals with disabilities, we are also having a ripple effect on the other members of a user’s family or social networks who can now enjoy outdoor activities together.

We write grants and work with organizations who serve the same community. We attend events and so do the host locations.

Examples of the ways in which clients have used the equipment include:
Walking and exploring trails, marshes, etc. for birdwatching, looking at fauna, or enjoying time with a friend or family member
Camping or reaching a remote family lodge or family farm
Going to fairs, outdoor concerts, baseball games, etc.
Christmas tree shopping with family
Going to a park, playground, soccer field, etc. to watch children or grandchildren play (photo available)
Fishing and/or Hunting
Dog training
Teaching outdoor skills and activities
Conservation and habitat restoration
Attend a wedding at an outdoor venue

Individuals using AAW’s chairs reflect all ages and have a variety of mobility issues, including Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Spina Bifida, COPD, cancer, spinal cord issues, paralysis, and temporary issues such as recovering from ACL surgery.

Since its founding, AAW has continued to grow and reach more people each year.

Vision & Investment Opportunities
AAW’s vision is to have at least one all-terrain wheelchair available for free use in each of Wisconsin’s 72 counties and to provide a model for other states around the country to implement. We now have a presence in 12counties.


To reach this scale, AAW is seeking investment for paid staff, equipment, technology, and facilities.

Our goal is to place at least one outdoor wheelchair in each of the 72 Wisconsin counties and to be a model for other states. The demand for use of these chairs is growing. In 2014 AAW purchased its first outdoor wheelchair. Today, we have fifteen including host locations in eight counties!

AAW staffing: currently all tasks are performed by volunteers, in home offices using personal computer equipment. To grow, paid staff is needed. Specifically:
Administrative staff who can handle daily scheduling, coordination of reservations and check out/in of equipment
Maintenance staff to support equipment upkeep
Volunteer manager to train and coordinate with hosts and volunteers
Marketing coordinator to support marketing and fundraising efforts
The addition of these roles will enable AAW’s leadership to focus more on strategic planning, partnership building, fundraising, and growth.

Equipment
To meet the growing demands for access to the outdoors, AAW needs funds to purchase additional outdoor wheelchairs and accessible trailers, as well as maintenance tools and insurance coverage.

Technology
AAW would like to invest in software development resources for managing reservations, surveying users, grant reporting, donations, etc. In addition, there is a need for dedicated office equipment such as computers and printers.

Facility
A physical location is needed for managing the organization and training AAW and host organization staff/volunteers during winter months or inclement weather. It will also provide a location for efficient and effective storage and maintenance of the equipment.