Aug 8, 2019
Three of our research assistants attended a TRAILS cycling activity today, where they got to meet participants and learn more about the program. TRAILS (Technology-Recreation-Access-Independence-Lifestyle-Sports) is an outreach program for people with complex physical disabilities. It provides a variety of adaptive recreation opportunities, including cycling, mountain biking, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, swimming, kayaking, sailing, wheelchair tennis, and gym-based wellness.
Eric was one of the participants who cycled at Liberty Park today. This is his second season of cycling with TRAILS. As a stroke survivor, he has limited use of his left leg, but with both of his feet clipped onto the pedals of his adaptive bike, he is able to use his right leg to support the left. Eric is a veteran and was able to purchase his own bike with support from the VA. He enjoys cycling outdoors so much that he also completed the National Ability Center’s 18-mile Summit Challenge and two half marathons on his bike.
Jade is one of the newer participants in TRAILS, having moved back to Utah earlier this year after 20 years away. Her new healthcare team at the University of Utah Rehabilitation Center told her about the program, and she was keen to sign up. Jade had a T6 spinal cord injury in 2005, so she uses a handcycle that is provided by TRAILS. In addition to cycling, she also joined in swimming and kayaking this summer. Jade is an artist specializing in drawing and wood burning. Although she plans to settle in Helper, Utah, she will be in Salt Lake a few days each week and plans to continue participating in TRAILS activities.
TRAILS was founded in 2001 by Jeffrey Rosenbluth, M.D., Medical Director of the Spinal Cord Injury Acute Rehabilitation program at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center. The program started small, with just three borrowed handcycles.
Today, it has grown to include a staff of four people and up to 100 volunteers each year. The program director is Paralympic gold medalist Tanja Kari. In addition to running activities, TRAILS staff tests new devices that are developed by the Tetradapt Initiative, a nonprofit organization working closely with the University of Utah to build, distribute and support assistive technology products.
TRAILS activities take place in the Greater Salt Lake area. Equipment is provided and participation is free. TRAILS encourages family, friends, and caregivers to participate also. To learn more or to RSVP for an activity, call (801) 581-2526 or email suzan.vanuitert@hsc.utah.edu.
