On April 15th several BORP staff (Jorge, Bonnie & Lori) had the experience of a lifetime when they got to test drive the Terrain Hopper, an all-terrain device designed for people with disabilities. It was a rare, windless, and clear day at Rodeo Beach in the Marin Headlands, and not only did we cruise effortlessly on the sand, but to get to the beach we had to roll down at least 8 steps. There are several all-terrain devices now on the market but this one had a big WOW factor for all of us. Since they are quite expensive the hope is that park agencies will recognize that these types of devices, which under the ADA are considered OPDMD’s (other power-driven mobility devices), open up their parks in a big way to people with disabilities. There was representation from several park agencies at the event and they were all impressed, but it will take a lot of work and collaboration to make these devices readily available to more people. The only park in CA that I’m aware of that has an OPDMD for loan (at the time of printing the link to reserve the device was not working) is at Prairie Creek Redwood State Park in Humboldt County. If you know of other locations send an email to bonnie@borp.org
To learn about more all-terrain devices check out these websites, https://accessnca.org/access-northern-california/resources/ and https://accessibilityinnature.com/all-terrain-technology-1
To read about OPDMD’s at parks, https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/free-all-terrain-wheelchairs-in-parks/
