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In this episode, NHCPAD talks with the Executive Director of Adaptive Adventures, Chelsea Elder. Chelsea leads a national team dedicated to expanding access to adaptive outdoor recreation for individuals with physical disabilities, including children, adults, veterans, and their families. Chelsea has been with Adaptive Adventures since 2010. In that time, her role has grown, and she now oversees t

4/14/26Philmont Staff AssociationThe PSA’s Distinguished Staff Alumni Award is presented annually to recognize “distinguished or exceptional personal success or achievement on a national or international level by a current or former Philmont staff member, in any field of human endeavor, that brings honor and credit to the legacy of the Philmont staff.” Chris will be honored as the 2026 Distinguish

1/27/26Voyage DenverBrayson Pope, a Recreational Therapist and Adaptive Sports Coordinator with Adaptive Adventures, shares his journey into adaptive outdoor recreation and the impact of his work. The article highlights how Adaptive Adventures is transforming access to the outdoors through its mobile, nationwide programs that bring adaptive sports directly to communities. With a strong focus on pr

Adaptive Adventures is honored to receive the 2025 Community Spirit Award!The Community Spirit Award recognizes Adaptive Adventures for making outstanding contributions to the community by supporting events, programs, or initiatives that benefit the City of Westminster and its residents. This award also recognizes the work Adaptive Adventures is doing to make the community more vibrant, resilient,

06/13/25KOAA News5Veterans in Colorado Springs are rediscovering the joy of movement through adaptive cycling, thanks to the Colorado-based nonprofit Adaptive Adventures. Using specialized bikes that accommodate a wide range of physical abilities, the organization helps veterans like Coast Guard veteran Dale Edmonds stay active and experience freedom on the trails. “Everybody has the right to play

2/6/24Bicycle RetailerAttendees will find fun festival experiences from yoga and wellness to kid-focused activities from Denver's Museum of Nature and Science, and more throughout the weekend. The North Face's climbing wall will feature climbing competitions, while Adaptive Adventures will provide an accessible climbing experience to inspire the next generation of adventurers.Read the full article

11/20/24Military Broadcast RadioUncover with Dale - My name is Dale. I believe we all have a story to tell. Our stories are a gift for others. I wrote as a child to direct my feelings away from traumatic experiences. As an adult, I am slowly finding my way back to writing. I am able to express my feelings and emotions through writing and music. I enjoy meaningful discussions and trying new things.

2/6/24CBS NewsThe Outside Festival will also be a destination for outdoor enthusiasts to check out all the best gear. Attendees will also find yoga and wellness along with kid-focused activities. There will also be a climbing wall with climbing competitions with Adaptive Adventures with an accessible climbing experience to inspire the next generation of adventurers.Watch the news story here.

1/1/2025National Defense NetworkWe welcome Chelsea Elder, the Exec. Director for Adaptive Adventures to the show to talk a little about what the organization does and what makes their group unique. Adaptive Adventures is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides progressive outdoor sports opportunities to improve quality of life for children, adults and veterans with physical disabilities a

03/09/25Laid Back Bike ReportAdaptive Adventures is an organization that provides freedom through mobility. They travel around the USA and beyond to serve thousands of disabled adults and children with challenge events in water sports, snow events and cycling. We visited them at their Colorado headquarters in January to learn more about how their recumbent cycling programs benefit people of all ag

8/13/24Honolulu Star AdvertiserSunday's Adaptive Cycling Event provided a space for people with physical disabilities to experience cycling. Participants journeyed through planned routes at Kapiolani Park using equipment provided by Adaptive Adventures. The event was organized by REHAB Hospital of the Pacific, VA Pacific Islands Healthcare System, Adaptive Adventures and Hawaii Bicycling League.Se

8/22/24Spectrum NewsThe Tampa Bay Dragon Boat Club and Adaptive Adventures have teamed up to offer physical therapy of sorts and a mental and emotional escape to veterans or civilians with disabilities. They practice just about every Saturday and on Tuesdays as well. Team Blue is the name of the group from the TBDBC that goes out on the water with veterans.Read the full news story here.

07/02/25Colorado & Company KUSA-TVJoin Adaptive Adventures’ National Cycling and Paddlesports Manager, Chris Wiegand, as he highlights the latest innovations in adaptive equipment. In this feature, Chris breaks down the cutting-edge adaptations available and the specific disabilities they support, shedding light on how this evolving technology is transforming access, independence, and quality of l

7/27/24Denver GazetteAmong all the local teams rowing Sloan's Lake during the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, Team Blue was unique. All members of Team Blue — representing Adaptive Adventures — had physical disabilities. But someone ashore would have never noticed, something Adaptive Adventures works toward.Read the full news article here.

11/25/24Westminster Economic DevelopmentAt the City Council meeting on Monday, November 25, the City proclaimed November 30, 2024 as Small Business Saturday as part of the national effort to recognize and support the Shop Small Campaign. The Shop Small Campaign demonstrates the City’s ongoing commitment to local, small businesses and Chelsea Elder (center) and Jessica Rutherford (right) of Adaptiv

10/24/24The Blind Chick PodcastJoin hosts Penn and Moses Street as they tackle misconceptions about blindness and share personal, humorous stories in this episode of The Blind Chick. They’re joined by Chelsea Elder from Adaptive Adventures, who highlights the life-changing impact of adaptive sports programs. Chelsea shares how her organization provides outdoor recreation opportunities across the c

07/25/259 NewsAdaptive Adventures’ Student Solutions Program recently tested an innovative climbing technology at Movement Climbing Gym in Englewood, audible climbing holds designed for visually impaired climbers. Developed by a student team from the University of Maryland and supported by Macy’s, this smart system uses pressure-sensitive holds that emit sound and flashing red lights, enabling cli

07/23/25Fox31 NewsAdaptive Adventures Student Solutions Program tested out audible climbing holds for visually impaired climbers at Movement Climbing Gym in Englewood. The smart system, featuring pressure-sensing devices, was developed in partnership with a student team at the University of Maryland and supported by Macy's. The devices allow visually impaired and low vision climbers to climb more

02/17/25MMM - Stories of Pursuit in the Military, Mountains and Mortgage IndustryJoin Brian O'Connell and Chelsea Elder as they discuss the services provided by Adaptive Adventures, the healing impact of outdoor recreation, and the vital role of philanthropy in expanding opportunities. This podcast explores public and private partnerships, innovative outreach strategies, and collaborations with th

03/12/25 Disabilities JournalThroughout the COVID-19 pandemic, people with disabilities were particularly inactive and online programs offered new opportunities for their engagement in leisure time physical activity (LTPA). However, research regarding how virtual adaptive LTPA programs were developed and delivered is limited. This case study examined the staff perceptions of developing and deliver