Joe and Ben, brothers

Challenge:

Joe had wanted to kayak for many years. It was something his twin brother did and he wanted to do it, too. The family, however, wasn’t sure how to make that happen because of Joe’s disability. They weren’t sure if there was a way to provide Joe with the supports he might need, such as adaptations that would help him transfer in and out of the kayak, and generally, a welcoming attitude by the business staff and a willingness to describe the processes for kayaking and cycling.

Solution:

Joe and his family connected with RAA and learned about their work with Erie Canal Boat Company (ECBC), a kayak and cycle rental company in Fairport, NY. They saw a flyer advertising a free demonstration of adaptive kayaking, with an invitation for the whole family to come and learn more.

They discovered that ECBC had been working with RAA to be able to ensure they could have people with and without disabilities going out on the waterway and the cycle pathway. RAA had been working behind the scenes to add adaptive equipment to ECBC’s fleet of standard equipment. These included a variety of three-wheeled and tandem cycles (hand- and foot- cranked options), as well as supportive pieces of equipment that made kayaking easier and possible for people. High seatbacks with side arm options give more torso stability; a paddle pedestal keeps the paddle in place so that it can be operated with just one hand; outriggers are available for peace of mind and to provide additional balance stability.

When Joe and his family first arrived at the demonstration day, they were still doubtful. They even thought they’d be content just watching others participate. Still, staff and volunteers welcomed Joe and his brother, showing them all the options and offering them a chance to try out both kayaking and cycling.

Before they knew it, Joe learned how he could access the kayak and was assisted with transferring into a tandem boat. His brother, Ben, climbed in behind him. And for the first time ever they were on the water together!

They didn’t stop with just kayaking. They also tried out the tandem cycle on the bike path. This particular cycle enables both riders to choose to pedal or not—resting as needed—a perfect match for Joe’s physical needs!

In one day, they discovered two activities these 34-year-old brothers had not been able to do before!

And the most wonderful news for them? That these opportunities would be available to them EVERY DAY of the week throughout the entire summer, all day, every day. Joe could come whenever ECBC was open and bring along whoever he wanted to go out with or request an RAA CanalPal volunteer to go out with him because inclusion is just a matter of everyday business at Erie Canal Boat Company!

And Joe did! He spent the summer coming back with different family members and friends—sharing with them this new joy he had discovered.