People who experience a traumatic injury may become fearful when it comes to trying outdoor activities. But one northern Michigan rehabilitation center is helping people face their fears by getting them out onto the water.
The Lighthouse Rehabilitation Adaptive Kayaking program started in 20-16 at Interlochen State Park. It was created to help people who had sustained injuries and gain confidence in participating in outdoor sports.
Olivia Jacques is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with Lighthouse Rehabilitation in Traverse City. She said people sometimes think they can’t participate in sports after sustaining an injury... especially in the water.
“The water just tends to be scary because you never really know what can happen. But at our program, we're able to provide different styles of Kayaks, different seating options. We have equipment that is called outriggers, that help stabilize the kayak with less likelihood of tipping over,” Jacques said.
Jacques says the program, which will be held July 18th and again August 15th, helps people re-enter the water by use of special equipment like double-kayaks, a versa paddle and kayaks with outriggers that help stabilize the vessel. Kayaks are launched in Duck Lake at Interlochen State Park and is free to the community but pre-registration is required.
Although the program is designed for those who have sustained injuries, Jacques said people don’t have to have a physical disability to participate.
“We've had a child come out with autism. We've had an older couple come out because they had a hip replacement and had trouble getting back down into the kayak. It really can be beneficial for just about anyone,” she explained, "the program is free, however, there is a cost to park at Interlochen State Park."
Jacques also mentioned the Lighthouse also has programs involving cycling and hunting as well.
