Program FAQs
Signing Up
- Program date(s) you'd like to attend
- Approximate time frame you'd like to attend
- If you've attended before, what equipment or adaptations you've used
- If this is your first time, a general overview of what you'll need to successfully participate (for example, do you need a handcycle? A staff member to tandem paddle with you? etc.)
Costs generally vary from $5 to $20; caregivers attend at no charge. See our Program Calendar for specific costs for each program. Our contracts partially cover our costs, and the program fees help to cover our remaining expenses. Please note that it actually costs us about $55 per person per program to run our programs, which is covered through individual contributions and fundraisers.
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We will cancel or alter program plans for the following reasons:
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Air Quality Index of 125 or higher during program time
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Greater than 50% chance of thunderstorms or moderate to heavy rainfall during program time
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Weather or heat related advisory during program time
- Paddling programs:
- If sustained winds are 12mph +
- If river gauge in Montague City is above 17ft - for river-based programs
- If water quality at our program location is unsafe for boating (we would still run a program if safe for boating but unsafe for swimming)
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If a program is canceled, we:
- Decide by 8am at the very latest on a program day (though often by late afternoon the day prior)
- Email all registered participants for whom we have an email
- Update our outgoing voicemail message with notice of the cancellation
- Update our program calendar on our website
Program Info
We have several different funders for our programs, and eligibility is determined based on the funder as follows:
- Universal Access Program: These programs are open to people of all ages with a disability and their loved ones. These programs serve people with physical, psychiatric, and developmental disabilities as well as those with autism. Universal Access Program programs are partially funded by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation's Universal Access Program.
- Statewide Head Injury Program (SHIP): These programs are open to survivors of traumatic or acquired brain injuries and their loved ones. These programs are funded by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission's Statewide Head Injury Program.
- Veterans: These programs are open to Veterans and disabled Members of the Armed Forces. These programs are funded by the United States Veterans Administration's Adaptive Sports Grant.
- Seniors: These programs are open to adults 60+. These programs are funded through individual contributions and our annual fundraisers.
Start by checking out our Program Calendar to see program locations, dates, and times. Then send us an email or give us a call at 413-584-2052 to sign up.
Please sign up by noon on the day before the program so we can ensure we have enough staff and the equipment you need available for you when you arrive.
Check out our Essential Eligibility Criteria, developed in partnership with DCR's Universal Access Program. These are the basic criteria for our SHIP, Veterans, and UAP (Universal Access Program) outings.
Our senior kayaking, paddle boarding, and snowshoeing outings will require a bit more physical stamina than our other programs; we are in the process of developing Essential Eligibility Criteria for those— but for now, we're happy to help you decide by phone if it's appropriate for you.
Regardless of the program type, it is always recommended to bring:
- Water
- A snack
- Appropriate clothes and footwear (e.g. water shoes, sneakers, no open-toed shoes)
We will always provide all equipment necessary for programs, but you're welcome to bring your own if preferred.
- UAP Kayaking at DAR: 5 weeks
- Senior Kayaking in Northampton: 5 weeks
- Groups (of more than 4): 1/2 of the programs offered