The OAS Breaking Barriers Blog

group of folks in kayaks on sparks lake grouped together holding onto each other's boats and smiling for photo

Countdown to Winter – Summer Equipment Storage

by Matt Porter OAS Staff Hello OAS community! As we transition somewhat abruptly into winter, here are some thoughts on what to do to store your summer gear for next season. Note: This is not an all inclusive list of gear care steps, you are taking the responsibility to do your own research on proper […]

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Countdown to Winter – OAS Grant Program!

by Pat Addabbo, Executive Director Snow is in the forecast for the mountains OAS calls home and we are getting excited for the season ahead! The OAS team is finalizing winter operating plans and will be announcing those details soon. As we all start to prepare for ski season we are also anticipating the further […]

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Strengthen Your Inner Landscape: Full Breath

by Kadee Mardula OAS Staff Life always has something coming out way, it is beautiful and stressful. Take a moment out of your day to fill your lungs and let everything go.  Feel free to reach out with any questions, suggested adaptations or other requests for Kadee via our contact page. Practice: Full Breath Like […]

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lava rock pile / hill with observatory built into rock at top

Accessible Route of the Week: Dee Wright Observatory

New routes highlighted regularly! by Hayley McClure OAS Staff Now is the time to explore the wonders of the Cascades! Located 15 miles west of Sisters, OR is one of the most awe inspiring vantage points of the Central Oregon Cascade range. From July through October, Highway 242 is clear of snow and open to […]

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Judith Huemann and the 30th Anniversary of the ADA

by Pat Addabbo OAS Executive Director “We have a right to be equal members of society no matter where we live.” – Judith Huemann (pictured, front row 3rd from left) This week marked the 30th anniversary of President George H.W. Bush signing into law the Americans with Disabilities Act.  This legislation was a milestone in […]

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demonstration of how wrist adaptation works

Kayak Adaptations

Learn how to outfit your kayak to fit your adaptation needs! by Matt Porter OAS Staff If you are interested in adaptive kayaking or already have your own boat and need to make modifications for adaptability, this article will take a look at some of the ways the boat and paddle can be modified with […]

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Strengthen Your Inner Landscape: Disability Etiquette  

Etiquette basics to help you build a fully inclusive environment. by Kadee Mardula OAS Staff Our vision at Oregon Adaptive Sports is to have a fully inclusive environment where every human, in support of differences, is celebrated for who they are and what they bring to outdoor recreation. Feeling comfortable interacting with people who have […]

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anna and carl on handcycles in northwest crossing

Bend Bike Scavenger Hunt #3 – Northwest Crossing

Follow these clues for urban exploration and adventure! By Kellie Standish OAS Staff I love any excuse to get on a bike and over the years my love for bicycles continues to grow and evolve. One of my favorite and most consistent joys has been bike commuting and urban exploring. I love treating every journey […]

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sparks lake with south sister in background

Accessible Route of the Week: Ray Atkeson Trail @ Sparks Lake

Routes to get you out and exploring! by Hayley McClure OAS Staff It’s officially summer in the Cascades and the high lakes are open! Now is the time to check out a few of Central Oregon’s favorite high elevation lakes, including the routes from Sparks Lake. From the Sparks Lake Day Use Area, the Ray […]

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OAS Releases 2019 Annual Report

2019 was another incredible year for OAS. From partnering with the Governor and Craig Hospital, to the launch of our community programs to the advocacy and individual experiences in between – it was filled with best days ever and life changing outdoor recreation for individuals with disabilities. OAS continued to break down barriers to the […]

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Accessible Route of the Week: Tumalo Creek Trail @ Shevlin park

Routes to get you out and exploring! by Hayley McClure OAS Staff There is a reason Shevlin Park remains a favorite natural area to many Bend locals. The variety of trails, the pristine blue waters of Tumalo Creek, and the lush, cool refuge at the bottom of the canyon are only a few. Wildlife is […]

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Bend Bike Scavenger Hunt #2 – NE Bend

Follow these clues for urban exploration and adventure! By Kellie Standish OAS Staff I love any excuse to get on a bike and over the years my love for bicycles continues to grow and evolve. One of my favorite and most consistent joys has been bike commuting and urban exploring. I love treating every journey […]

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