Navigating the wide range of adaptive resources available in our region can be complex. New programs, equipment, and dedicated individuals are continually emerging and contributing meaningful work. This page is designed to increase awareness and facilitate the sharing of information about adaptive programs and resources throughout the Central New York area.
Cornell Outdoor Education seeks to serve as an informational resource for the community and does not endorse or promote any individual program over another. While COE makes every effort to keep this information current, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of all listings. We welcome your assistance—please contact us if you become aware of programs that are no longer active or if you would like to suggest an additional resource for inclusion.
Greek Peak Adaptive Snowsports
Greek Peak Adaptive Snowsports/GPAS is a fast-growing adaptive ski program based at Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Cortland, New York. At GPAS, we are dedicated to making winter sports accessible to individuals with physical and cognitive differences, from 6 years of age and up.
Founded in 1974, we are one of the longest running adaptive ski programs in the country. We continue to keep costs down for our participants through fundraising and sponsorships. GPAS partners with volunteers, families, and Greek Peak staff to provide a safe, supportive, and fun environment for all. We tailor every lesson to the individuals’ personal needs and abilities. Equipment such as sit-skis, sliders, outriggers, and other adaptive gear help ensure safety and success on the slopes.
GPAS offers weekend and week day lessons. Our instructors receive extensive training in adaptive techniques, while working closely with Greek Peak Ski Patrol to ensure that safety protocols are adhered to. GPAS fosters confidence, independence, and community and opens the door to adventure and encourages personal growth!
For more information, call GPAS Program Director, Jeanne Johnson @ (607)288-2176, visit our website at www.gpadaptive.org or email us at gpasconnect@gmail.com.
Adaptive Climbing Group
The Adaptive Climbing Group (ACG) is a non-profit organization that provides affordable climbing experiences for individuals with disabilities, aiming to transform their perspectives. With over 1000 participants annually, ACG is the largest national adaptive climbing program in the United States. It offers climbing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, including indoor, outdoor, ice, rock, and competition climbing, every day of the year, empowering them to explore their potential.
Check us out around CNY with locations in Syracuse, Rochester, Poughkeepsie and Valhalla. For more information about ACG and to get signed up for a programs, Visit their website here.
Recreate Today
Hello! My name is Molly Hajjar. I am a nationally certified recreational therapist (CTRS) and live with my family of five in "gorges" Ithaca, NY. I received my B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Connecticut, and a Master of Public Administration from Ohio University.
With over 30 years of clinical and community-based experience, I have worked as a recreational therapist (RT) in many settings; schools, residential rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities, non-profit organizations, and higher education. I had the honor of serving as a US Peace Corps Volunteer in Grenada, specializing in geriatric health and social services.
I work with individuals, groups, schools, organizations, and municipalities to provide customized services to achieve health and wellness-based goals and outcomes throughout the lifespan. My focus is on helping clients identify goals within the five health domains (physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual). Utilizing recreation and leisure activities as interventions to address areas of need, I support people in making positive health and lifestyle changes to achieve goals and improve overall quality of life!
Visit my website here to learn more and to request a consultation
Lime Hollow Nature Center
The Lime Hollow Nature Center, located in Cortland, NY encompasses almost 600-acres of rolling hills, valleys, forests, streams, ponds and bogs. It maintains 13 miles of trail including a .75-mile accessible trail which features sculptures set in natural settings. The trail is graded to decrease slopes and is made up of stone dust and hard-packed grass making it suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers.
Lime Hollow also has two all-terrain, battery powered Action Track Chairs for visitors to use free of charge during open hours. These all terrain “wheelchairs” allow individuals with mobility challenges to access large portions of the Lime Hollow trail network. The chairs safety features include a four-point harness and lap belt. They also tilt to adjust the user's center of gravity when going up or down slopes, have variable speed controls and can be controlled either by the person using the chair or by a companion.
Currently two chairs, one right-handed and one left-handed, are available. A variety of accessories are also offered to accommodate patron mobility and comfort (leg and head supports) as well as accommodations for medical supplies such as oxygen tanks. Reservations are required and can be made online at www.limehollow.org or by calling the Visitors Center at 607-662-4632.
Have a program/business to add?
The goal of this page is to bring together as many relevant resources as possible in one centralized location, making it easier for individuals to discover programs that support accessibility and inclusion. By highlighting adaptive and accessible offerings throughout the region, we hope this page can serve as a helpful reference for participants, families, and community members seeking inclusive outdoor and recreational opportunities.
Any organization interested in being included, please email Bode (cb896@cornell.edu) with a short paragraph describing the program, along with a link to the organization’s website or preferred method of contact. Feel free to browse the other programs/businesses above for inspiration and ideas.
