This event is from the archives of The Notice Board. The event has already taken place and the information contained in this post may no longer be relevant or accurate.
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team, in collaboration with Agility Zone, is pleased to invite you to attend an adaptive technology session with Kevin Roelofs. Learn how to make the outdoors accessible to everyone.
Kevin is the Agility Innovation Zone Technician, a lifelong maker (and breaker), and an outdoor enthusiast.
Read more about Kevin:
Growing up, I was a poly-athlete and spent most of my time outdoors and getting into things. After my spinal cord injury and stroke in my early 20s, outdoor recreation became a real challenge. I spent the first few years after the injury focused on re-discovering my identity and day-to-day life. This is when I first got into adaptive and assistive technology.
Because adaptive technology is so expensive and person-specific, I’ve had to develop my own assistive devices to support me in my daily life. Over the years, I have built a walker, a cane, a crutch, a wheelchair, a steering wheel knob and several scooters to help improve my mobility alone.
It wasn’t until a few years ago that I started to re-explore the outdoors. I built my main scooter (Scoots) for outdoor use, and it tops out at 42km/h - which makes for great rides through the coulees and fantastic commutes. I also got involved in non-profit organizations that support adaptive outdoor sports. I now spend my winters skiing with CADS, and my summers water skiing with Splash Adaptive, and hiking, fishing, and paddling with Adaptable Outdoors. Being involved in these outdoor experiences has brought me an immeasurable amount of joy and has changed my outlook on life. It makes me feel like my old self (I’m a Gemini). I now sit on the board of directors for Adaptable Outdoors and have made it my mission to make the outdoors accessible to everyone.
If you have an interest in joining me on one of these outdoor adventures, let me know! We are always looking for more participants and volunteers.
Join Kevin to learn about the numerous ways in which technology can outdoors more exciting.
Date: October 26, 2023
Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Light snacks will be provided.
Contact:
Martha Mathurin-Moe | martha.mathurinmoe@uleth.ca