Valdese Parks and Recreation is committed to making recreation accessible to all. Our hope is to make a more inclusive environment and provide accessible/adaptive recreation. Below you’ll find a collection of adaptive recreation programs and resources available in Valdese and throughout Western North Carolina. These organizations and facilities provide inclusive opportunities for individuals with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities to enjoy the outdoors, sports, and community engagement.
Local & Regional Resources
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Explore the outdoors with accessibility in mind. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission offers a variety of adaptive opportunities including:
· Trackchair reservations for easier outdoor mobility
· Game land access information for accessible hunting and fishing
· Huntmaster units and other adaptive hunting equipment
Follow NC Wildlife Resources Commission on Facebook
Catalyst Sports – Asheville
Catalyst Sports creates inclusive outdoor adventure experiences, empowering individuals with disabilities through:
· Adaptive rock climbing programs
· Adaptive mountain biking events
Follow Catalyst Sports-Asheville on Facebook
Special Olympics Burke County
Providing year-round sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Special Olympics Burke County promotes fitness, courage, and friendship through sport.
Walkin' Roll Activites League, Inc.
An adaptive T-ball league offering opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to participate in the great American pastime. Walkin’ Roll fosters teamwork, fun, and inclusion on and off the field.
Follow Walkin' Roll on Facebook
We Rock the Spectrum-Hickory
An inclusive indoor gym designed for all kids, offering sensory-safe play equipment, classes, and events to promote fun, motor development, and social skills in a supportive environment.
Valdese Lakeside Park
Enjoy accessible outdoor recreation right here in Valdese!
· ADA-compliant canoe and kayak launch
· Accessible fishing pier overlooking Lake Rhodhiss
Waypoint Adventure
Waypoint Adventures partners with communities to make outdoor adventure accessible for all.
They offer customized programs for individuals and groups with disabilities, focusing on personal growth, teamwork, and connection with nature.
North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP)
The NC Assistive Technology Program provides crucial services to support individuals with disabilities through technology and services that increase independence. Key offerings include:
- Device demonstrations and short-term device loans to help individuals test and use assistive technology.
- Assessments for both children and adults to determine the assistive technologies (AT) or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices most appropriate for the individual.
- Follow on Facebook
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PAIRnc (Paddling for Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation)
PAIRnc is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing adaptive paddling opportunities to people with disabilities, including equipment, education, and events. Key features include:
- Adaptive Paddling Skills Course: Provides kayak skills instruction (strokes, techniques, watercraft safety) for people with disabilities.
- Adaptive Experience events: Inclusive paddling outings where a person with a disability and a “Companion Boater” (friend or family) can participate in a supportive environment.
- Group events: For organizations or groups (e.g., Parkinson’s, autism, spinal cord injury) that want to paddle together, either for the first time or regularly.
- Follow PAIRnc on Facebook
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The North Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D). Their mission: “To enable people with spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D) to achieve their highest level of independence, health, and personal fulfillment by providing resources, services, and peer support.” Key offerings and features:
- Peer-support groups & community networking for individuals with SCI/D.
- Information and resources on adaptive sports teams like wheelchair rugby and basketball (for example, the “Raleigh Sidewinders” wheelchair rugby team) that foster recreation and social connection.
- Membership is free for individuals living with a spinal cord injury; family, friends and professionals are also encouraged to join.
- Follow on Facebook
- Camp Blue Skies
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Camp Blue Skies provides a life-changing camp experience for adults (ages 21 and older) with developmental disabilities, including programs that build social connection, life skills, confidence, and fun.
- The camp holds sessions in North Carolina (October), Georgia (March), and South Carolina (weekend sessions) each year.
- Activities include indoor and outdoor recreation, community-living experience in a cabin setting, and opportunities to form new friendships and challenge oneself.
- Eligibility: Adults 21+ with developmental disabilities who can participate in a residential camp environment, follow directions, and manage basic self-care.
- Follow on Facebook
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Download a list of Adaptive Recreation Resources in the area by clicking HERE
*Valdese Parks & Recreation recognizes that these are not all the resources available and will frequently update the above document as new opportunities are discovered.*
For more resources throughout NC- follow the QR code below to ACCESS NC!
***Valdese Parks & Recreation recognizes that these are not all the resources available and will frequently update the above document as new opportunities are discovered.***
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We would love to hear from you all and assist us in providing quality programming. Valdese Parks and Recreation strives to ensure that everyone—regardless of ability—has access to recreation that inspires confidence, promotes health, and builds community.
For questions about adaptive programming, facility accessibility, or to suggest new partnerships or programming ideas please contact Alex Bustle, LRT, CTRS, CPO:
📞 (828) 874-6737
📍 312 Massel Avenue SE, Valdese, NC 28690
📧 [email protected]
