Assistive technology (AT) devices can open the world of recreation to individuals with disabilities and those who are aging. Unfortunately  access to recreation and leisure activities is sometimes not considered an important component of disability services and rehabilitation. The Montana Access To Outdoor Recreation (MATOR) project at the University of Montana Rural Institute-MonTECH recognizes that these activities are crucial to quality of life for each of us with or without a disability.  Consistent with Montana's heritage of wildlife-associated recreation, MATOR strives to increase opportunities for individuals with disabilities to pursue wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, and related activities. The project achieves this goal by providing more than just an equipment loan program; MATOR also provides high quality opportunities to see and try adapted recreational equipment in the natural environment, and it facilitates social supports (when requested) that ensure everyone enjoys their time outdoors.
 

Family hiking with a "trail buddy"

MATOR began in 2008 with the receipt of a three-year recreational programs grant from the Rehabilitation Services Agency (RSA) of the US Department of Education. Seven new recreational program awards were made that year (based on the FFY2008 competition), ranging from $115,000 to $135,000 for the first year of funding. MATOR is unique for RSA's recreational programs because it is the only one that focuses on wildlife-associated recreation (wildlife viewing, fishing, and hunting). It is also unique because it is using recreational program funds to purchase ... read the rest on creating access to wildlife recreation

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