AARON MARTIN
On a recent family vacation, my 15-year-old son and I climbed the 12,000-foot Medicine Bow Peak in the Snowy Range of Southeast Wyoming. For months before the trip, we watched YouTube videos about hiking, mountain climbing, outdoor gear, and the specific peaks we planned to climb. Although these virtual tools helped to a certain degree, we learned infinitely more about the experience by doing it.
During the 6-hour climb and descent, we met several climbers and hikers of all ages and experience levels who shared tips and tricks, made equipment recommendations, and suggested other peaks and trails that we should consider in the future. Although the climb was exhilarating and the scenery breathtaking, the connections and conversations we had with other people experiencing the climb gave us a sense of connection and enriched the experience.
During the climb, given my profession, I thought about how fortunate I am to have the freedom, agency, and means to take risks and have new experiences. People with disabilities often lack access to even the most basic community services and experiences. Lack of transportation, financial resources, physical barriers, and safety-oriented restrictions hamper the ability to take risks and experience new things.
Since its inception in 2020, Job One Community-Based Day Services (CBDS) has been working to break down all kinds of barriers and provide opportunities for people to connect, engage, and belong to their communities. I’m amazed at the amount of growth I have seen in the lives of CBDS participants. The CBDS staff team does a fantastic job of supporting participants in following their passions, experiencing new things, taking risks, and connecting with people and places that align with their interests.
I am excited to hear more stories from our CBDS participants as they continue to navigate their communities and try new activities in coming months. To get involved with CBDS by hosting an event or activity at your place of business or to do an activity at Job One, click here.