DNEM's Adaptive Kayaking Program

Come learn about Disability Network Eastern Michigan's Adaptive Kayaking Program and hear testimonials from consumers who participated in our program.
0:21 Intro
0:39 What is DNEM's Adaptive Kayaking Program?
2:26 Consumer 1 Testimonial
2:39 Consumer 2 testimonial
3:49 Consumer 3 Testimonial
4:47 Contact DNEM
Music credit: "Water in the Creek" by Josh Woodward. Free download: joshwoodward.com/
Transcript:
(Carrie) My name is Carrie Gerdeman. I'm the Recreation and Health Services Director here at Disability Network Eastern Michigan and I am a recreational therapist.
Initially when people show up they might be a little nervous. Maybe they've never participated in kayaking; but as soon as they see the amount of support and guidance we provide, they are so excited and most of them cannot wait to sign up for additional programs.
We adapt kayaking for people with disabilities by providing individualized trained instructors, modifications of the actual activity itself. So changing the way we might kayak and paddle your kayak and specialized adaptive equipment for those kayaks.
They have modified kayaks, which means they're a little wider than normal. We have paddle pivots, which is a structure that helps support the weight of the paddle. So it allows someone who may have limited mobility or strength in their upper body to be able to paddle one handed or two handed with less strength. We also have outriggers which allow you to have increased balance in the kayak, as well as using trained volunteers. We have safety protocols in place and provide assistance with entry and exit from the kayaks.
We have two tandem kayaks, so if we know something is going to happen or the person is particularly hesitant or nervous, we will put them in a tandem kayak either with one of our trained instructors or with someone that they trust. Maybe they have come with a parent or caregiver.
If we get out on the water and they are in their own kayak and they become fatigued or nervous, we attach a tow rope and we just give them a ride.
(DNEM Consumer 1) I had no clue how anybody was going to drop me in a kayak and get me out of a kayak. And it was amazing. It was amazing.
(DNEM Consumer 2) Last year was my first time and I was really nervous because of my issue with getting out and it went great. And so I decided to do it this year. And everybody is wonderful. They know how to get me out and in without any damage.
(Consumer Laughs)
But out here at Independence Oaks, I’ll go about half of the lake. And it’s at your own pace. You don't have to rush and it's really peaceful and it felt safe to be able to do it because I wouldn't kayak anywhere else without the help. It's difficult if you don’t have the people and equipment to help you.
(DNEM Consumer 3) The experience at this free event that was thrown on by you guys was phenomenal. Because, being outside in the water being outside in nature is just so relaxing and so peaceful, that it takes away everything that's going on in your life and brings you back to yourself and peace with yourself. So…
(Carrie) Whooo!
(DNEM Consumer 3) I really enjoyed this and I always see myself doing more of this and that's why I always come back every year. Not just for myself but also with the people that I bring here that I care for. To get them out here. To get them outside. Fresh air. Beautiful nature, beautiful weather and it’s just so relaxing and I thank you guys for throwing such an awesome event and among other events as well but kayaking itself. I just love being in the water and being out in nature.