Common Ground Outdoor Adventures Inc

Common Ground Outdoor Adventures purpose is to facilitate individuals, families, and friends, no matter the physical or developmental hurdles to explore the full potential within and discover their abilities. The organization provides a variety of recreational opportunities for people with disabilities in Northern  Utah, assisting them on activities such as canoeing, river rafting, cycling, cross-country and downhill skiing, and camping trips. Each year, the organization serves 3,200 people with disabilities on over 350 activities. We are the only organization of our kind located in our service area.

CGOA often encounters people with disabilities and parents of youth with disabilities who think they can’t participate in recreational activities. However, once we introduce them to the adaptive equipment available and the support that our staff provides, they quickly realize that they do have the ability to participate. After a trip we are regularly told that people have had the trip of a lifetime and that they have gained new confidence, self-esteem, and friendships.  Another barrier for people with disabilities is a lack of financial resources to participate in recreation. The majority of our participants come from low-income households. In fact, surveys indicate that 85% fall in the low to very low income bracket. Common Ground makes recreational opportunities available for youths and adults with disabilities by providing adaptive equipment and support at affordable rates. We strive to remove the barriers for participation, which include transportation, lack of appropriate equipment and support, and financial restraints.