TRAILS is for Every BODY!

The TRAILS program is participant driven to empower individuals by sharing fun activities, promoting self-confidence, teaching independent living skills, and assisting participants to fully realize their capabilities through recreation. When folks with and without disabilities work and have fun together, they build satisfying connections and break down stigmas. You’ll find us exploring new trails, horseback riding (or having fun just learning to lead a horse), kayaking in Kachemak and Resurrection Bays, sit-skiing or snowshoeing, advocating for and improving accessibility of local trails and recreational sites, teaching awareness of disabilities in our schools, fishing all over the Kenai Peninsula, and more!

In many cases, TRAILS activities like those shown in the video are possible only because of the wonderful support we get from vendors, donors, and others. We love to thank and acknowledge these partners--including folks who are pictured in or helped out on the video--so we're developing a special TRAILS Thank You page where you can meet the groups and individuals that make TRAILS activities possible.

TRAILS has four main components, and these are introduced below.

1. Recreation and Leisure Programs = our Activities

2. Public Awareness and Special Events = our efforts to build Awareness

3. Technical Assistance & Education = ways we provide Assistance

4. Adaptive Equipment = our assisting with Adaptive equipment

1. Recreation and Leisure Programs

Everyone wants to participate in recreation activities with friends and family. Our programs include people of all abilities and interests. We ski, hike, fish, kayak, raft, cook (and eat!), play cards, ride the Alaska Railroad, watch movies, take college and community school classes, paint, garden, celebrate holidays together, snowshoe, make dream catchers, go to the Alaska State Fair, and whatever else strikes our fancy! Join TRAILS! Participate in events, become a volunteer, or help us plan for future activities that are on your bucket list.

2. Public Awareness and Special Events

TRAILS Staff advocates, educates and brings awareness to the community about inclusive recreation and recreational accessibility. We do: Disability Awareness in the schools, Advocating for recreational access, Public Awareness at fairs, Staff trainings for organizations and businesses looking to improve their accessibility and inclusion.

3. Technical Assistance & Education

Would you like support finding recreational opportunities or getting involved in your community? We do that! Make an appointment to speak with a recreation specialist who will assist you in becoming involved in activities that are meaningful to you.

4. Adaptive Equipment

We rent equipment that supports our community members with physical disabilities to recreate in our area. If you are interested in equipment, please contact TRAILS 2 weeks in advance. Here is a list of our available equipment: Kili-cart, all terrain wheelchairs, sit-ski, hocky sledge (for seated skating and ice hockey). We also have camping and recreating gear available for rental in certain circumstance: tents, fishing poles, waders.

Contact TRAILS Staff

Homer: Michael Gavillot ph. 907-235-7911 mgavillot@peninsulailc.org

Homer: Devony Lehner ph. 907-235-7911 dlehner@peninsulailc.org

Seward: Barbara Gerlach ph. 907-224-8711 bgerlach@peninsulailc.org

If you are concerned about the safety of a vulnerable person you can report your concern to the Alaska Senior and Disabilities Services Centralized Reporting Unit.  These reports go to the appropriate state agency or agencies to investigate.  These include Adult Protective Services, The Long Term Care Ombudsman, Occupational Licensing and the Office of Children's Services.  Click on the link below for

Centralized Reporting