“Opportunities like this are great for him. Not only does he get to try something new, but being around other kids he can look around and go ‘oh, if they can do it, so can I’.”

“Everyone seems to have a BUCKET LIST; as an individual with a physical disability and user of a power wheelchair enjoying the great outdoors has always been very difficult for me. On my bucket list was taking a ride in a hot air balloon, I have tried over the years to use a commercial business that provided hot air balloon rides but was unable to get into the balloon basket and then be able to see out. This summer Common Ground Outdoor Adventures had an activity that provided hot air balloon rides for individuals with disabilities and I jumped at the opportunity. When I found out that the basket was totally accessible and I would be able to use my chair and see out over the edge of the basket I signed up quick. Over the years I have enjoyed many Common Ground Outdoor Adventures, activities and trips but at the top of my list is my ride in an accessible hot air balloon. Thank you, Common Ground Outdoor Adventures”

“It is something that I always thought would be fantastic to do. I was nervous at first but then I just thought …Let’s go for it! It was so neat. I thought it was so nice because I could get up there in a wheelchair which I never thought was possible. And I had a companion who took pictures for me which allowed me to hold on to that memorable occasion. I had never been up in the air like that before and to see things from a different perspective like that, well it was spell-binding. The whole event was just joyous from the band to the food to the air balloon. It was fantastic!”