Trevis Brown, a quadriplegic, does not let his disability get in the way of going out for a good hike.
The 31-year-old trekked trails in the River Valley yesterday afternoon with the help of the Steadward Centre’s Trail Rider program.
“I can’t tell you how much fun it is just to be normal again,” said Brown. “You don’t really feel handicapped or injured; it’s something nice to get out with.”
The device Brown rolled in yesterday is a one-wheeled all-terrain carriage operated by a person pushing at the back, and two pulling in the front.
It can cross water, climb steep hills and other areas someone who is paralyzed couldn’t normally see.
“I have a pretty wild wheelchair, and I push the limits on that thing, but I would never be able to make it out on the trails we go on this,” he added.
Brown was an adventure sports enthusiast, but broke his neck in a dirt-biking accident in 2003.
“It really makes me think, doing this makes me feel like how lucky we are to be able to do all the stuff we can do,” said Trevor Ritchie, a volunteer helping Trevis with the trail ride.
The device was designed in part by the former mayor of Vancouver Sam Sullivan, who is a quadriplegic.
The device was inspired by Sullivan’s dreams to enjoy nature with his family.
The program is not exclusive to quadriplegics, but for any adventurer with a physical disability, organizers said.
To inquire about using the Steadward Centre program, or to volunteer, visit steadwardcentre.org/trailrider.html.
