While states have long measured the economic value of outdoor recreation, little data has existed on the economic impact of adaptive and accessible recreation nationwide. This session will report on the full results of a yearlong study of the economic impact of Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports. We will cover how Vermont Adaptive is using this data in concert with the Trail Accessibility Hub partnership to advocate for and advance adaptive recreation across the state.
Learning Objectives:
1) Participants will be able to communicate the potential economic impact of adaptive sports recreationists and people with disabilities in their own community.
2) Participants will be able to effectively advocate for equitable access to information and the additional study and analysis of the economic impacts of adaptive recreators and people with disabilities.
3) Participants will understand how to use data in concert with other initiatives to advocate for improved adaptive and accessible recreation opportunities in their community.
Presenters:
Abigail Johnson, Recreation Planner, CRO Planning & Design
Abigail Johnson (she/her) is a Recreation Planner and Researcher at CRO Planning & Design. Abigail has previously supported adaptive recreation initiatives at the U.S. National Park Service and was the recipient of an H. Allen Brooks Traveling Fellowship to study access to nature at the European Tourism Research Institute in Sweden. She is passionate about working across institutions and borders to create more opportunities for accessible and adaptive outdoor recreation. Abigail holds a Bachelor of Arts in Quantitative Social Science from Dartmouth College.
Jeff Alexander, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Business Development, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports
Jeff Alexander (He/Him) is the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development at Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports since 2017. He has worked in the NFL, MLB and Major Indoor Soccer League, as well as various minor league affiliates. Jeff has an Environmental Science degree and worked in Marketing and Events for over 25 years. Jeff has a Visually Impaired and Cognitive Adaptive Snowboard Instruction Certification and a BICP Level 1 Adaptive Mountain Bike Certification. He is passionate about making sure everyBODY has access to play in Vermont. His claim to fame is being a Pro-Bowl Mascot for the Philadelphia Eagles in the mid 90s.