Enabling, Inspiring People with Disabilities

Living in a region like Reno-Tahoe, it is hard to imagine life without outdoor recreation. Up until two years ago, I took this perspective for granted.

Then I developed severe discomfort in my legs that resulted in impaired mobility. I have since been diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder. I require a three-point cane for most activity outside of the home, as well as a four-wheeled walker at times.

There was a period of time during which I felt my life would be so significantly changed that I couldn’t enjoy the things I used to before the onset of my impairment. My wife, though, reminded me of her own autoimmune impairment that has affected her life for nearly 25 years. But it has not kept her from enjoying the little things in life.

Among her favorite activities is hiking. She has learned to work around her impairment, and manage her symptoms, so that her lifestyle isn’t significantly altered.

I have been learning the same lessons.

I enjoy hiking, too, and I now know that I can continue to engage in outdoor recreation without feeling like I have to give up everything for my handicap.

This is why my wife and I have decided to start an outdoors feature series directed toward the disabled residents of and visitors to our region. Our goal is to produce articles that detail scenic locations of the Reno-Tahoe area which are not only accessible, but also handicapped friendly.

We see a lot of news features about outdoor recreation for the mainstream. But little information dovetailing to the specific needs of the handicapped and disabled.

The hope of my wife and I is that our modest sojourns around the region which we call home may inspire other residents with disabilities and handicaps to get out and enjoy the beauty, majesty and serenity of the area they are a part of and are surrounded by.

Life is too short, and too precious, to waste away cooped up, wishing and longing to get out. Disabilities can often make us feel imprisoned by limitations. But I, for one, have decided not to let my impairment dictate and control my life.

While the handicap may now be a significant part of my daily living, it doesn’t define my life.

The impairment requires adjustments, like taking more frequent rest breaks and using assistive devices to complete physical activities. Finishing a nature loop can take me twice as long as a healthy person. And, sometimes I don’t even finish. I end up having to turn around and go back because of symptoms. But finishing isn’t the point; participation is.

I resolve to keep on living, and I hope that these feature articles may serve to inspire those who may have thought that they can’t share in the beauty of the Eastern Sierra Nevada, because they can’t walk, move or otherwise get along the way healthy people do.

The truth is that outdoor recreation is meant to be experienced by everyone, no matter the extent of one’s physical or mental abilities. There is scenery and venues to suit just about any and every handicap.

My wife, Lisa, is chief photographer. I’m the chronicler, the writer. Without a doubt, her images are more inspiring than any of my words. They are motivation enough for me to put what I see into words. But my purpose is to share information and hopefully encourage others to seek what we have found: The freedom to experience and enjoy the majesty that our region has to offer.

Please join me as we embark on our series of outdoor adventures meant to convey the accessibility of nature’s serene beauty. It is much closer, and easily accessible, than perhaps you had thought.

— Brett and Lisa Fisher are Carson City residents, who have lived in the state capital for over seven years. They welcome leads on handicapped-friendly recreation around the Eastern Sierra and Lake Tahoe regions. If you have ideas or suggestions, please email them at thebumsteads@charter.net.