Special needs?

[Broad_Top]

Haven't been on here much in quite a while, but it's good to see a lot of the same familiar guys around!

Is there anyone here on the board who has experience with physically disabled who trout fish (or is this themselves)? Or any good venues/locations/programs/ways for the disabled to get out? Specifically talking kids in this case, but probably similar in any case.

If you have anything to offer, you are providing encouragement to a concerned father out there. Thanks.

 

[ColdBore]

For children, sorry, I can't help.

However, take a look at Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, and what they do to get disabled veterans on the water.

Possibly you can pick up a few ideas from looking through the info and the stories.

www.projecthealingwaters.org

 

[ColdBore]

Or check with Trout Unlimited maybe.

Or talk to a rehab and physical therapy facility to see if they have any ideas or even names to contact.

 

[tomgamber]

https://adayinourshoes.com/fishing-programs-opportunities-kids-with-disabilities/

scroll about halfway down the page. Annoying adds till you get there.


Fishing Programs and Opportunities for Kids with Disabilities

Check out C.A.S.T. for Kids. C.A.S.T. for Kids looks to be an amazing organization. They are now in 22 states and they want to get “More kids fishing, more often.” And that includes kids with special needs and they have a special branch of the group for veterans. Awesome, huh?
fishing programs for special needs kids

Find a special needs fishing derby or Family Day. Many parks in the state hold special family days. In Chester County’s Hibernia Park, the second week in May is the Special Needs Fishing Derby. I was quite surprised at the results I got when I did an internet search for “special needs fishing derby.” Go take a look, maybe add in your city or state. You might be surprised at the events taking place that you didn’t know about. We also have an event for kids in Kennett Square at Anson Nixon Park. Since it is a borough park I am assuming that they will make the necessary accommodations for special needs. Call the borough ahead of time so that they are aware you’re coming.

heres the direct link

https://castforkids.org/

 

[ColdBore]

https://adayinourshoes.com/fishing-programs-opportunities-kids-with-disabilities/

https://www.fishinpa.com/fishing-areas-for-kids-with-disabled/

https://www.disabledsportsusa.org/sport/fishing/

https://fhnbinc.org/

https://castforkids.org/

 

[tomgamber]

Its nice having nothing better to do than look for ways to try and make a kid's life more enjoyable.

 

[Fly-Swatter]

Yes, very nice! It's good to have something positive to focus on.

 

[troutbert]

There is a fishing platform at Sinnemahoning State Park for disabled people.

I saw 2 guys there in wheelchairs and they were catching a lot of trout with spin gear, bobbers, and some kind of bait.

That lake is stocked with trout and it also has panfish, which is what the catch would probably be in summer and fall.

IMHO, handicapped platforms on lakes are much more useful than those on streams.

With a handicapped platform on a stream, the fisherman typically has only access to a small amount of water. He makes a few casts, then the trout are spooked and it's game over.

On a lake, with spin gear, the fishermen can cover a lot of water, fishing the water close by first, then gradually working outward to longer casts. And can also vary the depth they are fishing at, so present their bait or lure to many fish.

Also, there are lakes and ponds with grassy banks that would probably be accessible for someone on a wheelchair. Some of these are stocked with trout, and many have panfish, which are very fun to fish for, and also very good eating. And many of these waters also have some big bass.

 

[Mike]

I can’t speak to trout, but good access is available at the catwalk located along the base of Safe Harbor Dam on the Susquehanna. Fishing is good, but avoid the heat of summer as the sun shines directly at the catwalk. Access is from the parking lot and the path to the catwalk as well as the parking lot are paved. There is another fishing catwalk on the York Co side of York Haven Dam, but I have never seen the access situation there.

There used to be a trout event for handicapped individuals on the Little Lehigh in the Allentown, Pa Park System, Lehigh Co, but I am unaware if it still occurs.

 

[Broad_Top]

Thanks for your responses, I'll look into all of the above. I do earnestly appreciate your time.

Part of what is so great about the sport is the sense of adventure/exploration, and sharing that with people you love. If there was one part I'd want to share, it'd be that. But we will do whatever it takes to get him out either way, and hope for the best.

Boy is still very young, so there's a lot that can change. It's hard to fully know physical potential until they grow up a bit. He has some decent signs of potentially walking, even if he needs some assistance. And is very bright cognitively so that's a big plus.

Just have to roll with the punches and see where life leads.