Hitting The Trails In An All-Terrain Wheelchair

Zac and his mom, Chris, are ready to hit the trails. Zac is using the Cleveland Metroparks all-terrain wheelchair, which was funded by a grant from Cuyahoga DD.

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.” – Rachel Carson

Parma resident Zac Kraley is a very adventurous person who loves being outside. Zac also uses a wheelchair. “It’s a team effort,” said his mom, Chris Markulik. “Outdoor activities keep us inspired mentally and physically to keep growing, exercise, lead a happy life, and foster our sense of wonder.” One thing that has helped them get out on the trail is the Cleveland Metroparks all-terrain (AT) wheelchair at Garfield Reservation. This AT wheelchair was funded by a grant from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD). “The AT wheelchair funded by Cuyahoga DD provided us with a foundation of support. It empowers me to take Zac. I knew it was meant for people within his community,” Chris said.

Chris was originally interested in adapted hikes. She spoke with a Metroparks staffer during the Cuyahoga DD Family & Provider Resource Fair and took home a flyer. “Zac enjoys driving his wheelchair and the all-purpose trail near our home. I didn’t know about the AT chair till after I went home and researched a bit more and signed up for pie iron cooking. Zac and I attended the outdoor cooking event and spoke with the Metroparks inclusion specialist,” she said. “I told her my story of how we tried to reserve an AT chair at a Georgia State Park. I inquired [at Metroparks] about the AT wheelchair. I was excited for Zac for to have the opportunity,” Chris said. It was a great experience for both Zac and his mom. “Having the experience to have Zac use the AT wheelchair was fabulous. Just the smile on his face made my day. It was a wonderful learning opportunity for Zac. He was able to experience his body and mind in a new and different environment not just in a different chair, but a new park, terrain and trail and enjoy a winter activity in a different way,” Chris said.

Zac made the most of the experience. “He was able to socialize with staff and be around people in the community. He even had the chance to work on communication, reading head and arm control, pointing and eye gazing,” Chris said. Perhaps most importantly, “it opened a door to be outside, get some exercise and move, stop and pause, take in the sights of a beautiful, peaceful surrounding for new conversation and reflection, and take time to give thanks,” Chris said.

Zac is also active with 3Trackers, an organization that encourages people with disabilities to participate in adaptive recreational sports, including water skiing, snow skiing, cycling, and kayaking.

Be sure to give Zac a wave if you see him on the trails!