With Access for All

CATHY O'SHEA switches on the solar-powered wheelchair lift, raising it back into place on the metal cart, specially constructed to secure even the heaviest wheelchair along bumpy country roads. O'Shea is a volunteer at ACCESS ADVENTURE, a nonprofit with the mission of providing opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors via horse-drawn carts. The solar power on both the cart and the barn where it is stored were installed by Robert Boardman, who serves on the group's board of directors. His wife, Randi, also volunteers for Access Adventure, which is the brain child of Solano County native Michael Muir.

Muir has been a horseman all his life despite his health problems. When he was 15 Muir contracted multiple sclerosis. The disease often progresses to the point where a person is unable to walk. And at times Muir was wheelchair-bound or bedridden, but "I was highly motivated to be back at the barn." His love of horses gave him a reason to get out of bed every morning, and still does. "I think I'm walking today because of horses."

Although he does not need a wheelchair now, Muir can no longer ride horses. So, he drives them instead. In fact, he has driven a horse-drawn, wheelchair-accessible cart on trails throughout the world-including the 1,000-mile journey from Indiana to the Gulf of Mexico, following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, environmentalist John Muir. Muir serves not only as an example to others with disabilities to head off the beaten track but as an advocate for making that happen.

Access Adventure operates in conjunction with the Solano Land Trust at Rush Ranch, 2,000 acres of land where horses and cattle have grazed for generations. Here, the two Belgian draft horses, Sadie and Cherry, pull the specially-designed cart. When fully loaded with power wheelchairs, the cart weighs a ton - literally. But Sadie and Cherry, who each weigh 1,000 pounds, have no difficulty pulling their passengers over the wide expanse of undeveloped land not far from Suisun.

Down the hill and across the field, the horses trot along the wagon path, but the cart rides as if cushioned on water, with no jarring or bouncing. The warm wind caresses faces, tosses hair, brings smiles. Muir tells of a 22-year-old man, his athletic body turned paraplegic by an accident. "These people think their life is over," Muir says. It wasn't until after his wheelchair was lifted onto the cart, after Muir handed him the reins that the young man smiled for the first time since being injured. His mother watched, tears wetting her cheeks. For her, it was a miracle.

Access Adventure, though closed for the winter, reopens in April. During the season, they provide outings free to anyone with mobility challenges. Medical clearance is required. For an application, contact Mary Lou Fazel at (707) 432-0150.

Because the program is growing the need for contributions to carry on the work is becoming more important; donations can be made to the Solano Land Trust with a notation: "For Access Adventure."

Access Adventure, 1001 Texas St., Suite C, Fairfield. For more information call (707) 432-0150 ext. 0.

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