FTAccess

What is FTAccess?

FTAccess provides hiking experiences to individuals who would not be able to hike on their own. Through hiking and spending time outdoors, our goal is to enhance the lives of participants by providing an opportunity to explore trails in a safe and supportive environment.

Our core belief is that, for a person with a disability, experiencing the thrill of accomplishment can be a rewarding experience. To that end, we are committed to doing what we do best: sharing hiking experiences on the Florida Trail and beyond while exposing others to beautiful ecosystems and landscapes across the state.

What is the Joëlette?

While many accessible trail devices exist, FTAccess employs the use of the Joëlette , an all-terrain wheelchair with a single wheel, which allows any person with a disability to go hiking with the help of at least two guides.

Getting Involved

Who can participate in the program?

FTAccess is designed to facilitate hikes for anyone that needs assistance accessing trails. People with disabilities of any kind are welcome to participate as well as their families, friends, and caregivers.

Where can we go hiking?

The Joëlette itself is capable of traveling on almost every mile of trail in Florida. While FTAccess is primarily focused on the Florida Trail, we embrace partnership opportunities with communities and organizations throughout the state that have a desire to work with us. Therefore, we are open to hiking just about anywhere with anyone, depending on the availability of our staff and volunteers.

How do people participate?

Through our online registration process hikers can sign up to participate with FTAccess. We gather enough information from each individual (or their family/caretaker) to prepare our staff and volunteers to host a hike. We are set up to provide events for individuals (one hiker, one hike) or larger full day events where we can host many hikers in shifts throughout the day. Day hikes are designed for people with disabilities to enjoy fresh air, the outdoors, and time spent with friends and family. In the future FTAccess hopes to provide overnight trips as well. All FTAccess events are at no cost to participants but donations are always welcome.

Have more questions?

Contact [email protected]