For the third year in a row, college students will organize Able in April, a series of adventure activities on campus for adults with disabilities.
The activities are planned as part of a college course called Universal Programming, which focuses on adventure therapy for people with disabilities.
"We're trying to enable people who usually don't get a chance to get out there and have an adventure," said Mac McInnes, associate professor of adventure education and adventure therapy.
Events are scheduled Friday and Sunday on campus and on Unity Pond. Eight adults from Portland will pursue a range of activities, from canoeing and camping to the high ropes course.
"This is universal," McInnes said. "Anyone can do these."
Able in April was started three years ago by two Unity College students who wanted to introduce the joy of outdoor adventure to people with disabilities. The events are designed to help adults from Portland who have suffered traumatic brain injuries.
"This year we are planning a fun weekend of tie-dyeing, dancing, fishing, canoeing, boating and camping," said Liz Pierson, a junior environmental education major from Cinnaminson, New Jersey.
Students in the universal programming class pursue hands-on activities to benefit those with disabilities, including serving as volunteers at the Maine state Winter Special Olympics and serving as volunteers to assist clients at Belfast Industries, a service organization for the mentally retarded. Several times each semester, students in the class lead adventure activities on campus for Kennebec Valley Mental Health Services' clients.
"Students taking this class are interested in finding ways for people with disabilities to recreate," Pierson said.
Students take care of every aspect of the Able in April program.
"The students learn tons from this," McInnes said. "It's really just hands on learning. The most important thing they get out of it is working face to face with people who have traumatic brain injuries."