LADD Ledger | Page 11

Daring Within Reach: Living on Cabin Time “It was a chance to get away. You’re on your own time, doing what you want to do.” W e’ve all been there—sometimes stepping outside your day-to-day routine is exactly what you need. Six years ago, members of LADD’s Independent Resident Council (IRC) decided they wanted an opportunity to travel somewhere new and get out into nature. Coordinator Faith Maynard searched for the perfect spot and discovered the wheelchair-accessible cabins in Southern Indiana that the retreat has returned to every year since. Offering a getaway accessible to people with different physical abilities and support needs, the hope is that everyone can experience a little wanderlust. voyage, “It’s a framework to talk about their relationship with disability.” Dan had some solid advice for others who may be nervous to try something unfamiliar like this retreat: “Get the experience of something new—you’ll feel nervous at first, but once you try it it’s not so bad. Go ahead and you’ll be glad you did it.” Dan’s trip this year was his first with the IRC Retreat, and he looks back on the experience with a smile. In fact, as he reflects, the vacation seems to inspire Dan’s inner poet, “The breeze is gentle, very peaceful—you’re not overloaded. It’s nice to not have to worry about going to work. I’m glad I went and got the chance to go—I got to be somewhere different than the places I know.” Dan doesn’t travel very often, but truly savored his days at the cabin, which are situated on the Ohio River. “The water is gentle, the way it flows. It’s not like someone nagging you or anything. It’s where you can think, relax, do whatever you want, really.” Dan takes the wheel on the Ohio River. In addition to relaxing river-side or in a hot tub, the retreat groups visit around the town of Derby, Indiana and have built relationships with locals who may not otherwise meet people with disabilities out in the community. “It happens every year that people remember us and seek us out to share their stories,” explains Faith, who has facilitated this trip every year since its maiden 11 WINTER 2015 ISSUE 2 David at local restaurant in Derby. Alex, Jake, and Allyson enjoy a boat ride on the Ohio River.