The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Center recently awarded a $15,000 grant to the Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT).
The award is one of 59 Quality of Life Grants Program totaling $1,271,125 that were given to support non-profit organizations to help individuals living with paralysis.
“These awards are about restoring independence to our constituents,” said Dan McNeal, director of the Quality of Life Grants Program for the Reeve Foundation, in the press release. “Our work and number one goal are to enhance the quality of life of people living with paralysis. It is our honor to continue to collaborate with so many dedicated organizations, which have selflessly given their time and efforts to ensure that accessibility and inclusivity remain embedded in the fabric of their programs.”
ACT will use the grant funds to purchase a trail adapted wheelchair. The wheelchair will increase access to the ACT’s 13 public preserves that have nearly 20 miles of protected trails in North Central Florida.
“ACT is honored to receive this award from an organization committed to making our world more accessible and are so grateful to bring the benefits of this program into our community,” said ACT’s Executive Director Tom Kay in the press release. ACT is developing a program for the community to utilize the all terrain wheelchair, which will roll out in the early fall of 2024.
According to the release, the Quality of Life Grants Program has awarded more than 3,770 grants totaling $43 million.
