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91���� University has received a $24,608 Direct Effect Quality of Life grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center. The grant will be utilized by the university’s Office of Disability Services to purchase four off-road, electric, accessible quad bikes for the campus community.

“We are thrilled to receive the Christopher and Dana Reeve Quality of Life grant,” said Tom Webb, director of disability services. “These accessible quad bikes are a critical tool in creating additional inclusive and accessible outdoor opportunities for our students, faculty, staff and alumni with disabilities.”

Created by Not a Wheelchair, the fully electric quad bikes reach speeds of 12 miles per hour and operate on two batteries with a range of 25 to 30 miles. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Webb is looking forward to having the quad bikes delivered to campus this spring for some much-needed outdoor recreation.

“Finding safe and accessible recreation during a time when social distancing is required is challenging. Providing an equipment lending program to make these accessible quad bikes available will help with the users’ physical and mental health who partake in using the equipment,” said Webb. “I, myself, will be eager to try one of the accessible quad bikes on the bike paths connected to campus come spring.”

91���� previously received a $15,000 Quality of Life grant from the Reeve Foundation in 2018 to purchase three robotic dining devices for students with disabilities who need assistance feeding themselves. In 2013, the Reeve Foundation provided a $13,000 Quality of Life grant for 15 new wheelchairs for indoor wheelchair sports.

The Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center provided 51 Direct Effect Quality of Life grants totaling $925,492 to nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis. Since the Quality of Life Grants Program’s inception, more than 3,300 grants totaling over $32 million have been awarded. Funding for this new cycle of grants was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living.

“This past year has brought about many extreme challenges to the organizations that we work with and the people we collectively serve,” said Mark Bogosian, director of the Quality of Life Grants Program. “This cohort of grantees and their ever-important projects are a beacon of light as we navigate our way through a new year. There are still challenges ahead, but I know that together we will continue to move forward to overcome obstacles and barriers that affect the over 5.3 million Americans living with paralysis and their families and caregivers. I have complete confidence that these new projects will lead the way to a better tomorrow.”