Info
The Cold
Water Ranch Respite Lodge is currently under construction and will be located
at the Cold Water Ranch, 20 minutes West of Merritt, BC. The Abilitas
Foundation is coordinating the development and construction of this fully
accessible lodge as well as, in the future, accessible camp sites. Individuals living
with disabilities can bring their family, friends, and/or support and use
the lodge at no charge, as can disability organizations.
The right-hand navigation column will lead you to more information on the Accommodation and Activities at Cold Water Ranch.
Abilitas & the Cold Water Ranch Lodge
The Abilitas Foundation is a charitable organization, which was established with the vision of providing accessible respite accommodation and opportunities for ranch tourism and outdoor recreation. The Abilitas Foundation recognizes that:
- Truly accessible commercial accommodation is rare.
- Barriers to vacation are not just physical: both cost and community's lack of awareness prevent many families from taking breaks with their disabled loved ones.
- Outdoor activities are often inaccessible to people with disabilities in multiple ways.
Abilitas is building a fully accessible respite lodge which families with family members living with a disability, as well as disability organizations will be able to use at no charge. The Foundation is furthermore committed to creating opportunities that will enable and empower people living with disabilities to access nature, view local wildlife, and experience ranch life. To that end, the Abilitas Foundation will create accessible trails and picnic sites and aims to provide equipment for outdoor access .
In short: the CWR Lodge & Barrier-Free Respite
The lodge is envisioned as a barrier-free respite destination that allows families and groups to get away without having to worry about...
Bringing specialized equipment for
their loved one with a disability:
equipment
such as lifts and commodes will be provided in this fully accessible
lodge.
Being able to afford the stay:
the Abilitas Foundation does not charge a fee for use
of the lodge.
Being excluded or ostracized:
the Cold
Water Ranch offers an inclusive environment, where people with and without
disabilities can come together to enjoy the Ranch and the outdoors.
