At Heceta Beach in Florence, Jim Novitsky, a 50-year resident of Eugene, finds joy despite the challenges posed by his rare neurological disease.
On a sunny morning, he rides in a sturdy, clover green track chair named Kermit, making his way across the wet sand.
As the chair’s bulldozer-worthy tires create chevron-shaped patterns, Jim holds a frisbee in his lap, cherishing moments of freedom that allow him to escape the constraints of his condition.
“I feel at home being by the ocean,” Jim expresses, appreciating the gentle breeze against his face as he accelerates down the beach.
He eagerly anticipates Sundays, the designated day for him and his wife, Jean Novitsky, to visit the Oregon Coast.
For over five decades, the couple has shared a love for hiking, but after Jim’s diagnosis in 2020, their outdoor adventures transformed.
Thanks to the nonprofit organization David’s Chair, they have access to electric all-terrain track chairs that allow Jim to explore the beach independently while providing Jean respite from her caretaking responsibilities.
“It’s been our salvation,” Jean acknowledges with relief as she chases Jim along the surf, unburdened by worry, which was ever-present when he used a walker or cane.
Founded in 2017 after the untimely passing of David Hartrick, an avid outdoorsman who wished for others with disabilities to experience the great outdoors, David’s Chair allows individuals like Jim to navigate beaches at no cost.
Hartrick succumbed to ALS just months after his diagnosis, but his dream and efforts to raise $20,000 for a track chair transformed into a nonprofit providing numerous chairs across Oregon and beyond.
In just three years, the number of available chairs has increased from a single unit in Medford to 23 chairs stationed at 17 different locations.
While most chairs are located along the scenic Oregon coast—spanning towns like Netarts, Manzanita, Seaside, Newport, and Pacific City—others have been stationed in inland areas like Mount Pisgah Arboretum in Eugene and Lithia Park in Ashland, with expansions into Washington, Nevada, California, and Texas.
The operation manager of David’s Chair, Jeff Kallevig, continually seeks partners willing to help store, fund, and volunteer their time to assist users like Jim in accessing the chairs.
“I’m currently on the lookout for volunteers and partners in Portland,” Kallevig states, hoping to expand the reach and impact of the organization.
In Florence, local volunteers Phoenix and Paul Plough play a vital role in welcoming users and facilitating access to the chairs.
After unlocking the Tuff Shed behind Driftwood Shores Resort and ensuring the chair’s functionality, they help users embark on their journeys along the beach for two hours.
Phoenix, who has faced mobility challenges himself, expresses empathy towards fellow users, knowing firsthand the difficulties posed by disabilities.
“It’s worth it to give someone else that joy,” Phoenix says, reflecting on the smiling faces that return after their time in the chair.
The Novitskys highlight a significant gap in accessible and inclusive outdoor recreation options, providing insight into the struggles faced by individuals with disabilities.
While the Oregon Coast boasts ample accessible infrastructure, including investments from Oregon Parks and Recreation, accessible outdoor options are often scarce elsewhere.
In Lincoln City, the community’s commitment to accessibility shows through thoughtful enhancements, including special glasses for visitors with colorblindness.
At the SW 51st Street beach access point, non-slip walkways known as Mobi-Mats have been installed, enabling wheelchair users, walkers, and even families with strollers to access the beach safely.
Construction is also in progress to develop a playground featuring nonverbal communication boards and sloped paths, enhancing inclusivity for children with varying needs.
Recently, West Livaudais, a survivor of a 2013 spinal cord injury, visited Lincoln City with his family, thrilled to rent a beach wheelchair equipped with oversized tires.
Utilizing the Mobi-Mat with his family, Livaudais could fully engage with his children, experiencing moments he previously missed due to his condition.
“We got to enjoy some magic,” he reflects, grateful for the investment Lincoln City has made in accessible facilities that allow families to create lasting memories together.
In all, the evolution of organizations like David’s Chair and the commitment from communities like Lincoln City cultivate an environment where individuals with disabilities can share in outdoor enjoyment, redefining their relationships with nature and each other.
image source from：pdxmonthly
