Words & Photos RAD Recreation Adapted Society
Making outdoor recreation accessible, independent and possible (again).
RAD Recreation Adapted Society (RAD) is a Canadian Registered Charity that was founded with a simple belief: sustaining a mobility injury or living with a disability should never mean losing access to the outdoors, movement or adventure. Based in British Columbia with locations in Langford, Vancouver, Invermere and Tofino, RAD provides low-cost rentals of adaptive outdoor recreation equipment so people with short-term and long-term mobility challenges can stay active, independent and connected to their communities and nature.
RAD began after our founder/President’s own life changed in an instant. In 2014, Tanelle Bolt sustained a paralyzing spinal cord injury in a recreation accident. Like many people in similar situations, she didn’t just lose mobility: she lost access – from her friends and family’s homes, to restaurants and to the gym she had been training at for years. She lost access to the trails she loved, the activities that grounded her, and the freedom of being outside without barriers.
Another discovery was that the biggest challenges are not always physical: they’re financial and logistical as well. Adaptive equipment is life-changing, but it often comes with a massive price tag. In many regions, it simply is not available. And without access to equipment, many people are forced into a lifestyle that feels smaller, quieter and far less connected to nature and their surrounding community.
RAD exists to change that.
Our growing inventory of adaptive recreation gear supports independent youth and adults with mobility challenges, from those navigating recovery after an injury to those living with permanent mobility disabilities. RAD’s goal is to break down the barriers to recreation, whether that means trying adaptive biking, getting back on snow, exploring trails or simply experiencing the outdoors with more freedom and confidence.
For many people, rentals are the first step: a first ride; a first time back outside; a first moment of realizing that recreation, independence and joy are still within reach. And those moments matter, because movement isn’t just about fitness: it’s about mental health, belonging and the ability to say yes to life again.
RAD is also committed to building more inclusive communities through partnerships, advocacy and local collaboration. We work alongside organizations, municipalities and recreation spaces to support accessibility improvements and to encourage inclusive programming across B.C. and beyond.
This work is powered by community. Donations, sponsors, volunteers and supporters help RAD keep equipment affordable and accessible, ensuring more people can experience the freedom and confidence that comes with outdoor recreation.
To learn more, support our mission or explore equipment rentals, visit www.radsociety.ca and follow @radrecreationadaptedsociety on Instagram and Facebook.
