Campers Set Sail Thanks to Adami Fund for Innovation Award

An “Adaptive Canoe/Kayak Program” to help participants with physical disabilities gain greater independence through water sports at Easterseals Camp Fairlee is the winner of the third annual “Bill Adami Fund for Innovation” award. Camp Fairlee, located in Chestertown, MD, serves children and adults with disabilities.

The Bill Adami Fund for Innovation was created in memory of Easterseals late President/CEO, William J. Adami, honoring his legacy of leadership and innovation at Easterseals.

“In the past, many campers, who have limited mobility, have expressed the desire to participate in a boating program.” Sallie Price, director of Recreation and Respite Services at Camp Fairlee, said. “Among the benefits of an accessible canoe-kayak program is the opportunity for all campers to experience the independence of the water in a natural environment. Campers will now be able to experience the water together. The majority of the campers at Camp Fairlee only get the opportunity to canoe while they are at camp.”

The Canoe/Kayak program will provide campers who have limited movements an opportunity to paddle a canoe or kayak either on their own or with another person. Watercraft programs, especially canoeing and kayaking, offer campers with disabilities a new experience of freedom and independence. In a canoe or kayak, there are no stairs, curbs or barriers; only the freedom of floating and paddling in the open water. The adaptive canoes will be fitted with outriggers to stabilize the canoe and prevent capsizing.

“Easterseals is excited that this year’s Bill Adami Fund for Innovation award is able to provide an Adaptive Canoe and Kayak program at Camp Fairlee,” said Craig Binetti, Easterseals board member and chair of the Bill Adami Fund for Innovation Committee. “It is just one more step in providing autonomy and equality to campers with all abilities that attend Camp Fairlee each year and to continue to honor the spirit of innovation that was so dear to Bill’s beliefs.”

The Easterseals Bill Adami Fund for Innovation is established at the Delaware Community Foundation. Anyone interested in more information or to make a donation, contact Development at development@esdel.org.