Some of these people have never caught a fish before. Some have never had a boat ride. Adapted equipment Participants in the past have included children and adults with mental retardation, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries and other disabilities. Six or eight pontoon boats carry participants in wheelchairs, and a variety of V-bottom boats are used for ambulatory fishers. Anyone with a disability is welcome, Mr. Reichert says.
Family members are welcome, too.
Traditional fishing rods and reels are used, along with a few adapted electric reels for those with limited hand mobility. Last year's Disabled Angler Event hosted about 40 participants with disabilities. This year, the group hopes to reach 100. Cincinnati writer Deborah Kendrick is a nationally recognized advocate for people with disabilities. The Cincinnati Enquirer , a Gannett Co. Inc. newspaper.