ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Ready, set and shop for inclusion! Rochester Accessible Adventures is having an online auction to help continue its mission to make recreation and sports accessible to all.

There are some 30 different curated gift packages up for bid in the Rochester Accessible Adventures online auction. 

What You Need To Know

  • RAA partners with the community in Greater Rochester, Finger Lakes and WNY to ensure individuals with disabilities are able to access active, inclusive recreation opportunities with their family and friends

  • RAA provides consultation to recreation businesses

  • RAA supports adaptive sports teams and athletes

  • The online auction ends Dec. 12 at 9 p.m.

RAA Executive Director Anita O’Brien, a long-time therapeutic recreation specialist, along with RAA community partners, have put together the auction prize packages just in time for the holidays. She’s checking in on the online bids daily.

"We have a shopping spree, Home Depot card, RMSC pass, weekend in Canandaigua, Doc's Tackle gift bag and more," said O'Brien.

Auction proceeds will help RAA partner with more communities to make sure individuals with disabilities have access to get out there and try and enjoy recreational opportunities with family and friends. There’s sled hockey, fencing, pickleball, wheelchair basketball and adaptive kayaking. Rochester Accessible Adventures is all about equitable recreation, sports and tourism.

"When we can create a culture like that we will know that our job is done," said O'Brien. "So everything that people are bidding on today they are truly shopping for inclusion and it helps us reach that goal to expand our ability to train more businesses and importantly connect those families to those activities.”

RAA provides business consultation training, strategic planning and helps with adaptive sports teams. The focus is on developing a more inclusive community.

"I pivoted from a program model to a systems change model," said O'Brien. "That is how Rochester Accessible Adventures started. It's motivated by people who wanted to recreate with their families. So it's time to shop and bid often. The auction runs through Dec. 12 at 9 p.m. and lucky winners will have some fun activities and gifts."

RAA is one of five finalists in the Causewave Matchstick prize to boost community collaborations and help expand the accessibility cause.