Assistive Tech Helps Family Continue Outdoor Adventures

Isla, a young girl living in Columbus, Ohio, has a passion for being outside and does not let her Rett syndrome diagnosis get in her way.

Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that occurs most often in girls. Rett affects nearly every aspect of a child's life: their ability to speak, walk, eat, and even breathe easily.

Isla was born in Vail, Colorado and her parents, Emily and Mark, joke that it is in their blood to love the outdoors and hiking. Isla's ability to walk on her own is limited now, so her parents researched technology to help Isla still pursue her passions. They found the Kinderpack Carrier and have been using that so Isla can continue to be a part of family outings, such as hiking.

As Isla grew, the Kinderpack became restricting and uncomfortable for her. Isla's mom, Emily, went to social media to look for new solutions. Friends pointed Emily to the Cascade Cart from a company called Huckleberry Hiking. Founder of Huckleberry Hiking, LJ Wilde, is a father to a child with a rare genetic disorder. He refused to stop exploring with his family just because his daughter used a wheelchair. Using his engineering degree, Wilde created a cart that allowed his daughter to safely continue to explore the great outdoors with the family. He quickly recognized a need in the market for the Cascade Cart when he was continuously stopped by others asking where they could get one. He quit his career to begin the Huckleberry Hiking Company.

Emily and Mark have been using the Cascade Cart since it became available. Emily shared, "The outdoors are so limited for people who have mobility issues. The Cascade Cart gives Isla access to hike on trails. It allows us to hike in a lot of places. For Isla, it is more comfortable, and she feels more independent. Independence gives her confidence".

Assistive technology is all around us. Companies like Huckleberry Hiking are getting creative to find solutions that people with developmental disabilities can use to do the things they enjoy the most.

So far, Isla and her family have taken the Cascade cart to a trail at Alum Creek, in Delaware, Ohio. They have plans to take the Cascade Cart to various locations and trails. We asked Isla's mom what advice she would give to anyone who is interested in trying out new assistive technology. Emily stated, "If I can do anything to give her joy and confidence, it's worth it". Do it. Go for it. Don't let disability stop you from doing what you love".