Our October 15, 2020 program meeting featured speaker David Jones of the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association. David spoke on the importance of opening outdoor recreation to all people, no matter their abilities. His eye-opening presentation reveals issues that most who engage in outdoor recreation, including birding and wildlife viewing, may have never considered.

It is rare that someone can take a “tragedy” as an opportunity to change their life and help others. That is exactly what David Jones did. His injury became a personal commitment to help others. In 1988, David Jones was shot in a hunting accident resulting in a serious head injury that left him with permanent paralysis of his left leg, limiting mobility and eliminating the use of his left hand. David utilized a wheelchair for one year, then gradually increased mobility to the point where he could walk with a walker and now walks with a slight limp without any device. He remains paralyzed in one arm. In the process of his rehabilitation, he became aware of the importance of recreation for rehabilitation – not only to improve mobility, but to improve mental well-being. David saw this event in his life as a challenge and an opportunity to assist others. This life-changing event developed into his personal crusade.