News Release: 8/3/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Access Ability Wisconsin Secures Permanent Headquarters to Launch New "Outdoors Access 4 All!" Community Center
Statewide nonprofit acquires Mineral Point property to expand access to nature and adaptive equipment, hosting a 12th Anniversary Celebration on Sept. 19.
MINERAL POINT, Wis. (July 28, 2026) — Access Ability Wisconsin (AAW), a statewide nonprofit dedicated to providing access to nature-based programming and expensive adaptive equipment for members with mobility challenges, announced today the acquisition of its new permanent headquarters at 1345 State Highway 23 in Mineral Point. The site will host the new "Outdoors Access 4 All!" Community Center, featuring inclusive conservation, educational programs—such as farm-to-table and field-to-table initiatives—and access to adaptive equipment and tools.
The acquisition marks a major milestone for the organization, which began in 2014 with a single all-terrain wheelchair and trailer for community use, available to individuals with mobility challenges at no cost, with a goal to ensure at least one is available in each of Wisconsin's 72 counties. Over the past 12 years, AAW has scaled into a robust network operating a fleet of 35 all-terrain tracked chairs and 33 outfitted enclosed trailers.
As forward-thinking strategists, the AAW team continues to expand access to nature by directly representing the communities it serves—bringing essential adaptive equipment and programs to rural, urban, and suburban areas alike. The acquisition of this new permanent facility marks the next major chapter in that mission.
The "Outdoors Access 4 All!" Community Center will serve as the hub for AAW’s statewide operations, equipment maintenance, adaptive education, and a new community renovation initiative. Planned site enhancements include accessible native habitat restoration, raised garden beds, and hands-on conservation and nature-based programming for people of all ages and abilities.
"It is only through the devotion of our grantors, sponsors, and statewide volunteers that we’ve been able to help tens of thousands of people of all ages and abilities experience the mental and physical benefits of nature," said Monica Spaeni, President and Founder of Access Ability Wisconsin. "Securing a permanent home for the 'Outdoors Access 4 All!' Community Center allows us to build a lasting foundation for access to nature-based programming and activities across the Midwest."
Despite rising equipment costs—with a single all-terrain chair and trailer package rising from $15,000 in 2014 to over $35,000 today—AAW continues to offer its entire equipment fleet free of charge to its members. Membership is free.
To mark this milestone and celebrate 12 years of impact, AAW will host a public anniversary event on September 19, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area in Highland, Wisconsin. The event will feature outdoor skills stations (fishing, wildlife identification, art in the pines), and opportunities to reserve all-terrain wheelchairs for on-site use.
AAW is actively seeking community partners, skilled tradespeople, volunteers, and donors to assist with renovating the new center. To RSVP for the anniversary event, donate materials, or learn how to support the "Outdoors Access 4 All!"  Community Center, visit www.AccessAbilityWI.org.
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About Access Ability Wisconsin
Access Ability Wisconsin (AAW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the community safety net for at-risk, underserved, low-income, and underrepresented populations by promoting physical and mental well-being and social inclusion through strategic nature-based programs. AAW provides access to adaptive equipment and tools (all-terrain wheelchairs, adaptive kayaks, and more) for members to reserve free of charge, empowering individuals with mobility challenges to explore trails, parks, and public lands across Wisconsin and beyond.
Media Contact:
Monica Spaeni, President & Founder
Access Ability Wisconsin
Office Phone: 608-886-9388 | Direct Phone: 608-285-2522
Email: AAW@AccessAbilityWI.org
Website: www.AccessAbilityWI.org