Independence * Leadership * Education * Community
AAW News
Whether it is an announcement, our newsletter, or we are in the news. Check out how our model "Outdoors Access 4 All!" has been featured throughout the area, state, region, and nation.
In the News and ...
Fall 2025 Newsletter
Happy Thanksgiving from the AAW Team!
Celebrating 11 Years
Upcoming Peer Mentoring Events
Thursday December 11, 2025 4-6pm
Topic: Share Holiday Recipes & Make Holiday Crafts
Location: Holiday Inn, Platteville, WI 53818
Volunteer Spotlight
There has been over 10,000 volunteers hours put in this year alone. Again thank you to all of our volunteers for your hard work, dedication and passion for the great outdoors during the 2025 season! Without you, we would not be able to make adventures and events possible for everybody.
Bill Alber, Tim Chaussee, Patrick Devereaux, Ron French, Dave Gunnes, John Killian, Randall Sonneburg, Steve Spaeni, Jason Stagman, Theresa Strait, Barb Wolf,
Chris Worley and Afton Yenter
We are Hiring!!
Operations/Office Admin & Project Assistant - AAW is seeking a person who has knowledge of working with families and people of various ages and backgrounds; experience with people who live with disabilities and mobility challenges; proven technical skills; and a great sense of humor!
Outdoors Access 4 All! - Mike and Creighton
Meet Creighton with a newly acquired spinal cord injury and Mike recently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
They are working with the AAW Team to figure out how to set up with an AAW outdoor chair in a blind for hunting wild turkey. Together we experimenting with what equipment to use.
Watch to learn more...
Interview with Mid-West Farm Report
On the farm or on the trail, the ability to maneuver rough terrain is something some people take for granted. Monica is the President and Cofounder of Access Ability WI. She tells us about the organization's chairs and the opportunities they bring to people in rural communitites who use them. Their chairs tilt with the terrain, and they can go over corn stalks and rocks. This allows users to participate in on-farm activities.
11th Anniversary - "Outdoors Access 4 All!" Family Adventure Day
A clip from News 27 of our 11th Anniversary - "Outdoors Access 4 All!" Family Adventure Day at Blackhawk Lake Recreational Area
AAW Receives State Award and more
AAW News Jan - Jun 2025
AAW shares a special Valentine’s Day story about love and love for the great outdoors! (Check it out here)
AAW is awarded as the 2025 Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Statewide Conservation Organization of the Year (Read more about it here!)
Celebrating Life, Nature and Milestones with Access Ability Wisconsin! (See our most recent story here)!
WI PBS features AAW
Angela Fitzgerald Hits the Trails with Access Ability Wisconsin. See how our OA4A Model works at Yellowstone Lake State Park in Wisconsin.
AARP featuring AAW's unique OA4A Model
Access Ability Wisconsin's model includes social connections and the ability for individuals to gain access to the healing benefits of nature at no-cost. Thus increasing independence and decreasing social isolation.
AAW's mission is to provide opportunities to access outdoor recreational experiences for people with temporary or permanent physical challenges (whether acquired at birth or later in life) by promoting access, inclusion, equity, and healthy living. We provide for free (with a small refundable deposit and completed survey), an outdoor wheelchair and enclosed trailer that individuals can use to explore the outdoors.
June 2025 - Updates
June 2025 Announcements
Happy Springing into Summer!
📊 Checkout our 2024 Annual Report
🎉 AAW Honored with a Statewide Award
🌿 Outdoors Access 4 All: From Inspiration to Action
Our OA4A initiative is transforming what it means to “access” the outdoors. Client testimonials are on page 24 of the Annual Report. Even more recent is the following:
"I would've never been able to go the distance or over the terrain we did. I so enjoyed being out at the Lower Yahara and on the land and by the creek at the ranch. These were beautiful days celebrating my son's birthday and remembering my husband on the first anniversary of his passing. I highly recommend using this service and the chairs. You should not miss out on the experience!" - Nancy S who hit the trails in Southwest Wisconsin..
All those smiles and stories like hers are why we do this work!
🚀 What’s Next: AAW’s Capital Campaign
As we celebrate our 11th year, we’re launching a capital campaign to raise funds for:
• A permanent storage, staging for trailer setup and maintenance, an office and training area, and
• An outdoor and environmental education center for all ages and abilities.
Your continued support will make this happen.
📅 Mark Your Calendar for September 13
Join us for our 11th Anniversary Celebration and be part of the future of Outdoors Access 4 All!
“Family Adventure Day is about more than just fun—it’s about connection,” said Monica Spaeni, Founder and President of AAW. “We want people of all abilities to feel empowered to enjoy the outdoors. This event brings together families, communities, and partners to celebrate inclusive recreation and the joy of being outside.”
February 2025 - Updates
👏 Access Ability Wisconsin (AAW) proudly acknowledges the outstanding contributions of Ray Anderson on his retirement from the Board of Directors serving as Vice President and Treasurer.
👏 A special shout out to Gary Stott, for over 7 years of service to AAW as Business Manager.
Their years of unwavering dedication, strategic leadership, and commitment to expanding "Outdoors Access 4 All!" have played a pivotal role in AAW's growth and impact.
Read more about Ray and Gary, along with an introduction to our newest AAW team members. And many stories from the outdoors!
