The National Rifle Association Adaptive Shooting Programs and Business Alliance has launched an Adaptive Product Providers database to highlight businesses that deliver the best in services, gear and training for disabled firearm enthusiasts. “People of all ability levels are heading into the outdoors to take part in the shooting sports at impressive levels,” said Dr. Joe Logar, national manager of NRA’s Adaptive Shooting Programs. “This database provides a one-stop resource to ensure they can make the most out of those experiences.”
Results from the latest U.S. Census found 74 million Americans identify themselves as disabled. Those numbers are increasing dramatically. Results from the 2010 U.S. Census indicated the number of disabled stood well below that figure—56.7 million, or 19 percent.
The NRA Adaptive Product Providers database provides enthusiasts direct links to organizations with products and services that make the outdoors and the shooting sports more accessible to people with disabilities. Featured outfits range from companies selling devices that make loading pistol magazines easier to all-terrain wheelchairs to take hunters anywhere wild game may go.
“Helping people find their way back to the outdoors is incredibly rewarding,” Dr. Logar said. “Hopefully this database will make that journey a little bit easier.”
The NRA Adaptive Shooting Program web page provides and added resource for disabled enthusiasts or those with family or friends facing physical challenges in continuing their pursuit of the shooting sports. In addition, the firearm industry leads the way in helping returning veterans and current members of the Armed Forces overcome the challenges they face as they attempt to resume outdoor activities. Honored American Veterans Afield is one of the foremost.
When President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans With Disability Act in 1990 he stated, “Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down.”
