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All-terrain wheelchairs give people 'chance to play' in Georgia Parks
The heavy-duty Action Trackchairs, can effortlessly move over branches, rocks, sand, and even through shallow water. The chairs come equipped with five speeds and can handle a 20-degree incline.
ATLANTA - All-terrain wheelchairs give people "a chance to play":
It’s been more than a decade since many of us first met Aimee Copeland, the Snellville-native who contracted a flesh-eating bacteria in 2012 and eventually underwent a quadruple amputation.
And if there’s anything we learned about Copeland as we watched her recovery, it’s that obstacles never stood a chance against her.
"I’ve gotten married, I’ve moved to Asheville, North Carolina, I’ve opened a holistic retreat center, and — of course — launched All-Terrain Georgia, which has just taken off," says Copeland.
All-Terrain Georgia is Copeland’s new effort to create a fleet of powerful all-terrain wheelchairs and make them available for free at Georgia State Parks and other natural resources.
It’s an initiative of her Aimee Copeland Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources.
"There was a time in my life where every day I was trail-running, kayaking, doing something," says Copeland. "I could point in any direction and start going and just keep going. And then I landed in a wheelchair and I can’t just do that. There’s curb cuts, there’s roots, there’s rocks."
But none of those things are a match for the heavy-duty Action Trackchairs, which effortlessly move over branches, rocks, sand, and even through shallow water. The chairs come equipped with five speeds and can handle a 20-degree incline.
"The first time I got in one of the chairs — I’m a double amputee — it was like I was running again," says the foundation’s Melanie Dunn. "This program allows people a chance to play. It gives them a chance to explore God’s beauty and the Universe at its absolutely best."
As of now, there are all-terrain wheelchairs at 10 state parks, including Panola Mountain State Park in Stockbridge. Copeland says the goal is to eventually purchase a van to be able to transport all-terrain wheelchairs to any park in the state.
"I think this is a great opportunity for our parks to expand the audiences that we can reach, and also introduce the outdoors and a love of the outdoors to more Georgians," says Panola Mountain State Park manager Lesley Mobley.
For Copeland, All-Terrain Georgia is a way to help people overcome bumps on the road — both the literal ones, and the obstacles that can’t be seen.
"People are in tears," says Copeland. "We had one person who lived near a local state park whose wife and child go on hikes every day at this park. He’s never been able to go with them. Until now."
For more information on All-Terrain Georgia — including participating locations and instructions on making a reservation to use one — click here.
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Jazzy McBee talks the annual Teen Glitter and Goals Vison Board Party
The 6th Annual Glitter and Goals Vision Board Party is a phenomenal experience that catapults the hopes, dreams and goals of young girls. Radio personality Jazzy McBee is the founder of the Fab 5 Foundation, and she joins Alyse Eady to talk all about the upcoming event.
Jazzy McBee talks the Annual Teen Glitter and Goals Vison Board Party: A perfect way to start Women's History month, the 6th Annual Glitter & Goals Vision Board Party is a phenomenal experience that catapults the hopes, dreams and goals of young girls. Focused on building and nurturing young minds, The Fab 5 Foundation along with special guest will empower and motivate attendees. The event will be filled with available mentorship programs, board exercises, girl talk, guest speakers, special gifts by DTLR, Breaking Barriers, InspiredU, Costco, Target, Kenny Kreams and more. This exciting event is dedicated to girls age 12 – 17. RSVP is required to attend. It's happening this Saturday at 12 p.m. For ticket and location information click here.
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Olly Sholotan talks 'Bel-Air' season 2 and his different take on Carlton Banks
'Bel-Air' is back, and this time around, Will and the Banks family have some tough decisions to make and some relationships to mend. Olly Sholotan plays Carlton Banks, and he joins Alyse Eady to talk about the show's second season and what's it like returning to the famous role.
Olly Sholotan of Peacock's "Bel-Air" talks season 2 and more: The Peacock show is re-imagination of the beloved sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" set in modern-day America through a new, dramatic take on Will's complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel Air. As these worlds collide, he reckons with the power of second chances while navigating the conflicts, emotions and biases of a world far different from the only one he's ever known. Stream "Bel-Air" on Peacock now, with new episodes streaming Thursdays. Click here to watch the trailer
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Actress Gail Bean on 'Snowfall's' final season
FX's hit "Snowfall" is in the middle of it's sixth and final season-- and every loyal watcher wants to know how things work out or don't for each character. Stone Mountain native Gail Bean plays Wanda and she joins Alyse Eady to talk all about the ups and downs of her character.
Gail Bean talks sixth and final season of "Snowfall": In the episode premiering Wednesday night, Leon and Wanda (Bean) return from Ghana to a very different world than the one they left behind. Snowfall airs Wednesday nights at 10 on FX. Watch this season's trailer here.