Disabled Explorers

This article originally published in the September 2010 issue of Adventure Insider Magazine. In 1988, a vibrant young man who loved the outdoors had his life changed forever when a truck blew through a red light. Lance Blair was only 18 years old when he lost his left leg in this tragic accident. The doctors weren’t sure if Lance would make it through the weekend, much less ever walk again. 22 years later, not only does Lance walk, he drives one of the most amazing off road machines I’ve seen. But I’m getting ahead of myself. In 2000 Lance decided to give up his thriving tobacco shops in order to pursue a different goal. He wanted to help people in the same way so many special people helped him after his accident. Lance decided to become a nurse. And that decision was just the beginning of Lance’s service to others. His next big leap came in 2006 when Toyota began selling their iconic FJ Cruiser. Lance was immediately sold on FJs. He loved the look, the capability, and the possibilities. I first met Lance (virtually) on an online forum dedicated to FJ Cruisers. It was there that I learned about his passion for off-road driving, adventure, and expeditions. When I started FJC Magazine, I asked Lance if he’d be interested in a recurring feature called “Expedition Wheeling” to cover thoughts and ideas related to long-range overland driving. He was more than happy to help out and I’m glad to say he’s still writing for us today. Not long after Lance had his FJ (mostly) setup for vehicle dependent expeditions, he decided that he wanted to share his knowledge and love of the outdoors with other disabled persons. Disabled Explorers was born.

The first major trip Lance put together for Disabled Explorers was one for the record books: three FJ Cruisers, over 5,000 miles, and 24 days, all to explore the continental divide from Canada to Mexico. The kicker: trying to stay off road (off pavement) for as much of the trip as possible. That trip was a huge success and served to motivate Lance to expand Disabled Explorers even more. The FJ Cruisers worked well for the continental divide trip, but there was one major drawback to the fun little trucks: wheelchair access. In order for Lance to truly serve all disabled persons, he would need something a little larger, but still as capable. At the Overland Expo a couple of years ago, Lance found his answer: the Sportsmobile camper van. Of course, Disabled Explorers wouldn’t build just any old conversion van; this vehicle had to be able to go where few could -- it had to be stout, tough, equipped, and capable of handling nearly any situation. Enter the W.A.V.E. (Wheelchair Accessible Van for Expeditions). The W.A.V.E. is a very well equipped Sportsmobile conversion van (based on a Ford full size van) with nearly every bell and whistle you can imagine. The Sportsmobile comes ‘standard’ with upgrades like a Dynatrac Pro Rock 60 axle, ARB Air Locker, heavy duty shocks and Dakar springs, a high capacity fuel tank, and dozens of other enhancements. The real interesting bits of the W.A.V.E. though are the unique features for the disabled. The wheelchair lift; the hand controls; the automatic step; and all the other mobility enhancements make this the ideal vehicle for disabled exploring. Lance’s goal is to allow disabled persons to truly explore the outdoors like never before. We’re not talking about a guided tour where the participants sit in the back & enjoy the view (although they’re welcome to do so). Lance gives everyone the opportunity to drive the W.A.V.E. off road. It’s one thing to see the great outdoors, it’s another to experience it.

Disabled Explorers is not some vast organization with plenty of resources and a waiting list of participants. Although, not surprisingly,  there is a waiting list. The fact is Disabled Explorers is supported almost entirely by its founder, Lance Blair. He works extra shifts at the hospital to fund weekend trips into the great outdoors. These trips range from simple day trips, which allow a participant to get used to the W.A.V.E., to full multi-day expeditions. Participation is completely free of charge. Lance is adamant that Disabled Explorers and its supporters foot the bill for everything. And, although the W.A.V.E. does feature some equipment and gear that’s been donated, the operation, maintenance, repair, and refitting bills fall straight into Lance’s lap, not to mention the monthly payment for the $75,000 van. Of course, he’s more than happy to give to the project he started. For him, it’s all about helping others. There are plenty of future plans for Disabled Explorers. There are at least two other chapters expected to open in the very near future (San Diego, CA and Pueblo, CO). Depending on donations, sponsorships, and grants, they’ll feature their own versions of the W.A.V.E. and of course they will have the same mission: To expose as many disabled persons as possible to the great outdoors. Lance won’t be able to do it alone though, he needs our help. If you’re interested in helping Lance continue and expand the Disabled Explorers mission, he’s setup a Paypal account to accept donations, you can access the DE Donation Page here. Another great way to help the cause is by spreading the word. If you’re on Facebook you can ‘Like’ the Disabled Explorers Page (http://www.facebook.com/disabledexplorers) and tell your friends and family about this great program. Thanks, Lance. And, keep exploring! Shane will be covering some of Disabled Explorers’ adventures in upcoming issues of Adventure Insider, so stay tuned for many amazing stories!