Access Ability Wisconsin

What Access Ability Wisconsin does

Access Ability Wisconsin, Inc. (AAW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2014 and headquartered in Belmont, Iowa County, Wisconsin. The organization provides adaptive outdoor recreation equipment, primarily a fleet of 34+ all-terrain outdoor wheelchairs (OWCs) paired with 30 enclosed trailers of varying sizes, free of charge to individuals with mobility challenges and their families. Users pay only a small refundable deposit ($25-$60) plus a completed survey, with the equipment designed to traverse rugged terrain including fields, forests, trails, snow, and ice via joystick controls, tilt mechanisms, and Gen I/II track systems. AAW also serves veterans (75,000+ across 140+ events), youth and families, older adults, and people living with paralysis through its Peer Mentoring Action (PMA) program.

The business model combines earned revenue from tiered coalition memberships (Bronze $500, Silver $1,000, Gold $1,500, Platinum $3,000 per year) and single-event partnerships ($500 per chair) with donation and grant funding, which dominates given the nonprofit structure. Equipment is distributed across 10+ Wisconsin counties through a hub-and-spoke model of coalition partner sites, including sportsmen's clubs (Blue Hills, North Bristol), nature centers (Wehr), farms, and community organizations. Marketing relies on earned media (AARP, WI PBS, local news), organic social (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube), and community word-of-mouth through events such as the annual OA4A Family Adventure Day and monthly PMA gatherings.

AAW has recently expanded into Iowa and Northern Illinois through cross-state partnerships, launched an $900,000 capital campaign for an Outdoor Education Center in Iowa County, and is acquiring a dedicated Accessible Truck for logistics. The organization was awarded the 2025 Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Statewide Conservation Organization of the Year and is led by Monica Spaeni, President and Co-founder, following retirements of key board and operational staff in early 2025.

Name

Access Ability Wisconsin

Legal name

Access Ability Wisconsin, Inc.

Website

https://accessabilitywi.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Access Ability Wisconsin is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that lends adaptive all-terrain outdoor wheelchairs and trailers free of charge to individuals with mobility challenges, veterans, and families across Wisconsin, distributing through coalition partners in 10+ counties with tiered membership and donation-based funding.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adaptive Outdoor Recreation Services

NAICS

Truck, Utility Trailer, and RV (Recreational Vehicle) Rental and Leasing (53212)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Equipment Rental & Leasing (7350)

akta.pro primary industry

Mobility Device Sales, Rental & Service (Wheelchairs, Scooters, Walkers) (HSABAKAC)

Keywords

• Adaptive outdoor equipment
• Nonprofit disability services
• All-terrain wheelchair access
• Mobility accessibility programs
• Outdoor recreation inclusion

Headquarters

HQ city

Mineral Point

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Coalition Membership Fees: Annual membership fees from organizations (Bronze $500, Silver $1,000, Gold $1,500, Platinum $3,000) that reserve OWC equipment for their events and communities. Deposits are refundable upon return of equipment in good condition.
2. Single Event Rentals: Organizations pay $500 per chair plus a deposit for single-event community partnerships. Larger trailers require larger deposits ($500, $750, $1,000). Includes signed Messaging Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
3. Donations and Grants: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, AAW relies on donations from individuals, corporations, and grantmaking organizations. Active capital campaigns include the Outdoor Education Center ($900,000 goal, $150,000 raised) and Accessible Truck acquisition ($120,000 goal, $5,000 raised).
4. Individual Membership and Reservation Deposits: Individual memberships are free; advanced reservations require a refundable deposit ($50 base, $60 same-day/onsite, $25 first-time). Deposits are returned or donated upon equipment return and survey completion.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Access Ability Wisconsin loans adaptive outdoor wheelchairs (OWCs) and trailers at no cost to individuals with mobility challenges across Wisconsin and parts of Iowa and Northern Illinois. The organization operates a fleet of more than 34 chairs and trailers, complemented by a coalition partner model that places equipment at community hubs and supports single-event community partnerships.

Product overview

Access Ability Wisconsin operates as a nonprofit equipment lending organization offering adaptive outdoor recreation equipment, primarily all-terrain motorized wheelchairs (OWCs) and enclosed trailers, provided free to individuals with mobility challenges and rented to organizations through membership tiers. The core product is the fleet of outdoor wheelchairs available in various sizes (Single, Mid, and Event configurations) with features like tracks for rough terrain, joystick controls, and hunting/fishing accessories. Services include Individual Memberships (Pathfinder, Explorer, Hiker), Coalition Memberships (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), Single Event partnerships, and the Peer Mentoring Action (PMA) program. Equipment is distributed across Wisconsin counties through checkout locations and network partners.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Outdoor Wheelchair (OWC) Lending Program

Quantifiable outcome

• 75,000+ veterans served across 140+ veteran events
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Blue Hills Sportsmen's ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAAW's Northwest Wisconsin Regional Hub (Hosting Program) partner, serving as checkout/in, storage, advanced reservations off-site, and community engagement activities & events location. Co-hosts OA4A Family Adventure Days, veteran events, trap shoots, and archery programs in Barron County.
• Wehr Nature CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum-level hosting program, checkout/in partner. On-site, hosting program, and checkout/in location in Milwaukee County. Co-hosts community events and outdoor education programming.
• North Bristol Sportsmen's ClubcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCheckout/in location in Dane County for community engagement events and single events. Serves the Madison/Sun Prairie area.
• Half Moon OutdoorsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCheckout/in location in Rock County for outdoor wheelchair and trailer reservations.
• Scholl Community Impact GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition and community partner in Vilas County, hosting outdoor trail events and accessible outdoor programming. Co-hosts 4th of July Aaeters Parade in Mercer, WI.
• Adaptive Works, Inc.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCheckout/in location in Racine County providing adaptive outdoor equipment access.
• Gilbertson TransitminorOthersStorage partner for AAW equipment.
• Easterseals WisconsincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner working with AAW to provide inclusive outdoor recreation for people with disabilities. Co-hosts Easterseals Wisconsin Veterans Family Camp.
• United Spinal Association - Iowa ChapterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnering with AAW for Dubuque County Adaptive Outdoor Adventure Day, providing accessible outdoor experiences for people with spinal cord injuries.
• Spina Bifida Association of IowaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnering with AAW for Dubuque County Adaptive Outdoor Adventure Day, celebrating access and outdoor connection for individuals with spina bifida.
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with AAW on Learn to Trap, Angler Certification, and Learn to Fish programs. DNR-certified instructors lead outdoor skills training at AAW events across Wisconsin.
• Schools and Educational InstitutionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchools partner with AAW for outdoor field trips and environmental education, enabling students with disabilities to fully participate in nature-based learning.
• Central Wisconsin Fur, Fin & Feather (CWF3)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommunity engagement partner hosting AAW equipment for outdoor events in central Wisconsin.
• Businesses and Corporate PartnersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partners support AAW through employee matching gift programs and corporate giving campaigns to enhance accessible nature trails and outdoor education.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Move United: National affiliate network delivering adaptive sports and recreation for people with disabilities. A broader umbrella organization comparable to AAW's mission but with a federation/network model rather than direct equipment lending.
• United Spinal Association: National spinal cord injury advocacy and peer support organization with active chapters partnering with AAW. Highly relevant given AAW's SCI peer mentoring and PMA program, though United Spinal is broader (advocacy, benefits support) rather than equipment-focused.
• Easterseals: National disability services nonprofit with a vast portfolio of programs (employment, therapy, recreation). Has a direct partnership with AAW (Easterseals Wisconsin Veterans Family Camp) and represents a strategic ally and broad-incumbent comparability.
• The Independence Fund: National nonprofit providing adaptive equipment (including mobility devices) to veterans, with a large-scale veteran-beneficiary focus comparable to AAW's Veterans & Families program but with broader programs beyond outdoor recreation.

Direct peers

• National Ability Center: 501(c)(3) providing adaptive outdoor recreation and sports for individuals with disabilities nationwide. Comparable mission and beneficiary base, with a broader activity portfolio (skiing, rafting, etc.) than AAW's outdoor wheelchair focus.
• Outdoors for All: Seattle-based nonprofit providing adaptive and inclusive outdoor recreation for people with disabilities. Directly comparable mission, with a regional rather than state-based hub-and-spoke model similar to AAW's.
• Challenge Aspen: Adaptive outdoor recreation nonprofit serving participants with disabilities through skiing, rafting, and summer programs. Comparable beneficiary base and mission, with a more recreation-program (rather than equipment-lending) delivery model.
• Wilderness Inquiry: Nonprofit that provides outdoor adventure experiences for people of all abilities, including those with mobility challenges. Highly comparable mission, with longer tenure and a similar model of inclusive outdoor programming but without AAW's equipment-lending focus.

Emerging players

• Life Rolls On: Adaptive surfing and wheelchair sports nonprofit. Comparable adaptive-outdoor-recreation mission with a distinct activity focus (surfing) but a similar model of leveraging equipment and programming to enable recreation for individuals with mobility challenges.
• High Fives Foundation: Nonprofit serving injured veterans and athletes with adaptive sports equipment grants. Comparable adaptive-equipment-for-outdoor-recreation focus, but with a narrower injured-athlete beneficiary profile and grant-based (not free-loan) equipment delivery.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@outdoorsaccess4all
• Facebookfacebook.com/AccessAbilityWI
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/access-ability-wisconsin
• Instagraminstagram.com/access.ability.wi

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Access Ability Wisconsin