GREENFIELD, NH – Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center of Greenfield, NH has received two grants for its ground-breaking accessible trails project. The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and the Dell Foundation (an outreach of Dell Computer) have each awarded grants of $5,000 to Crotched Mountain toward its project of building the world's first accessible trail system in a mountain environment.

"Crotched Mountain is about creating access for people with disabilities so they can take part and be vital members of communities," says Don Shumway, president of Crotched Mountain. "The accessible recreation project is part of that mission. Our goal is to make the outdoors accessible to everyone, including the general public, not just our clients."

When complete, the 4-mile trail system will offer outdoor recreation to people of all ages and abilities, including those in wheelchairs and the increasing number of seniors who want to continue their enjoyment of the outdoors.

The Dell Foundation grant supports the construction of the Dutton Brook Trail, a 1.5 mile trail surrounding a wetland area frequented by deer, moose, bears, porcupines and other upland species.

The Reeve grant will help build a welcome center kiosk at the Dutton Brook trail head to provide information to visitors. The welcome center will be named in honor of Dana Reeve in recognition of her interest and support for Crotched Mountain's outdoor recreation projects.

"We have received several grants from the Reeve Foundation, including for our accessible treehouse when Dana and Christopher were alive," says Shumway. Members of the Crotched Mountain community were especially honored when Dana Reeve attended the opening ceremony for the treehouse. "Our memories of Dana will always be framed by the day she helped us dedicate our treehouse and by the energy and encouragement she brought to Crotched Mountain in her support of this and other projects."

The Dutton Brook trail is in the final stages of construction and will open next spring. The $300,000 cost of construction has been raised entirely from private donors, gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations. Upon completion, it will be the longest trail built to universal design standards for an accessibility in a mountain environment.

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. The Dell Foundation supports a wide range of programs that benefit children, newborn to 17 years of age.

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Crotched Mountain is a charitable organization whose mission is to serve individuals with disabilities and their families, embracing personal choice and development, and building communities of mutual support. Crotched Mountain provides specialized education, rehabilitation, community, and residential support services for more than 2,000 consumers, including individuals with disabilities and the elderly, living in New England and New York. For more information about Crotched Mountain, please visit www.crotchedmountain.org