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 Companions provide one on one staff support for people with disabilities allowing them to access recreational and social events in their communities. With the support of a companion, individuals can participate in programs or activities that might otherwise be inaccessible to them.
Companions can assist individuals with disabilities with transportation, supervision (when appropriate), feeding, toileting, changing clothes, behavior management, and fine motor skill activities. Companions also help participants learn new skills and acquire new interests, foster self-esteem, encourage independence and healthy living, and develop community connections.
Companions have Standard First Aid and CPR certification, an approved driving record, and have passed a criminal history records check through the State of Oregon Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Division. Companions also receive training in risk management, the philosophy of inclusion, disability awareness, adapted recreation, and wheelchair lift and van operation.
 The goal of this program is to encourage independence and healthy lifestyles by creating successful experiences. Companion Program activities are custom designed based on client interests, goals, and needs. Some people choose to learn new recreational skills, such as swimming, canoeing, bowling, or even rock climbing. Others may want to sign up for organized recreational programs such as a dance class or a sea-kayaking trip. While other participants may choose to go shopping, out to dinner and a movie, or for a stroll in the park; the possibilities are endless because all activities are based on the individual interests of the client. Regardless of the activity, companions ensure that the person that they are working with has an enjoyable and empowering experience.
In March of 2001, Washington County Health and Human Services awarded Adventures Without Limits a grant to provide increased recreational and social opportunities for people with disabilities. AWL responded by increasing their adventure program offerings and starting the Companion Program. AWL began hiring and training staff to work one on one with individuals with disabilities in a variety of social and recreational settings. AWL also purchased a wheel chair lift van in order to increase access by eliminating transportation barriers. Because AWL has a long history of providing inclusive recreational opportunities for people of all abilities, it is easy to view this new program as an additional opportunity to create positive, life changing experiences for people with disabilities.
 We are committed to providing quality, custom designed experiences for our participants. With an emphasis on customer service, we strive to eliminate barriers to social and recreational opportunities so that our participants can become more involved in their communities. Our focus is to provide a quality, affordable community resource for families and individuals with disabilities.
Companion services, contracted through Adventures Without Limits, are available to:
 Individuals who want services for themselves or a family member
Group Homes and Service providers that need additional staff to support their own social or recreational programs and activities.
Many people have financial support from their county's Developmental Disabilities Division, while others opt to pay privately. Financial support may be available through the following agencies:
Self-Determination Resources, Inc. 503.292.7142
Inclusion, Inc 503.232-2289
Developmental Systems, Inc. 503.258.2440
Washington County Developmental Disabilities Division 503.846.5737
Multnomah County Developmental Disabilities Division 503.988.3658
For current rates and service areas or more information about the Companion Program, please contact Program Director Amanda Wriggins at amanda@awloutdoors.com or call 503.359.2512.
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