Horny Toad works to broaden opportunities for developmentally disabled adults

Five years ago Horny Toad founded the Planet Access Company with Chicago’s Search Development Center to provide work opportunities to adults with developmental disabilities. This summer, they took their dedication to their members a step further and offered a trip to the Appalachian Trail.

Part of PAC’s Search for Adventure program, the Appalachian Trail was the fifth outdoor outing the group has offered and the first to that area. Nearly 140 residential program members were offered the trip and chosen based on their interest in the itinerary. The program uses profits from PAC to provide outdoor recreation opportunities to the development center’s members.

Katherine Edelen of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, a hosting partner in the program, said, “It felt like the most worthwhile thing I have ever done in my life. I was deeply touched by the experience. I will never forget them.  I’m looking forward to hiking with the Search folks again next year.”

Future trips include the Grand Canyon in late September, the Florida Panhandle, Aspen, and a return to the Appalachian Trail, among others.

PAC is a social purpose enterprise offering a broad range of third-party logistics services including automated inventory management and order fulfillment services to mid-size entrepreneurs. Horny Toad said PAC plays a key role in its operations and those of other client companies, while providing paid work opportunities to Search Developmental Center program members.
 
“As our partnership with Planet Access Company continues to grow, evolve and thrive, it becomes more and more clear that it’s not just a good thing to do, it’s the right thing to do,” said Gordon Seabury, president of Horny Toad. “The outdoors should be and can be enjoyed by everyone.”

Horny Toad is also looking to connect more outdoor manufacturers with PAC’s services and develop the group’s customer base. It’s holding special informational meetings during Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in its booth (#2853) on Aug. 12-14 at noon and 5 p.m. Representatives from PAC will be on hand to discuss their commitment to social responsibility, which is comprised almost entirely of giving its members the opportunity to work and train, and helping fund Search for Adventure.