MS Eligibility Criteria

At First Descents, we pride ourselves on being able to adapt to a wide range different physical abilities and backgrounds. That being said, we also strive to create the safest and most healing environment possible for our participants. The following includes FD’s participant eligibility criteria for all MS programs. Before proceeding with any portion of the application process, please ensure that you meet the following criteria.

• In an effort to serve the young adult community, participants must have been diagnosed with MS between the ages of 15 to 39 and currently be between the ages of 18-45.
• Participants must be able to perform day to day functions, including traveling without the assistance of a caregiver.
• ADA compliant lodges to accommodate a group of our size is very difficult to find however, we strive to find MS-friendly lodging, including comfortable bathroom and sleeping arrangements as best as we can. Some of our lodges have stairs (with handrails), some bunk beds and shared bathrooms. Therefore participants must be able to walk up/down stairs and be comfortable sharing a bathroom and potentially sleeping in a bunk bed.
• Participants must be able to move independently from a seated position to a standing position.
• Participants must be able to swim, submerge their head, and hold their breath.
• Participants must be able to reach their arms over their head.
• Participants must be able to sit upright with their legs in front of them for an extended period of time for a couple hours at a time.
• Participants must be able to potentially walk 10-15 minutes over uneven terrain, including sand, rocks, and sloping hillside to reach water and rock access points.
• If a participant has a history of seizures, they must be medically cleared to drive and be stable for a year without an incident.