RPG Bus Passenger Side Wrap Mockup
Here is the mockup for the passenger side wrap planned for the wheelchair accesible RPG Bus in the next 1-2 weeks, added to the RPG Fleet.
RPG Mobile
Wheelchair Accessible Mobile Facilities
"We go where no one else does.
Helping those who need it most!"
The Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer, a mobile Therapeutic Recreation & Music facility. Providing "RPG Therapy", "RPG Education", and "RPG Research" to people in un-served and under-served locations.
Donate to the RPG Trailer through the RPG Research Project.
Help improve the Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer to seat more people with special needs.
The Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer - Donate Today!
Zombie Orpheus Entertainment, of The Gamers and Journey Quest.
Videos:
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RPG Bus exterior walk around: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_ZHipoctpI
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RPG Bus and RPG Trailer Getting ready for Great Western USA RPG Tour 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIjxhFrws08
Interview Wheelchair Access RPG Bus, RPG Trailer, RPG Research, RPG Therapy, SpoCon Game Day!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBNbfWGLFmA -
RPG Bus & RPG Trailer on RPG Tour 2018 Drone Flyover video Role-playing games on wheels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3vmPxob49c
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RPG Trailer, RPG Bus, RPG Tour, RPG Research, RPG Therapeutics Drone shot rough 1 095003: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3vmPxob49c
NOTE THIS PAGE IS STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER TO HELP COMPLETE IT,
[INSIDE RPG BUS]
On KREM 2 News & NorthWest Cable Network (NWCN)
A mobile, wheelchair-friendly facility expanding the reach of RPG Therapeutics, providing Recreation Therapy and Music services to un-served and under-served populations throughout North America. Using role-playing games to achieve therapeutic "RPG Therapy" and educational "RPG Education" goals for clients and students.
Video #1, from Segment ("Hit") #3, 7:45 am, October 10, 2016. Donate To the RPG Trailer Today!
Archived Video & Article from KREM 2 News, original URL: http://www.krem.com/news/local/spokane-county/local-man-opens-unique-mobile-therapy-unit-to-help-physically-disabled/333302903
Also they posted it on Northwest Cable News here: http://www.nwcn.com/news/local/spokane-county/local-man-opens-unique-mobile-therapy-unit-to-help-physically-disabled/333306503
Interested in having the RPG Mobile come to you?
The Wheelchair Accessible RPG Bus and 2 RPG Trailers (collectively known as the "RPG Mobile" or RPG fleet) are personally owned by RPG Research's founder Hawke Robinson. He acquired them at substantial personal financial burden to bring his vision of mobile accessible facilities to life.
He donates their free use to RPG Research (and others) whenever feasible.
They are available for use across the continental US during annual tours and for special arrangements.
To date we have not tried to take them into Canada, Mexico, or other countries, and do not know what the regulations are for such vehicles and their use in those countries. Though we would love to have the funding to find out!
They are also generally potentially available throughout the Northwest USA (WA, ID, MT, OR), depending on program schedules, each month.
Generally RPG Research does not have enough funding from donations to cover the transportation costs, so most of the time Hawke Robinson has either covered the travel costs personally for RPG Research programs, or when he uses them in conjunction with paying events or clients through RPG Therapeutics LLC, which includes speaking engagements at conferences/conventions, training workshops, and program contracts with various organizations and facilities. Recently we have sometimes had sufficient donations to cover the gas money for the RPG Mobile to support RPG Research programs locally and across the US.
Due to requests from many families, the RPG Mobile is available for a wide range of uses. See RPG.LLC for details on the variety of programs available beyond RPG Research's core community and research programs.
For RPG Research programs using the RPG Mobile, you can get further information by contacting info at rpgresearch dot com, calling US Toll-free (833) RPG-INFO (774-4636), or direct phone/text (509) 608-7630.
For all other uses of the RPG Mobile (including parties, retreats, therapy programs, etc.), you can get further information by emailing info at rpgtherapy dot com, calling US Toll-free (833) RPG-PROS, or direct phone/text (509) 608-6441 for specifics.
Proposed (not finalized)
Service Areas
The RPG Bus, RPG Trailer, and GM Bundles, are available in different service areas. This page provides information about those service. Service outside of these zones may be provided by special arrangement.
Service Areas
Select your region, and then determine if your location is within the primary service area (no travel fees), extended service area (fixed travel fee), or regional service area (by special arrangement only, fees will have to be determined).
Regions Map
Click on map for larger image.
Region 1
Primary Service Areas
Extended Service Areas
Region 2
Primary Service Areas
Extended Service Areas
Region 3
Primary Service Areas
Extended Service Areas
Region 4
Primary Service Areas
Extended Service Areas
Region 5
Primary Service Areas
Extended Service Areas
Region 6
Primary Service Areas
Extended Service Areas
Region 7
Primary Service Areas
Extended Service Areas
Region 8
Primary Service Areas
Extended Service Areas
History of the RPG Mobile Accessible Fleet, Founding & Progression.
(details pending)
The seeds leading to the research.
(details pending)
The challenges with Game stores
(details pending)
The challenges with Libraries
(details pending)
The challenges with Schools
(details pending)
The challenges with Community Centers
(details pending)
The challenges with hospitals
(details pending)
The challenges with rehabilitation centers
(details pending)
The challenges with the VA
(details pending)
The challenges at long-term care and senior care centers
(details pending)
The challenges specifically at Saint Luke's Rehabilitation Center
This was the location that finally lead to the creation of the Wheelchair Accessible RPG Bus and RPG Trailers.
(details pending)
The challenges with being on the road (expensive) (hotels)
(details pending)
Raising Awareness through very visible physical symbol
(details pending)
The Solution: Accessible Mobile Facilities
(details pending)
The challenges with RVs
(details pending)
The challenges with car haulers
(details pending)
The challenges with mobile office/contractor units
(details pending)
The challenges with lifts (versus ramps)
(details pending)
The challenges with ramps (but best option for groups)
(details pending)
The Solution: Customized Toy Hauler RV Trailer
(details pending)
The Search
(details pending)
The WA state challenge with perfect custom-built Trailer (donate!)
(details pending)
Early design diagrams, mockups, and computer models
(details pending)
The first RPG Trailer - destroyed by thieves/vandals
Superlite 2007 - Was asking $30,000 but owner, due to purpose I was buying for, sold to me at just $13,000!
Unfortunately while it was on the lot getting cleaned up and prepared (they needed about 2 weeks for it to be ready for me), someone came on to the Clickit RV lot and stole the wiring and metal out of the trailer, ruining it. Clickit refunded all my money, but it meant after 2+ years of searching I had to start over searching for the right match. It would be 4 years before I would find another like it!
The second RPG Trailer - Expensive, but learned significant learning benefits from the process.
After several months of searching, and realizing the custom build option was going to lead to 1 to 2 years of delay due to Washington state bureaucratic red tape, I made the mistake of settling on a newer trailer that was very expensive, around $50,000 USD. The up side is I began to learn the whole RV trailer life and all of the additional improvements that need to be made for a more ideal trailer. The down side is that 4 years later I am only halfway finished paying it down (still owe about $24,000 as of 2020).
The RPG Bus - Pros and Cons of Bus versus Trailer
Limited space (width)
Lift is much slower than ramp
Too tall for ramp
We have found out the hard way that most insurance companies won't insure the bus at all, and the few that will charge an exhorbitant premium that is 10-20 times more expensive than trailer (over $3,000 USD per year just for liability (not full coverage)!
Can run into drivers license issues if not careful
After a couple of years of use, now know that better to have an SUV or pickup truck pulling a trailer than to have a bus or RV camper vehicles due to insurance and other challenges. Trailer model is most affordable model.
The RPG Bus - Accessible, inclusive, friendly, comfortable, mobile music and gaming facility, for recreation, therapy, entertainment or education programs.
The RPG Bus is an accessible, friendly, comfortable mobile facility helping provide therapeutic recreation, music, and role-playing games programs, also to raise awareness about accessibility and inclusiveness, the potential for therapeutic recreation, music, and role-playing games to improve lives, & a fund raiser for the 501(c)3 non-profit RPG Research.
The RPG Tour's purpose was to raise awareness about accessibility and inclusiveness, the potential for music and role-playing games to improve the lives, & a fundraiser for the non-profit RPG Research. Donate today!
RPG Tour 2018 finished!
The RPG Tour September 19 - October 14, 2018
Follow tour updates on Twitter: www.twitter.com/rpgtour
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rpgresearch.
More information about the RPG Tour route, schedule, and to request a visit: www.rpgtour.com
Donate to 501(c)3 non-profit RPG Research: http://www.rpgresearch.com/donate
Phone: (509) 481-5437
RPG Bus interior:
The RPG Bus
We have a new addition to the RPG Trailer family, the RPG Bus.
March 2018: Begun installing "wood" flooring myself:
February, 2018; Brakes fixed thanks to Ulrick's Auto.
September 12th, 2017, I purchased the RPG Bus. This is going to be a bit of a project vehicle, probably requiring a lot of work well into summer 2018.
The bus is a 1984 Thomas Activity Bus with a wheelchair lift. All the seats (except he driver) were already removed.
The bus runs, but needs a lot of clean up work before it will be ready for use.
Expect "before" photos September 13th.
This bus means that when we pull the RPG Trailer, we can show up with not one, but two wheelchair accessible gaming rooms on wheels. This means two groups can be run simultaneously!
My son and I will be working to fix it all up as soon as we can.
We will upload photos and progress reports on the http://www2.rpgbus.com website as we work on it.
Happy Gaming!
Please help spread the word:
The #Wheelchair accessible #RpgBus is here! Added to the #RpgTrailer "fleet". #RpgResearch providing role-playing games, ( #Rpg ) #TherapeuticRecreation / #RecreationTherapy and music to people in un-served and under-served locations! http://bit.ly/2wWXPWr Fully functional wheelchair lift. Support us today! http://www.gofundme.com/rpgtrailer http://www.patreon.com/rpgresearch Happy Gaming! http://www.rpgresearch.com http://www.rpgtrailer.com http://www.rpgbus.com
This is a major fixer-upper, but my youngest son is excited to help with the cleanup, repairs, overhauls, etc. Again, a LOT of work, but it runs and the wheelchair lift is fully operational. We drove it from the seller, up on top of Five Mile Prairie (a steep hill for a sustained duration), to take the shots, and then down the other side to my house. Then we drove it to the dump to unload the 1,240 poounds of junk left it in from the previous owner's father passing away, and back home. It held up well, though clearly we need to give it a good tune-up, brake bleed, and more, in addition to the cleaning. It will be an interesting project. I don't realistically expect it to be ready for clients until Spring/Summer, but at least we are another big step closer to another piece of the puzzle being filled.
We'll be sharing updates on the clean up and restoration on the RPG Bus website: http://www2.rpgbus.com
FYI, as with the wheelchair Friendly RPG trailer Prototype ( http://www.rpgtrailer.com ), I used my own funds to purchase this. I took up some tech contracts to whip up the funds necessary. Those supporting us through GoFundMe and Patreon, those funds are still going into the RPG Research & RPG Trailer savings accounts to be used to fund projects like the MDA camp and similar projects that we have done over the years since 2004. Thank you for your support! When the bus is fully up and running, then your support will help cover gas and such for such programs helping those most in need.
When it is fully up and running, combined with the RPG trailer, it means TWO mobile facilities on the road!
Happy Gaming!
-Hawke Robinson
September 13th, 2017.
RPG Bus Status Update 20171010
Remember, the RPG Bus was bought as a significant fixer upper, so we will be periodically posting updates here on the TODO list (as things are found), and the completion of that list, working toward making the bus usable for the RPG Research Project.
TODO List:
Buy bus - done.
Insurance - done.
Plates/tags - done.
Empty trash from back of bus - done.
Haul remaining trash to dump. Trip #1 = 1,060 pounds, trip #2 = 1,240 pounds. - done.
Drive bus to home. Done
Rake out look gunk from back of bus - done.
Clean driver area with windex, 409, bleech, simple green, etc. (just left side). Done
Clean driver area as above, right side - TODO.
Fix turn signals - TODO
Fix coolant leak(s) - TODO
Clean engine exterior to make easier to work on and diagnose issues - TODO.
Diagnose brakes dragging - TODO
Perform engine compression test - TODO
Replace spark plugs - TODO
Replace spark plug wires - TODO
Evaluate if need to rebuild carburetor (maybe) - TODO
Rip out carpet - TOD
Rip out wood paneling to clean/sanitize behind - TODO
Rip out overhead shelving (Safety hazard) - TODO
Get quotes on replacing crack glass - TODO
Repair/replace flooring as needed (rear feels questionable under carpet currently) - TODO
Add second gas tank (already has space, hookups, and switch, in place) for longer road trips - TODO
much more coming soon. Bookmark this page and check for updates about once per week.
RPG Bus Status Update 20180810
Here is the latest status update on the work fixing the RPG Bus as of August10th, 2018.
- Work accomplished so far (with photos):
trash hauled to dump (6+ tons)
seized front brake calipers replaced
new brake pads front and rear
new brakes master cylinder and lines
spark plugs
distributo cap and rotor replaced
convert air conditioning from r12 to r134
new a/c compressor
new a/c ...
new a/c ...
new radiator
new entire exhaust system from donuts back
rip out nasty olkd rotting carpet
scrape out old padding
blast out floor glue to expose original school bus flooring
install wood flooring
scrub walls and floor from blackened smoke nastiness every square inch
scrub dash and console clean off gunk
remove old nasty wood overhead shelves
add trailer hitch strong enough to pull rpg trailer and long enough for proper ride height level
wire up trailer ewiring
wire up electric brake cobtrols
replace dead and broken marker and brake light bulbs
replace broken marker and brake housingd
replace engine temp sensor
TODO:
rear door window glass replaced
fron coil springs rerplaced (scheduled for aug 27)
rear leaf springs reconditioned (schedfuled for aug 27)_
expansion valve for air conditioner replaced
slow a/c leak found and fixed
spark plug wires replaced.
spark plugs checked for oil fouling replaced as needed
wood floor trim
wood panels pulled, sanded, stained, reattched.
small rear view mirror installed
stereo housing mounted
stereo installed in housing
speakers hooked up
cb installed
cb antenna and coax installed
cabinets mounted
benches mounter
bench seat padding and fabric
rest of ceiling and wall scrubbed
wheelchair luft tuned up and solidified
wheelchaair lift painted and touched up
remove varoous ceiling eyebolts
find and fix ceiling water leaks in front over windshield
find and fix any other ceiling leaks
fix right braske light weak light
replace broken backup light housings
install new engine temp guage and sensor
install rpm guage and sensor
RPG Bus Status Update September 1st, 2018
Springs & shocks overhaul just finished yesterday. Still 1,001 things to do inside, and still to fix the rear door window and air conditioning before RPG Tour road trip around Sept 19-21.
Status Update September 6 2018
Here is the latest status update on the work being done on the RPG Bus as of September 6th, 2018.
The RPG Bus is still undergoing restoration, repairs, and enhancements.
Here is the latest update:
Front and rear springs and shocks renovated or replaced by Pohl's Springs ($1,800).
Now back at Lloyd's trying to find the air conditioner coolant leaks. It sounds like a new rear evaporator may be necessary in addition to the current expansion valve. Still waiting to hear back if they can find either part, and how much they will cost.
Completed installing the 3,000/6,000 watt power inverter Sunday.
Completed installing car stereo system and 1 box of speakers Sunday.
See previous postings for the lengthy todo list.
We're planning to have the bus on the road in time for the Western USA RPG Tour around September 19th, 20th, or at the latest 21st, and be on the road in 8-13 states until about October 6th-13th.
This will be quite the shakedown trip to see how the bus holds up.
More updates as they happen.
Status Update September 7, 2018
Bad news about the RPG Bus air conditioning.
Not only is the expansion valve for the front A/C malfunctioning an nobody can find a replacement after 2 months of searching, now it turns out the leak is in the rear A/C evaporator, and nobody can find a replacement for that either. There is a chance someone can solder/weld the Evaporator, which would at least give me partial Air Conditioning for the trip when down in Arizona, etc. But whether or not I can afford it in time or financially before the RPG Tour is a big question.
I am picking the bus back up from Lloyd's automotive this afternoon (after a meeting with Intrinium), and they have a list of people that _might_ be able to repair the evaporator.
Will post more when known.
RPG Bus September 8 2018 Status Update & Expenses List
Additional status update, and expenses list, on the RPG Bus as of September 8th, 2018, 19:37.
Bought the bus about 19 months ago, I've been steadily working on it almost every week since.
I put almost all of my income from part time consulting hours this year for information security company Intrinium into the bus.
Reminder, I started making payments on the bus, buying it from one of our volunteers after his father passed away (his father had been living in it for years). It was a nasty mess. The next cheapest bus that was large enough and had a wheelchair lift, was around $8,000 to $14,000 for very run-down high mileage buses. I bought the bus for $200/mo over 10 months (total $2k USD). Meanwhile, I knew it would need a LOT of elbow grease and parts to become usable for our goals, a wheelchair accessible (at least 2 people in wheelchairs) mobile game room that can pull the RPG Trailer as a second game room, or as a stand alone game room for research and community programs for RPG Research.
See the previous updates for earlier details.
Status update on the power inverter:
The 3000 watt (6000 peak) modified sine wave PEAK power inverter (PEAK Work Zone Mobile Power Outlet 3000 Model PKC0AW) doesn't work at all for the portable air conditioners. I tried both a lower end 7,000 BTU one and the 10,000 BTU, both just flicker lights on and off when plugged in, they don't even come close to running. This is an expected problem for modified sine wave inverters, but it was something I had handy and had to try, the inverter was less than $300 USD.
As reported earlier, all of the shocks, the front coil springs, the main rear leaf springs were all replaced, and the other leaf springs reconditioned, and additional springs added by Pohl's Spring Foundry last week ($1,800 USD). It ride much better now, and doesn't sway on left hand turns as it did before (failed right-front coil spring).
Unfortunately yesterday I started hearing some thunking sounds from the front suspension. I'm worries something has come loose. I'll try crawling under and see if I can see what is causing it. If I can, I'll take it back to Pohl's first thing Monday morning (7:30 am), and see if they can quickly find/fix it. I'm already scheduled for a third attempt at alignment at Gene's Alignment Monday 9:00 am.
Meanwhile, last week Lloyd's Automotive in Spokane Valley, found a few small gasket leaks (and fixed them), but found a hole in the rear air conditioning's evaporator. Nobody can find a replacement anywhere (old 1984 GMC bus with custom Trans Air A/C, in Thomas Bus Mighty Mite Bus).
It is looking pretty grim. I'm now over $2,200 into just the Air Conditioning alone, but it loses coolant within a day or two if used. (Already converted it from R-12 to 134).
Last hope is if a company in Airway Heights / Medical Lake area can solder/weld the damaged evaporator. They said most of the time they are "unrepairable", but that sometimes they can be depending on the location and type of damage. They said they will charge a minimum of $160/hr just to look at it to even just tell me that it can't be fixed. :-(
I'm scheduled to drop it off Monday afternoon so they can look at it Tuesday morning and let me know one way or the other.
Even if it can be fixed, with no one able to find the replacement expansion valve for the front A/C (so it doesn't work at idle or city traffic), I will still need some additional A/C.
We were planning next year, if we couldn't get the built-in A/C to work, to rip it out and install RV style air conditioning (like the RPG Trailer has). That is over $5,000 USD though!
So, since the 3k inverter I have didn't work, and we're going to need a power inverter for the RV A/C down the road, after doing research, I bit the bullet and bought a high end 4,000 true sine low frequency power inverter that should be able to handle possible two roll-in home air conditioners (that I own at home), and vent out the window(s). That cost me just under $1,000 USD, and should arrive Tuesday. These are the last desperate options left for air conditioning before the tour.
It also turns out, as mentioned earlier, that Ulrick's didn't have the nuts for the bus's suspension even finger tight! Pohl's tried to fix that.
Also it appears that Ulrick's overfilled the automatic transmission fluid, I found this out when 2 weeks ago a puddle suddenly started appearing. When I checked transmission (running, hot), it was severely overfilled. <sigh>
Summary of expenses for the RPG Bus so far:
- Bus purchase: $2,000 USD ($200/mo for 10 months), paid off. (Jacob)
- Brake system overhaul, frozen calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, axle seals, etc. (as needed), $2,400. (Ulrick's)
- Front suspension bushings: $900 (Ulrick's)
- Air Conditioning so far: $2,200 ($1,900 Ulrick's, $300 Lloyd's, ...)
- Tune up (Hawke and youngest son did last year): distributor cap, rotor, wires, spark plugs,oil change: $250 (Napa Auto Parts, Hawke & Drake labor).
- Radiator replaced: $400 (Ulrick's)
- Entire exhaust system from "donuts back" (Ulrick's), $900.
- Needs another tune up before this road trip, at least spark plugs and oil change/filter. ($60, Napa auto parts, Hawke labor).
Base costs total: $9,110
- Artwork commissions (paid by Hawke to artists over Fiverr): $1,200
- Wrap on both sides of bus, and URL on all 4 sides: $3,200 (Northwest Solar Protection).
Total so far: $13,510.
Upgrades / feature adds:
- Power Inverter: $1,000 (Hawke)
- Car stereo and speaker box & wiress (Kenwood bottom model stereo $160, installed by Hawke).
- Add exterior deadbolt and padlock to bus doors to secure ($100 in parts, Hawke labor).
Total so far: $14,670
Interior:
- Wood flooring: ($250 from Costco, installed 90% by Hawke, and 10% by Brooke and her father).
- Haul garbage and old carpet inside to dump (over 6,000 lbs!) $350.
- Scrub interior with bleach (labor: Hawke, Danielle & her boyfriend, Drake)
- Power wash floor to remove carpet glue (Hawke labor).
- Touch up paint and remove rust with sander, priming, paint, and gloss coat (supplies $250, labor Hawke). Still more to do.
- Replace broken tail light bulbs and covers, $50 (Hawke labor).
- Replace rear door shattered lower window ($150, City Glass, pending September 17th appt).
- 2x Bench seats, high weight capacity for heavy 400+lb gamers (500 lb capacity each, mounting over wheel wells and adding reinforcement to handle 1,000 lb each (labor: Hawke) (parts: $250)
- Padded seats with vehicle upholstery, custom made by C&B upholstery (quoted, don't have yet) for both benches, total cost: $600.
- Repair, re-pad, reupholster torn, worn out drivers seat, by C&B upholstery (quoted, don't have yet, $600, they did an excellent job on my Bronco seat years ago).
Still to do:
- Fix air conditioning. minimum additional $160 Monday
- Alignment: $80.
- Fix small leaks in front windshield/roof (very difficult, Hawke, silicone).
- Replace temperature sending unit and gauge.
- Install CB, wires, coax, antenna mount(s) and antenna(e) (Hawke has lying around, all Hawke labor).
- Ceiling mounted table
- Cabinets and shelving to store books, dice, accessories, character sheets, etc.
Toward RV Air Conditioning:
- Upgrade alternator to high capacity (for RV A/C next year): $800.
- Add 2 deep cycle batteries to current battery ($400) (for RV A/C next year).
- 2x Ceiling mounts curved roof to flat mount customization (Washington Auto Carriage, quote pending).
- 2x 15k BTU roof mount A/C (Washington Auto carriage, quote pending).
- Custom built housing for generator (Washington Auto Carriage, quote pending).
- Quiet run, electric start, generator (Washington Auto Carriage, quote pending).
To put some of this in perspective, the stripped down car hauler trailer, new is $15,000, and the current RPG Trailer protoype Toy Hauler RV Trailer is $45,000. The Ideal Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer would be $65,000.
I''m sure I'm forgetting quote a few items, I will update this page as I remember.
* Note, I keep specifying that this is out of my own pocket (Hawke Robinson), to be clear to donors that we are not using RPG Research donor money for the RPG Bus or RPG Trailer. I hope some day to bequeath the bus and trailer to RPG Research, right now RPG Research does't have anywhere enough money (need to be to running at least at $1,000 USD per month (currently at just $100) between donors and private grants (we don't apply for government grants as part of our charter), so I cover all the costs out of pocket (though I'm not sure how much longer I can sustain this if we don't get RPG Research on its own feet soon). All donor money currently goes to cover just the cost of existing as an organization (state & federal fees, city business licenses, etc.), and if anything left after the local, state, & federal annual fees, we use for our community and research programs, including books, paper, pencils, music instrument maintenance, dice, etc. Part of our charter is that we never exceed 20% of funds in administrative costs, and we try to keep it in the single digits as much as possible (the higher number is just during growth/transition periods). Most non-profits are considered gold/platinum if they are below 30%.
The third RPG Trailer - Almost There!
2008 Octane
In wonderful condition. Bought on consignment. Clickit RV sold to me for just a little over $11,000 USD!
After 4 years of searching finally found another trailer that was closer to ideal. Lower ride height for less steep ramp, larger and flatter garage area for the activity space. Comes with built in quiet run generator, etc.
The only things that would make it closer to the ideal trailer (see donation options) are:
-
Slideouts on each side to make wider to allow more people in wheelchairs.
-
Hydraulic lift system to lower and raise the ride height as needed to make ramp even less steep, but raise up on the road, and even higher when in offroad/dirtroad locations to prevent dragging on the ground and runing stabilizers
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Automated stabilizers
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Automated levels
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Automated tongue jack
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Wheelchair accessible bathroom doorway
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Wheelchair accessible roll-in shower.
The rest of the checklist this trailer meets though, so it is the closest we have come without the custom built trailer. We still hope some day to have the funding to build the ideal perfect trailer with all of the features to make it the most comfortable, accessible, and welcoming mobile facilities ever!
RPG Bus status Update 20180114
Status update as of January 14th, 2018.
Today, Drake and I worked on the bus in preparation to take it to Les Schwab to look over and make a repair TODO list for the future. For brakes, suspension, steering, we'll probably have Les Schwab do the work. After that has a thorough diagnostic (they are kindly providing for free!), we'll take it down to Ulbreicht's transmissions to make see how the transmission and differential are doing. For engine and other remaining areas, we'll probably do the work ourselves.
A few weeks ago we completely tested and replaced:
- HEI (ignition) control module and coil.
- Distributor cap & rotor.
- Spark plugs.
- We will be replacing the spark plug wires shortly (already bought, just need to do.
- We performed an engine compression test, and it was a solid 130-135 all the way around, and the plugs were not overly fouled out. All good signs of engine health.
I already know we need to:
- Repair/replace radiator or other coolant leaks.
- Repair/rebuild/replace disc brakes.
- Bleed brake system.
- Replace all fan belts.
- Replace valve cover gaskets (leaking oil slowly).
- Replace snapped off thermal actuator in the thermostat housing.
- Repair wonky temperature sending unit or gauge or wiring.
- Adjust timing.
- reattach vacuum leads, controls, sensors, that have been disabled by the previous owner.
- Add second battery back to vehicle. Jacob was selling it with two batteries, but he must have forgotten, because he only gave it to me with one battery, and it is not worth arguing about. But there is still a space and wires waiting for that second heavy duty marine battery. Well worth it to have it.
I am hoping to have it fully road worthy (though probably not pretty), by April, in time for WSTRA Conference in Wenatchee.
At some point we'll put some wraps on it probably.
It is still very gutless. Fiddling with the timing might be the key, but I need to rule out remaining drag from the brakes, and any transmission issues.
Once everything else is checked out, and fixed. if it is still too gutless to be usable for hauling the RPG Trailer (the primary purpose of the bus), then we will need to have the engine rebuilt, souped up to try to get 300-400+ horsepower. I have no idea what the current engine it. If it is the standard C3500 engine from 1984, it is a pitifal 150-180 hp from the factory, and only weaker over the decades. I am hoping that maybe they put a special engine in, since so much else is specially modified by Thomas Bus Motors. But without putting it on a dyno, I have no way of knowing.
I also need to buy a trailer hitch adapted that angles down to hook up for pulling the trailer.
Much to do, but we are on our way!
Phase 1 Wrap of RPG Bus
The first phase of getting the Wheelchair Accessible RPG Bus is now underway!
UPDATE April 16th, 2018 5:23 pm:
Phase 1 wrap is complete (passenger side):
Phase 1 is the driver side wrap. it cost $1,400 USD. I need to save up for Phase 2, to wrap the driver side (Same price again). Phase 3 will wrap the rear of the bus (about half the cost of the sides), and Phase 4 will wrap the front.
The wood flooring is about 90% complete for the floor. I haven't started on the wood floor trim yet.
Meanwhile, the lengthy todo list is coming along. Today I fixed the broken brake lights and turn signals (thanks to my distant past ASE automotive electrical background :-) ), cleaned up more of the rust and grime from the previous owner, figured out where I can wire up the 3,000 watt power inverter (use the same wiring as the wheelchair lift), and began working on the wiring needed to attach the RPG Trailer. I have 9 days left to get everything ready before the WSTRA conference and presentation!
The RPG Bus Website is not yet ready to start booking sessions, but it is now on the road nearly daily as we prepare for it's maiden voyage. We'll be taking it, with the RPG Trailer, to the upcoming Washington State Therapeutic Recreation Association anual Conference (WSTRA.org) April 27-28 in Wenatchee, Washington. This bus has been a major fixer-upper, and there is a lot more that needs to be finished before it is fully ready, but we're working very hard to get there.
Original Post: Since it is so expensive, I am having the bus wrapped in phases. The first step, in time for speaking at the upcoming annual Washington State Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference (WSTRA.org), wrapping the passenger side of the bus.
I had to do a LOT of prep work. Sanding off rust, priming, painting, power washing many times, it has to be immaculate.
They said it was one of the cleanest vehicles they have had brought in (on that side).
They might finish this evening. Here are photos of the progress so far:
Clarifying the complex relationship between RPG Bus, RPG Trailer, RPG Therapeutics LLC, RPG Research, & Hawke Robinson
Hawke Robinson is the founder and creator of all these efforts. Hawke began researching the effects of role-playing games in 1983, deliverying RPG in educational settings such as high school, gifted & talented children, in 1985, and therapeutic programs since 2004. Hawke is a Washington State Department of Health Recreational Therapist with a background in Therapeutic Recreation, music, neuroscience, research psychology, and computer science.
- RPG Research is a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)3 non-profit human services charitable organization providing research and community services using role-playing games and music.
- RPG Therapeutics LLC is a for-profit company providing professional services to client, care providers, therapeutic services, educational services, professional training, and entertainment services, including therapeutic recreation, music, consulting, and entertainment services, including RPGEducation.com and RpgNetwork.net, Find A GM, RPG Parties, etc.
- The Wheelchair Accessible RPG Trailer Prototype, and the Wheelchair Accessible RPG Bus are purchased and owned by Hawke Robinson, and loaned to RPG Research and RPG Therapeutics free of charge to help both organizations extend the reach of their their services, especially to those people most in need in under-served, un-served, and rural locations throughout the USA. Eventually, when RPG Research can afford the extensive costs to own and maintain the RPG Trailer and RPG Bus, Hawke Robinson will donate them to RPG Research.
- The GoFundMe for the Ideal Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer is to build the ideal wheelchair friendly trailer. The current prototype trailer can accommodate 3 people in wheelchairs (plus 3 others no in wheelchairs, or 6 people total not in wheelchairs), the RPG bus can accommodate 2 people in wheelchairs (plus 4 others not in wheelchairs or 6 total not in wheelchairs). The custom-built one that the GoFundMe is to help cover the required 10% down-payment to begin the construction of the ($50,000 USD) trailer, will seat 6 to 8 people in wheelchairs, with fully wheelchair accessible bathroom and many other improvements. The GoFundme supports Hawke Robinson in making the initial purchase, and then he will continue making the monthly payments (as he is doing with the prototype trailer).
- 20% of all profits from all of RPG Therapeutics LLC's programs is donated to RPG Research to help further their research and community service programs using music and role-playing games.
It is complicated, but this is the most affordable way to achieve so much at the lowest cost possible, and I hope this helps clarify things for everyone.
Happy Gaming!
RPG Trailer Status Update
Status update on the RPG Trailer & Bus, as of January 14th, 2018.
See the RPG Bus update here: http://www2.rpgbus.com/blog/rpg-bus-status-update-20180114
Monday morning, January 15th.
8:00 drop off RPG bus at Les Schwab.
9:00 am drop off RPG Trailer at custom wrap company. They are going to apply a wrap to the back of the trailer (see the artwork for this article). We will be budgeting additional wraps for the front and sides in coming months.
This is all I have time and budget for before the January 22nd broadcast in Renton, Washington at Wizards of the Coast's Dragon Talk.
More updates as they happen!
RPG Trailer Now Has Rear Graphics Wrap!
Another milestone accomplished. We now have the wrap on the rear of the RPG Trailer.
After 2 months of submissions from nearly 20 different artists. The winning artwork, by Leo Aveiro.
The graphic wrap is now on the Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer! http://rpgtrailer.com
Just in time for us (RPG Trailer, RPG Education, RPG Network, RPG Research & RPG Therapeutics) to be on Wizards of the Coast's "Dragon Talk" show ( http://dnd.wizards.com/dragon-talk/podcast-hub ) broadcast this Monday, January 22nd either 2:00 pm or 3:00 pm Pacific Time.
And we will be at ZoeCon III Feb 16-18 https://zoecon.net/ The artwork was commissioned by, paid for, and donated, by Hawke Robinson. The artist is Leo Aveiro through Fiverr.com ( https://www.fiverr.com/peaksandpixels ).
Building the Ideal "Perfect" Accessible RPG Trailer (Donate to help build!)
(details pending)
Donate https://gofundme.com/rpgtrailer
A mobile, wheelchair-friendly facility expanding the reach of RPG Therapeutics, providing Recreation Therapy and Music services to un-served and under-served populations throughout North America.
The RPG Trailer extends the reach of free Recreation Therapy based services to people with disabilities in rural locations, furthers the goals of The RPG Research Project (http://www.rpgresearch.com) through more geographically dispersed research capabilities, facilitates training and therapeutic services offered by RPG Therapeutics LLC (http://www.rpgtherapeutics.com).
Additional News Coverage of The RPG Trailer
Local man opens unique mobile therapy unit to help people with disabilities.
Local man opens up unique mobile therapy unit
SPOKANE, Wash. – One local man said Monday he is on a mission to help people with physical disabilities by using one unique method – RPGs, or role playing games.
Hawke Robinson first thought of the idea two years ago. He is offering mobile therapy called “RPG Research” which brings a therapy trailer right to the patient’s doorstep.
As a recreation therapist for the Washington State Department of Health, Robinson has been studying ways to help people recovering from traumatic brain injuries, ADD and ADHD, and Cerebral Palsy, through different methods.
What Robinson found was a bit unconventional. He purchased a wheelchair-friendly trailer he was able to customize and turn into a mobile therapy unit. Inside, it has up to 50 different musical instruments for patients to use during the healing process, along with his primary focus – tabletop role playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons.
Robinson said he has taken extensive neuroscience research and used it to understand how beneficial RPGs are in the therapy process for these patients.
Robinson paid for everything out of his own pocket and said he does not charge patients. He does have a GoFundMe account set up for people wanting to help him continue to serve and expand the service to more people across the region.
To learn more about his project, visit the RPG Research Project website.
Mobile therapy unit
More from KREM2 News / NWCN
Video #2 from Segment ("Hit") #1 broadcast live at 5:34 am, October 10th, 2016. Donate to the RPG Trailer Today!
Original URL: http://www.krem.com/news/local/spokane-county/local-man-opens-up-mobile-therapy-unit/333209401
More from KREM2 News / NWCN
Video #2 from Segment ("Hit") #1 broadcast live at 5:34 am, October 10th, 2016. Donate to the RPG Trailer Today!
Original URL: http://www.krem.com/news/local/spokane-county/local-man-opens-up-mobile-therapy-unit/333209401
Video #3, from KREM 2 News Live Facebook Broadcast around 9:00 am, October 10th, 2016. Donate to the trailer today!
I couldn't get embed code to work for the FB video, so here is a youtube version of the same video
Original Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/KREM2/videos/10153881882091301/
Video #4, Noon News Remix from Segment 3 with photos added. Donate to the RPG Research Project today!
Teaser at 0:15 to 00:24, main segment at 03:06 to 05:56
The Two Bards Podcast (Andy Dopieralski & Scott C. Brown) + Brian Lewis:
Support the RPG Trailer today
!
NSFW: The Two Bards, off-color comedy, support The Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer, donate today!
Additional Notes, Links, etc.
The links mentioned in the videos:
Recreation Therapy & music based activities, especially role-playing games.
The RPG Trailer: http://www.rpgtrailer.com
The GoFundMe: http://www.gofundme.com/rpgtrailer
The Patreon Page: http://patreon.com/rpgresearch
The RPG Research Project: http://www.rpgresearch.com
The RPG Training through RPG Therapeutics LLC: http://www.rpgtherapy.com
The RPG Trailer Tour: http://www.rpgtrailer.com/rpg-trailer-tours/the-first-mini-tour
Note that the 2016 prototype trailer (it can hold 2-3 people in wheelchairs), the Gofundme is for building the more ideal trailer that can hold more people in wheelchairs (6-8 people).
Other notes and additional links:
And as mentioned in video: the fuzzy d20 dice were a gift I received while on tour the previous weekend, from Adam Johns and Adam Davis of Wheelhouse Workshop - http://www.wheelhouseworkshop
The green bard hat thanks to Andy Dopieralski and Scott C. Brown of The Gamers http://www.watchthegamers.com and the Two Bards Podcast http://www.twobards.com
For my music as mentioned, "Synthetic Zen" you can listen and buy albums at http://www.indieairradio.com/product-category/music/hawke-robinson/ or check out live performances at http://youtube.com/thesyntheticzen and my website http://www.syntheticzen.com any money I receive for my music goes toward the RPG Trailer fund.
Additional Disclaimers & Notes:
At this stage I have been unable to get access to the other clips, they stated their lawyers do not allow them to release the archives to the public. I am still trying to find a means to get access to the rest of the clips that were more complete.
Since those missing clips included more details and some of my disclaimers, and they trimmed the online videos for the sake of brevity, here is more information about Hawke Robinson (me): http://www.rpgresearch.com/about/staff/hawke-robinson
Short summary: I am registered with the Washington State Department of Health as a Recreational Therapist, but still working toward getting the national certification from NCTRC, the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). I am nearing completion of an interdisciplinary degree in Recreation Therapy, Music Therapy, Neuroscience, & Research Psychology at Eastern Washington University.
Clarifications, Corrections, & Disclaimers
Some clarifications and corrections that didn't make it into the clips or need clarification in the article.
I am registered with the Washington State Department of Health, I do not work for them.
I am working on an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree in Recreation Therapy, Music Therapy, Neuroscience, and Research Psychology through Eastern Washington University.
I am still working toward getting the national Therapeutic Recreation (TR) certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through NCTRC. I have completed the required TR courses (and most of my other degree requirements), and I am now chiseling away at finishing my last few research psychology courses. I also have 2 internships to complete, one is a 16 week (40 hours/week) TR internship required to sit for the CTRS test, and a 10 week research psychology internship. Hopefully I will have all my degree requirements, the internships, and the CTRS requirements completed by the end of 2017, but no later than end of 2018.
I am an active member in good standing since 2014 for: American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) - http://www.atra-online.com, Washington State Therapeutic Recreation Association (WSTRA) - http://www.wstra.org, Pacific Northwest American Therapeutic Recreation Association (PNWATRA) - http://www.pnwatra.org (since January 2016), and I am Mental Health USA First Aid Certified - MHFAC.
More information about Hawke Robinson here: http://www.rpgresearch.com/about/staff/hawke-robinson
RPG Mobile History
The have been multiple attempts and iterations at creating the ideal Wheelchair Friendly RPG Mobile.
This section summarizes some of the history and evolution of this process. Note that the ideal one still doesn't exist, we need (now over $60k) to build the ideal one, but we are getting closer with each iteration.
Beginning Roots of the RPG Mobile
Saint Luke's Rehab, dirty and inaccessible FLGS, dirty and noisy community centers and schools, run-ins with certain hardcore anti-gaming groups at libraries, participants with CP and MD having challenges joining.
Early Designs and Mockups
2016 RPG Trailer 1 - $13k destroyed by vandalism/theft
$13,000.00 (at cost from ClickItRv). (our of Hawke's own pocket).
2016, September 29th - RPG Trailer 2 - Vengeance (new) ($50k)
As of January 2022, still paying down, current balance at $16,000 (out of Hawke's own pocket).
https://w3.rpgresearch.com/research/archives/public/public-blogs-test/picking-up-wheelchair-friendly-rpg-research-trailer-prototype-thursday-september-29-1-00-pm
Picking up Wheelchair Friendly RPG Research Trailer Prototype Thursday September 29, 1:00 PM
After an 18 month-long search, a previous attempting falling through last week due to vandalism/theft, scheduled for 2nd attempt at picking up a prototype of the Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer Thursday, September 29th, 2016, at 1:00 pm...
UPDATE 20160929: I am at the dealership now (3:00 pm Pacific Time, since arriving at 1:00 pm). I finished the walk through and orientation. They are now attaching the brake controls and setting up the weight distribution hitch.
Hopefully will be ready to drive off the lot within an hour or so. :D
16:43 - Arrived at home with the trailer. Now setting up for RPGing. Without modifications it will comfortably seat 3 people in wheelchairs AND 4 other people not in wheelchairs. Over time I hope to make modifications so that is can handle 4 or maybe even 5 people in wheelchairs, but this will do for now.
I will have more photos and updates over the next few days.
The first gaming group session in the RPG Trailer will be this coming Tuesday, October 4th, 2016 from 6 pm to 10 pm.
Here are pics of the actual trailer:
After 18 months of searching and re-searching, I will be picking up the prototype Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer Thursday, September 29th at 1:00 pm.
While last week had some significant complications: http://rpgresearch.com/blog/just-purchased-rpg-trailer-prototype, this week I went ahead and took a second stab at buying a prototype of the Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer.
Monday September 26th I completed the purchase process of a Forest River Vengeance 19V Toy Hauler Travel Trailer from ClickItRV. Here is an example video walk through of a similar trailer: https://youtu.be/hwez34_1YHU?t=6
I did not dip into the Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer GoFundMe campaign donation funds, since this prototype isn't as ideal as the final vision I used my own funds. I am still saving the campaign donation money for the more optimal (and more expensive) custom-built version down the road, while I use the prototype to work out logistics, legal, modifications process, and other legal hoops.
For an example of things I'm learning going through this prototype process, Washington state (a severe "nanny state") Labor & Industries finally called me back Monday regarding my questions about purchasing a custom built trailer, and it was clearly going to be a very complicated & expensive messy bureaucratic red-tape morass for the custom-build company from Arizona, one of the only to specialize in wheelchair-friendly RVs. Washington state L&I requires all RV manufacturers to submit every new floor plan for approval if brought into Washington state, unless they have a special certification/reciprocal relationship. The state has worked out deals with the larger RV manufacturers, but their requirements are overly burdensome to smaller manufacturers. The L&I manager did state there might be a workaround as a "commercial mobile office" for the custom build from Arizona, that is slightly less onerous, but the manufacturer has to handle that, and it is a year-long or so process.
Additionally if I have the RV dealership make modifications to a recognized trailer, L&I has to become involved as well (average minimum of $1,000+ for each change process submission, inspection, acceptance, etc.).
So I have gone ahead with the prototype approach for now, without added modifications from the dealer, and have learned from the L&I manager which modifications I can make myself without permit hassles (much like on your own home).
Without modifications, this prototype will seat 3 people in wheelchairs around a gaming table, and 5-6 without a table (drum circle for example), plus potentially 3-4 more on the "extend-a-room". With a slight modification of the floor rear garage area, that should add capacity for 1-2 more people in wheelchairs. For participants not in wheelchairs, it should comfortably seat 5-6 people around a game table, and with the extend-a-room maybe around 10 people for a music circle.
I am scheduled to pick up the _new_ trailer this Thursday 1:00 pm (September 29th (assuming nothing else unforeseen happens). It has definitely been quite a learning process!
The monthly payments, even with 7+ extended warranty and damage protection, are less than the monthly rent for the
RPG Research
&
RPG Therapeutics
offices, so I am making up the cost of the trailer by reducing my office expenses. I am also considering moving my mailing and business address out of Spokane City and into Spokane County (or maybe even over to Post Falls, Idaho) to significantly reduce other business costs (taxes, fees, and more taxes, are so much higher in Washington state alas) since I am providing these services for free I need to keep the costs down as much as possible.
The RPG Trailer Mark 1
In October I bit the bullet and purchased the prototype of The Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer. Now referred to as the Mark 1 (or Mk I). While it is a great start, it falls short in a number of areas, that the Mk II will eventually address. But at least it is a start. This posting discusses these issues at length.
Most of these issues were discussed on the RPG Research Project Youtube channel: http://youtube.com/rpgresearch, and on the RPG Research Project Website: http://rpgresearch.com, spanning about 2 years, and various postings.
This posting hopes to put all those pieces into one location here, to summarize about the successes, and remaining challenges, of the Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer.
How did the idea for the RPG Trailer Come About?
As I was volunteering at many different locations, a number of recurring issues began to present that eventually lead to the idea of the Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer.
In 2004, I was very briefly in a wheelchair due a back injury and prolonged illness. I then went through 5 years of Physical Therapy (PT), while attending EWU, working on an interdisciplinary degree in Recreation Therapy, Music Therapy, Neuroscience, and Research Psychology.
The Therapeutic Recreation / Recreation Therapy (TR / RT) part of the degree had significant requirements for volunteer hours. Working around my injuries, I did the best I could, and volunteered at many locations in many roles, and with many different populations.
Early in 2004, I realized that role-playing games might be an excellent intervention modality for some populations, and that TR was an excellent fit for this cooperative activity.
In addition to going to libraries, schools, community centers, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, ranches, officers, and individual's homes, I set up some of my own offices to run gaming groups, including various research projects.
I usually had to pack up many boxes of books into clear plastic Costo-style boxes, many scores of pounds in weight, load them in my SUV, take them to the location, unload the SUV, unpack the boxes for the activities, run the activities, pack up the boxes, load them back in the SUV, bring them back home, and either leave them there, or pack them back on the shelves.
This was very rough on my recovering back and knees, especially when some of the meetings were in offices up flights of stairs, sometimes without a working elevator.
A surprising number of (older) facilities had zero accommodations for people in wheelchairs.
Other facilities, even if they were at least wheelchair accessible, were often uncomfortable environments that were noisy, dirty, too hot, too cold, with uncomfortable seating, bad lighting, etc.
You can read more of the long list of issues addressed by the trailer here: http://rpgtrailer.com/faqs
The Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer Mark I
Image
It is really just a prototype, because it is lacking many of the ideal features I want to have to make it as friendly as possible for people using wheelchairs.
The RPG Bus
Image
The Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer Mark II
The Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer Mark III
The Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer Mark IV
RPG Trailer Received Ramp Extension Donation from Veteran
The Wheelchair Friendly now has the ramp extensions to accommodate electric wheelchairs and scooters. And actually this version also includes handrails for those that can walk but need some extra support.
A Veteran kindly donated this ramp after he moved to a home that no longer required it. Many thanks to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and this veteran (that prefers to remain anonymous) for this generous donation! This ramp would cost over $3,000 USD to purchase on otherwise!
The trailer is 26' long, the gaming area accommodates up to 7 players without wheelchairs, and up to 3 with wheelchairs (plus 1-2 not in wheelchairs). The ideal version we want to build will accommodate up to 6 wheelchairs, without the patio extension. The patio extension was previously used as the ingress/egress ramp (but was too steep for some electric wheelchairs and scooters) adds an additional 7' x 8' of usable space. The aluminum wheelchair ramp in the picture is 10' attached to the trailer, but the donation included 26' of total ramp length.
Here is the ramp at the house before being disassembled to put into the RPG Trailer.
It consists of two 10 foot segments and one 6 foot segment, plus stabilizer posts, handrails, and 2 edge flaps, allowing for many different configurations as needed for events and client needs:
And here is one configuration option (of many) with just one segment attached:
This is another critical piece towards realizing the vision of the ideal wheelchair friendly mobile facility. To help complete realization of the ideal trailer, donate now: http://www.gofundme.com/rpgtrailer
More information about the trailer, and why it is necessary, can be found here: http://www.rpgtrailer.com/faqs
The RPG Trailer at Tolkien Moot XIII
The Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer was at this year's 13th annual TolkienMoot convention. Here are some photos, videos, and more information...
The Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer (http://www.rpgtrailer.com), RPG Research Project Volunteers (http://www.rpgresearch.com), at Tolkien Moot XIII (http://www.tolkienmoot.org) First photo: outside the RPG Trailer, and second photo, gaming group inside the RPG Trailer.
GM: John Welker
Game System: Adventures in Middle-earth (Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition / The One Ring Role-Playing Game).
Adventure: Where the Shadows lie / Escape from Mordor.
This was in North Spokane, Washington (near Whitworth University).
Next stop, July 18th and 20th, we are working with the Muscular Dystrophy Association ( https://www.mda.org/office/spokane ) Inland Empire Summer Camp at Twinlow Camp & Retreat (http://www.twinlow.org/) near Rathdrum, Idaho. The Wheelchair Friendly RPG trailer and some of the RPG Research Project volunteers will be providing drum circles, live-action role-playing (LARP), and tabletop role-playing gaming to 20+ campers!
Then August 11-13th, the Wheelchair friendly RPG Trailer will be on display and in action in downtown Spokane, at the Doubletree, for the SpoCon Sci-fi/fantasy convention (http://www.spocon.org). The RPG Research volunteers will be providing services for the Accessibility Table & Advocacy, a tour of the trailer, and tabletop role-playing game (RPG) sessions within the comfort and
safety of the trailer.
Donate to build the even more accessible RPG Trailer here: http://www.gofundme.com/rpgtrailer (more details here: http://www.rpgtrailer.com/faqs).
And/or Donate to help the volunteers cover their costs, and fund more such free events and research for more people across North America here: http://www.patreon.com/rpgresearch
Here are video clips from the RPG sessions inside the trailer:
RPG Trailer & RPG Research Volunteers at Muscular Dystrophy Assocation (MDA) Summer Camp July 18th & 20th, 2017
Here you will find a photo and video showing the RPG Research volunteers setting up the Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer at the Muscular Dystrophy Association's (MDA) Summer Camp...
Donate to the Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer GoFundMe, Today: http://www.gofundme.com/rpgtrailer
Video clip and photos rom setting up the Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer at the Muscular Dystrophy Association's (MDA) Summer Camp in Idaho. Preparing for 21 campers with MD (and their individual helpers, and dozen or so counselors) to participate in drum circles, live-action role-play (LARP, boffer combat style), and tabletop role-playing gaming (RPG, Adventures in Middle-earth D&D 5e).
Programs designed and provided by the RPG Research Project Core Volunteers - http://www.rpgresearch.com
Donate to the RPG Research Project, to help them provide more great free programs like this to people needing special accommodations, especially those in under-served and un-served locations, including rural and remote areas:
The RPG Research Project's Patreon page, even just $1/month helps! http://www.patreon.com/rpgresearch
http://www.rpgtrailer.com/faqs
Using LARP & Tabletop RPGs (and music/drums) for children, ages 6 to 17, with Muscular Dystrophy (MD). Day 1 was just a boffer LARP (based loosely on Amtgard rules, modified for wheelchair participants), in a Middle-earth setting. Day 2 was a basic quest, using water wands, balloons, bubble wands, etc. for any "combat" or "magic", traveling the entire length and breadth of the camp/retreat facility. I will soon be working on writing up a detailed article in the near future to share more information.
"The Summoning", using drum circles and drum facilitation techniques to gather participants, ice-breaking, begin improving instruction following and collaborative group problem solving.
Some adaptive percussion items we provided.
Overall it went exceedingly well!
We will be posting more photos and videos, if you want to see the fun in action, keep checking this page every few days for updates!
2 days of adventure!
Day 1: "Battle Royale", boffer combat LARP/RPG
Day 2: "Epic Quest", questing and water battle LARP/RPG.
Happy Gaming!
- Hawke Robinson
Phone/text: (509) 481-5437
Email: rpgresearcher at gmail dot com
Campers customizing their shields in preparation for Battle Royale.
For those either intimidated by the combat aspect of the Battle Royale boffer LARP, they could choose to participate in the tabletop parallel adventure. Others, as they became fatigued (a common challenge with MD), that were too tired for the physicality of the LARP, could play the tabletop, and then if they recharged, go back to enjoying the LARP. Some campers alternated several times between the tabletop RPG and the LARP, throughout he 3 hours of each event.
Defenders (Elves) versus Attackers (Orcs) in Battle Royale boffer Live-Action Role-Playing (LARP)
Soaking the "Ent" (Hawke Robinson, project founder and RPG Trailer owner), to "cure" him of the wicked witch's curse.
Hawke, 6'7", was standing on 2' paint buckets customized to use as "stilts", so he was towering close to 9' tall!
Participants walking past 9' tall "Ent", as they "fought" (with water balloons, water wands, and bubble wands), the Wick Witch and her Henchman.
Emily says:
Aug 08, 2017 11:10 AM
Hello! I was a counselor at the MDA 2017 Summer Camp and participated in both the Battle Royale and the Adventure Quest. All I can say is that you guys are AWESOME. My shy camper completely opened up for the first time during the Battle Royale and had the best time. I know that it was his favorite activity from the camp! Plus, he loved that he got to decorate and keep his very own shield. Thank you for everything that you guys do. I'm forever grateful to you!
Hawke Robinson says:
Aug 08, 2017 11:17 AM
Thank you very much for your kind comments! We are so very glad it went so well. What you describe is exactly what we have been shooting for, especially those people that struggle to engage in other activities. Thanks again for your support! Happy Gaming! -Hawke Robinson.