One inspiring story. One unforgettable setting. One evening that may change how you experience the outdoors.

Join Crystal Cove Conservancy for a special Cove Talk featuring Austin Nicassio, founder of Accessible Off-Road, for an evening of powerful storytelling, meaningful conversation, and breathtaking coastal views.

After a life-changing viral illness left him with a disability, Austin refused to let his love of the outdoors end. Instead, he turned adversity into purpose by founding Accessible Off-Road, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to outdoor recreation through adaptive off-road mobility equipment, education, and advocacy.

Today, Austin works alongside California State Parks and community partners throughout Southern California to help people of all abilities experience the outdoors. Here in Orange and Los Angeles counties alone, more than one million people live with a physical disability, making his work especially meaningful for our local community. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

Whether you’re passionate about conservation, accessibility, outdoor recreation, or simply enjoy hearing extraordinary stories of perseverance and purpose, this is an evening you won’t want to miss.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Crystal Cove State Park, this intimate conversation will conclude with a sunset reception overlooking the Pacific Ocean with complimentary drinks, light bites, and the chance to connect with Austin and fellow guests. Thanks to Patagonia, registered attendees can also enter an opportunity drawing for outdoor gear.

Seating is limited, and advance registration is strongly encouraged.

What You’ll Experience

• An inspiring conversation with Austin Nicassio, founder of Accessible Off-Road
• Learn how adaptive recreation is expanding access to the outdoors
• Audience Q&A
• Sunset reception with drinks and light bites overlooking the Pacific Ocean
• Chance to win Pategonia gear at our opportunity drawing for attendees

Reserve Your Seat

Cove Talks are designed to be intimate experiences, giving guests the opportunity to engage directly with inspiring leaders and innovators. With limited seating and an unforgettable setting, this event is expected to fill quickly.

Reserve your seat today and join us for an inspiring evening of conversation, connection, and spectacular sunset views at Crystal Cove.

Bringing your community? We offer special pricing for mission-aligned organizations, schools, clubs, businesses, and community groups. If your organization is passionate about conservation, accessibility, education, engineering, outdoor recreation, or environmental stewardship, we’d love to welcome you. Contact info@crystalcove.org to learn more about special pricing and register your group before the event.

Location: Crystal Cove Cottage Check-In Deck

Meet Austin:

Austin Nicassio is the Director and Founder of Accessible Off-Road (AOR), a nonprofit dedicated to breaking down barriers to outdoor access for people with mobility disabilities. With a Master’s in Astronautical Engineering, Austin has spent ten years at Boeing as a Lead Systems Engineer, managing the integration of complex space systems.

In 2022, Austin became disabled and experienced firsthand the exclusion many face at trailheads. After testing an all-terrain track chair, he rediscovered the freedom of the outdoors and knew he had to share it with his community. That vision led to Accessible Off-Road, which is already working in partnership with California State Parks and Los Angeles County Parks to launch adaptive hiking programs in Southern California. Austin’s leadership, featured by outlets like the LA Times and CBS News, combines technical expertise with lived experience to drive a powerful movement: ensuring that everyone belongs outdoors.