During his first five years at IU, Don resided at Bradford Woods (1990-1994) and worked in the summer camp and adventure programs. He was a grad assistant in the Access Indiana grant which provided accessibility assessments and training to Indiana recreation agencies. This grant laid the foundation for the development of the National Center on Accessibility for which Don was a training associate. While completing his doctorate, he coordinated implementation of a US Dept. of Education grant to further develop the I.U. Outdoor Masters in Therapeutic Recreation program.

His research and writing have focused on adventure challenge activities including persons with disabilities, Challenge Course Facilitator training, and physical rehabilitation for adolescents with SCI. Other areas include accessible and universal design, inclusive program design, organized camping, recreation therapy, and recreation management. In these areas, Don has traveled extensively in the U.S. and internationally consulting with programs, providing staff trainings and presenting at conferences.

He is an active member of the Association for Challenge Course Technology and the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. Within the ISU Department of Recreation and Sport Management, he coordinates the Recreation Therapy emphasis, and directs the Keystone Adventure Program at the ISU Field Campus. He also coordinates the ISU-Journey Youth Work Fellowship Program. In its early stages is the National Inclusive Martial Arts Academy. See the links above for more information.