National Ability Center

Volunteer Spotlight: AmeriCorps

2011-09-12T13:12:00.011-06:00

The National Ability Center would like to say good bye to our current AmeriCorps Members: Michelle Schweiger, Erin Smith, Erica Peterich, Laura Erickson, Ben Hulin and Andrea Thompson.

These amazing individuals have been coordinating volunteers, teaching adaptive recreation and helping in every aspect of our center since October of 2010. Having already logged almost 11,000 hours of service between the six of them, they will be dearly missed. If you see them please take the time to say goodbye and let them know what their service has meant to you personally.

As one of the first four service members recruited by the National Ability Center, I can say that the year spent working within the Park City and NAC community is one that inspires. Every member has expressed how much the community support has meant, and how the “magic” keeps occurring to get everything done that needs to be done.

These six members will be closing out an era of AmeriCorps here at the Ability Center. Due to large cutbacks to the federal and state budget and increased competition (a total of 17 applications were received for Utah State’s AmeriCorps program, of which only 7 were approved for funding) the NAC’s AmeriCorps program will not continue in the upcoming year.

Over the last decade AmeriCorps members have made large strides towards leaving the National Ability Center with a sustainable volunteer community to maintain our programming. Many of our volunteers were introduced to the NAC and trained by AmeriCorps members. This year’s AmeriCorps member’s diligence has created one of the best trained, diverse and active groups of volunteers we have seen at the NAC. The solid base that the members will be leaving has provided us with a strong grounding to build upon in the days ahead. The NAC and the Utah Commission on Volunteers are confident that this base combined with a supportive community of volunteers and donors in Summit and Wasatch counties will enable us to continue high quality programs at the same levels National Ability Center participants and their families have come to expect. We hope someday in the future we will be able to welcome the AmeriCorps program back to the NAC and look forward to many of them in their continued participation with NAC activities and programs.

Thank you,
Kim Milikan
Program Manager – Adventure Learning Program & AmeriCorps

Summit Challenge

2011-08-29T11:09:00.014-06:00

It was a great success. Thank you for all the riders, those of you who raised money, volunteers who helped make the day a success, vendors for coming to help tune bikes, food vendors for helping replenish energy after long rides, music after the event and the great weather. It was a fantastic day at the National Ability Center.

In the group of riders we had teams of cyclist from town who pulled and drafted with each other over the long 100 mile course, recreational cyclists who wanted a challenge on the 50 mile ride, hancycles, recumbents, tandem bikes and even those riding an event like this for the first time on the 15 mile ride. Overall everyone challenged their abilities and goals.

I think one of the biggest stories of the day was the story of Teague. Teague did the 100 mile course with one leg pumping in his recumbent bike. I saw Teague near the end of the 15 mile course at about 6:30 am. He had started before 6:00 a.m. bound and determined to make it the whole 100 mile course. He made it back to the NAC a little before 6:00 p.m. What a day for Teague. I can't even imagine what that hill was like coming back out of Heber City towards Kamas. He has my respect and it is neat to see in Teague's case and in the case of many adaptive athletes the goals that are set and then the accomplishment of those goals. I believe this is Teague's third attempt at the 100 miles and he did it. Way to go man!

We had nearly 400 riders this year. We had 40 adaptive riders and each and every person had a goal. It did not matter the ability or disability but it was the goal and the accomplishment of that goal at the end of the day.

Thank you for every person that made this event a success and we hope to see you all back out for Summit Challenge 2012.

If you would like more information on the National Ability Center and its programs and mission, visit discovernac.org

Bigger than Life

2011-08-09T21:26:00.003-06:00

Last April Nicole Carollo made the decision to start volunteering in her community. After learning about the National Ability Center through a friend, Nicole decided to attend volunteer orientation and learn more about the organization. Having taught swimming lessons in the past, Nicole decided the Aquatics program was a great place to start her volunteer experience. “As a young child I was first terrified of the water, but soon after, it became my passion and I competed for most of my youth and young adulthood. I'm happy to get back to that and show others that swimming can be fun!” A year later you will find Nicole not only sharing her passion for swimming, but also belaying participants on our indoor climbing wall.

Discovering her own abilities has allowed Nicole the opportunity to grow not only in a volunteer position, but also a recreation enthusiast because prior to volunteering Nicole did not having any climbing experience. “Seeing the determination, persistence and courage from the people that come through the doors of the NAC to take on the climbing wall has been very inspiring”. Nicole is also very thankful for the time Kim Millikan set aside to teach her how to climb.

The energy from NAC staff, together with the participants’ joy and enthusiasm, motivates Nicole to continue her support of the NAC. “Thanks to the staff at the NAC, I feel that I am part of something amazing and bigger than life.”

Summit Challenge and Participant Highlight

2011-08-08T11:24:00.006-06:00

As the National Ability Center's Summit Challenge approaches on August 27, we would like to highlight a participant that will be riding with us on the 15 mile course. Richie has been a participant with us for a number of years. He is a regular at the Camp Extreme which is going on this week as well.

Richie has been riding with us this summer on our Tuesday evening bike rides. He rides a tandem bike with our cycling manager Evan or one of our interns Matt. It is always a blast riding with Richie. He is always singing on his bike and he is a blast to talk with during our rides.

Here is Richie getting ready to go climbing on one of the programs at the NAC.

If you would like more information about the Summit Challenge you can go to our website at wwww.discovernac.org

We are looking forward to a great event. Tell your friends about it and we hope to see many of you out for the 15, 50 or 100 mile ride.

Ava and the Equestrian Program

2011-06-07T14:01:00.002-06:00

We had our annual Barn Party at the National Ability Center last Saturday. I was able to meet one of the participants who was picked to ride in the drill team that demonstrated their skills to the spectators that came and supported the fundraiser at the Barn Party.

Ava Jennings is a nine year old who has been riding for about three years with the National Ability Center Equestrian Program.

Her instructors describe her as very social young rider. She has a great smile and loves to talk about her favorite horse Playboy.

She has been working on her skills in walking with her horse through an obstacle course. Her next goal as she works with her instructors is to start trotting independently. Her instructors describe her as a master of arena etiquette and it was great to meet Ava last weekend.

Ava is pictured here with Michelle who is working as an AmeriCorps volunteer in the equestrian program and was Ava’s lead walker in the drill team. Ava did a fantastic job.

Volunteers Needed!

2011-05-20T15:51:00.017-06:00

The NAC is looking for volunteers to help support the first annual Women Rock Triathlon! Thinking about trying one yourself someday? What better way to prepare for your first triathlon then working behind the scenes and seeing how it all works. Maybe you love to swim? We need swim buddies for athletes throughout the swim course.

You don't have to be a master triathlete or swimming to volunteer; we want everyone to join in on the fun! Bring your friends, family, and running buddies. Spend the day together at Rockport State Park and help make this race possible. If you would like to be apart of this exciting event on Saturday, July 2nd, please email volunteer@discovernac.org.

Thank you for your continued support of the NAC!

Laura Erickson, AmeriCorps

Volunteer Spotlight: Henny Muldowney

2011-05-02T12:07:00.005-06:00

If you have ever walked into the barn on any given Monday night and heard a sultry voice singing along with the Dixie Chicks, you have been lucky enough to be in the presence of the lovely Henny Muldowney. She has been volunteering with the equestrian program for two years and always has a smile on her face. Henny is a volunteer with three of our equestrian programs; Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy, and Equine Facilitated Learning. When asked which program she enjoyed volunteering for the most, she insisted that she loves them all. Although the sparkle did shine in her eye when she talked about the EFL program, “The psychological interaction between the person and the horse is very beautiful.”

Henny has ridden horses in the past and thought that working with would be a way to be involved and volunteer. Henny said she chose the National Ability Center over other programs in the area because, "I think highly of the NAC and its unique and far reaching programs. I was also interested in the horse factor in regards to therapy.” When asked why she keeps coming back she laughed and said, “I like y’all! I love the staff and being here for the participants is important. The NAC has an important mission, and being able to contribute is valuable.” Henny continued to brush a horse and she mumbled, “I love the horse hair too!”

I Heart Camp Trailer by Libby Falck

2011-04-25T10:03:00.004-06:00

One Step is a group that comes to the National Ability Center each winter to enjoy the skiing and snowboarding opportunities in adaptive recreation. Each One Step camper is an individual who has gone through or is currently going through cancer treatments. This was an amazing group of campers and counselors to work with at the National Ability Center in Park City, UT.

Libby Falck worked as an AmeriCorps volunteer last year. She is also a cancer survivor and is currently working on a documentary film about these amazing individuals. Check out the link to the trailer. These individuals have been able to make an impact on many lives and it was a pleasure working with them this past winter.

The name of the video is listed below.

I Heart Camp Trailer

www.youtube.com

Contribute to this project at http://www.indiegogo.com/IHeartCamp Share your story by emailing LibbyFalck@gmail.com Visit our website at www.iheartcamp.weebl...

National Volunteer Week

2011-04-11T12:25:00.022-06:00

This year the National Ability Center will be joining many programs nationwide to celebrate National Volunteer Week which is happening this week, April 10th – 16th! National Volunteer Week is a time to reflect on the power of individuals taking action in one way or another and to recognize these individuals and their collaborative efforts in helping make a positive impact in their community. Here at the National Ability Center we have many individuals who fit perfectly within this description, and in honor of this celebration, we will be sharing stories over the next 5 weeks of outstanding volunteers who have generously donated their time and energy in support of our mission.

What these along with many other individuals bring to the National Ability Center is invaluable and with that I would like to say thank-you. Thank you for the respect, dedication, and enthusiasm you share with our participants and for lending a hand wherever needed. Volunteers are involved in every aspect of our organization from assisting on lessons to taking photographs during programs and helping plan fundraisers throughout the year. We are very lucky to have such amazing individuals willing to set aside time out of their day to help make what we do possible. As an AmeriCorps I am very lucky and thankful to have the opportunity to work alongside these individuals and serve as a full-time volunteer at this organization. So on that note I would like to introduce our first volunteer spotlight, Kim Mann, who is involved with our Ski/Snowboard Program.

If you or someone you know would like additional information regarding volunteer opportunities or ways you can get involved with the National Ability Center, please email laurae@discovernac.org.

Happy National Volunteer Week, cheers!

Laura Erickson
AmeriCorps, Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Spotlight

Kim Mann’s vacation to Park City, UT is more than just an escape to the mountainous terrain and scenic vistas of the West. As an ex-ski patroller and practicing nurse in Chicago, it is a chance for her to put her professional knowledge and love of skiing to good use. Like many Park City skiers, her involvement with the NAC started after noticing one of our adaptive skiers out enjoying the same sport she was— just with different equipment. This combined with the desire to do something meaningful with her time while in Park City led her to become a volunteer. That first season Kim was only around for 2 weeks, but instantly became part of the NAC family. Five years later, she now returns for over 2 months. As if this were not enough indication of her dedication to our Ski Program, Kim consistently goes the extra mile by doing everything from assisting on any lesson we throw her way to attending advanced volunteer training clinics and filling the NAC Ski Center freezer with Hot Pockets and other goodies to keep the staff happy and well-fed. Her support of our mission and passion for working with the participants (especially those in Special Olympics) is undeniable. She treats everyone she encounters with the utmost respect, and her naturally energetic and hands-on approach to lessons makes her a valuable asset to our program

*Make sure to keep an eye out in the following weeks for stories from these outstanding volunteers-- Henny Muldowney, Tyler Israel, Nicole Carollo, and Amber Ohl.

NAC ski team in Alaska

2011-04-07T12:39:00.005-06:00

The NAC Ability Ski Team recently returned from the USA Paralympic National Championships in Alyeska, Alaska. Racing in Alaska was a unique experience. Because of the radically different pattern of daylight, the lifts do not even open until 10:30 am and the snow does not begin to soften until after noon. Regardless, the race day still began at 9 am with ski prep and course-setting work to be done. Following the completion of course inspection, race runs typically did not start until 12 noon, with second run beginning at 2 pm or later. This made for some long and tiring days. Despite fog, snow, rain, and high winds during the first few days of the championships, all events were completed and we did get to see the sun and blue sky on the final 2 days. The order of events was Downhill, Super Giant Slalom, Super Combined (SG + SL in one day), Giant Slalom and Slalom.

Two shots of Alaska and the wilderness, mountains and sunshine.

Erik ("e-bay") Bayindirli of Turkey - Bronze in Super Combined, Giant Slalom, and Slalom

Arly ("chihuahua") Velasquez of Mexico - career best 4th and 5th place finishes in Downhill, Giant Slalom and Slalom

Teague ("tigger") Cowley of the USA - displaying his great Slalom skills until a spectacular crash took him out of the hunt for his second podium of the season
Tom ("shvedjik") Szwedo of Poland - gaining a lot of attention at his first US Nationals with two top 10 finishes.

Erik is pictured on the far right.

Red, White & SnOH My Goodness!

2011-03-15T17:04:00.007-06:00

Dear NAC Friends,

Oh my goodness! How do I begin to say thank you to all of you!? When I hit my pillow late Saturday night I felt like we had just won the Super Bowl, a Grammy, and the James Beard Award all in one weekend!

Red, White & Snow began with the Library Tasting at St. Regis Deer Valley. Volunteers were in place early, the room was warm, inviting and a perfect kick-off to a fantastic weekend! The event staff and chef at St. Regis went beyond the call of duty with the food and presentation. We were all touched by the personal commitment to the National Ability Center from each vintner as they arrived in Park City. Parallel Napa Valley hosted a wonderful welcome dinner for our vintners at the home of Bob Franco in Deer Crest following the Library Tasting. Many thanks to all for the gracious hospitality.

Friday morning began with a great start as vintners joined us at Deer Valley to ski with our local Paralympic and Olympic "Legends", NAC participants and volunteers in typical Utah sun and snow. Skiing was followed by beautiful wine and food pairing for an unbeatable lunch at the St. Regis’ Astor Terrace. Chef Chip McMullin from the St. Regis went above-and-beyond with outdoor grills and action stations. Everyone enjoyed the sun, new friends and outstanding vino! Many thanks to our set up and break down volunteers and efforts by the fabulous behind the scene team of Kristi and Ric!

Friday night, private dinners were held in 17 different homes around Park City. Chefs and vintners planned menus and pairings for weeks. Our dinner hosts worked tirelessly preparing their homes for an exciting night of excellent food and wine. Dinner coordinators Rachel & Rob Alday and Hilary Reiter worked for months coordinating each home, chef and vintner. Many thanks to all of you who worked so hard to make each dinner a memory for those who attended and to those who reminded us throughout the night of the mission we were all gathered to support. The Gala Saturday night sold out two weeks prior to the event, which was a positive foreshadowing of things to come the night of the gala. The night started off with an amazing silent auction. Amy Tisovec and Grace Gorton lead our silent auction and pushed unrelentingly on the entire committee to collect quality items. The Silent Auction brought in record numbers thanks to their efforts!

The Race for the Cause theme created an energy throughout the night that began with Paralympian, Chris Waddell, and was carried by the Fighter Jet Top Gun lot, followed by an outstanding and heartfelt presentation by the Barber Family-and specifically young Sarah Barber. Sarah won the hearts of every person in the room and showcased in-person the NAC mission in action. Many thanks to the Barber Family for their participation and passionate support!

Click on the photo to see Sarah's story

Following the Barber presentation, the floor was opened up for the Sponsor-a-Child portion of our auction. Auctioneer David Reynolds could not shout out the paddle numbers fast enough. I have never seen generosity, compassion and love flow as freely as I did at that moment. The NAC has so many needs, so many programs that need our support, and so many resources in order to keep our operations moving. I wept with joy knowing these monies were so needed and would be well-utilized. Many thanks go out to those who donated during the auction. We were all touched not only by the large numbers but the smiles and the energy with which you gave. Thank you.

There were so many behind-the-scene volunteers that made the three days of events a huge success. The Red, White and Snow Executive Committee stayed on task, followed up and stood with all of us to the bitter end to ensure a strong finish.

Again, thanks to all of you for your compassion and giving hearts!

Rena Webb
Development Manager
renaw@discovernac.org

2011 Halti Ability Ski Challenge

2011-03-06T12:25:00.003-07:00

If you weren't at Park City Mountain Resort with us yesterday, you missed out!

We had a great time at the 23rd Annual Halti Ability Ski Challenge this weekend. With twenty teams and nearly 200 people participating as skiers, snowboarders, volunteers and other supporters, this year was a great success!

We've uploaded nearly 200 photos to a public album on ourNational Ability Center Facebook page. Check out the album, tag yourself and your friends.

The Halti Ability Ski Challenge was also featured in the Salt Lake Tribune. There are more photos there if you'd like to see more!

Thanks to our sponsors of this year's event, as well. Without the participation of great companies like you who give back to the community and believe in our mission, we would not be celebrating our 25th anniversary as an organization. Most importantly, we wouldn't help the thousands of people whose lives are touched each year through our programs. Thank you for all you do for us and for our participants. You do make a difference, and you should be proud of that. Thank you to Halti Skiwear, Del Taco, Flippin' Burgers, Audi, Not Normal Printing, Clockwork Cafe, Walmart, Atomic, Park City Mountain Resort and Monster Energy Drinks for your sponsorships and support.

If you haven't already, Like us on Facebook to learn about the lives we're changing

every day.

We look forward to seeing everyone again next year for the 24th Annual Ability Ski Challenge!

One Step 2011

2011-02-22T12:04:00.005-07:00

Chicago's One Step at a Time works specifically with children who have survived cancer and children who are still battling cancer. We worked with 30 students this past week. It was an amazing week working with this group and teaching students beginning to very advanced steps to skiing. We had students on mono-skis and bi-skis, and other students were stand-up skiers. The final banquet was a great time of stories and laughter about the week as a whole from the students and the instructors perspective. These students made an impact on me, and I am sure their outlook on life rubbed off on the people they came in contact with. Until next time One Step, keep your outlook positive and make the world we live in a better place as you have showed us all this past week.

Here is a slide show of some of the activities that One Step participated in last week. See you all next year.

-Ben
NAC AmeriCorps Member

MD Anderson Slide Show

2011-01-18T15:08:00.004-07:00

Here is the MD Anderson group from Texas and a slide show of their experience. We had a great time with this group in early January. The group took part in everything from standard stand up skiing, sit skiing, cart skiing, three track skiing and four track skiing.

We look forward to this group coming again next year. If you would like more information about the programs that you see in this slide show, please visit our website at www.discovernac.org

Cancer Survivors from South Hit the Slopes (again!)

2011-01-12T09:55:00.001-07:00

Cancer survivors from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (MDA) in Texas joined the National Ability Center for a week of skiing, snowboarding and winter recreation last week. MDA has been bringing cancer survivors to the National Ability Center since 1989. Last week 12 people came to learn how to ski/board or perfect their skills on the mountain.

The individuals who came through M.D. Anderson went through treatments at the hospital. Some of the treatments have involved the individuals losing a limb in their fight with cancer. I talked to some of the group members, and they have not let the fact of a lost limb or cancer slow them down. They are instead stepping forward and taking advantage of the adaptive ways to stay on the mountain.

Most individuals went three-tracking, which means they ski with one ski and hold outriggers on their arms for balance and steering. A few individuals skied on the bi-ski, which involves sitting in a bucket seat while using the outriggers for balance. I also saw one person on our new KartSki. This is a rig that uses handles that are attached to the ski to steer while in a sitting position.

Hayden is nine years old and lost his leg a year-and-a-half ago. Hayden and his instructor, Amanda, where sitting on the bench outside the National Ability Center and Hayden did not want to be done for the day. Amanda explained to him that once you start skiing, it is good to end the day on a good run and give your body rest in order for you to be ready to tackle the next day of skiing. Hayden really wanted to stay out and ski the night away. It was neat to see his desire to keep learning and practicing to get better. I later heard that Hayden is continuing to get better, and he never seems tired.

The group will be skied for a full week before returning home to the South. Look for pictures on our Facebook page next week to see the group and the things they enjoyed here in Park City.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T14:07:00.000-07:00

The snow is falling fast in Park City, and our programs are in full swing during the winter months. The National Ability Center's Ski & Snowboard Center is gearing up for Session II on January 9th. The equestrian program started Winter Session II today.

If you know of individuals who would benefit from participating in our programs please refer them to our website at www.DiscoverNAC.org.

We thrive thanks to our great volunteers, so if you have an interest in volunteering please let us know and we'll give your more information. Look at www.DiscoverNAC.org for a list of programs where you might use your talents to benefit individuals with disabilities who participate at the National Ability Center.

I would like to ask for some help in this new of 2011. I am looking for stories about participants, volunteers or even stories from the staff at the National Ability Center. I would like to highlight some of the individuals that participate in programs or make our programs possible. If you have a funny, serious, or inspirational story that you would like to share, please e-mail me at benh@DiscoverNAC.org. I am working on making this blog something that highlights individuals and a place we can learn about the people we work for and with. I look forward to hearing and posting some great stories in the coming months.

Thank you for your help, and Happy New Year.

-Ben
National Ability Center
AmeriCorps Member

National Ability Center Ski and Snowboard Center

2010-12-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

The National Ability Center had its staff BBQ at the Ski & Snowboard Center a couple of weeks ago. The BBQ was in celebration of the renovations and hard work that many people put into the off season to make the Ski & Snowboard Center a little better.

The equipment room is more space efficient with new places to store ski equipment.

The ski team now has its own locker room to help store its equipment, a place where the team can have meetings, and a separate place for the coaches and team members to hang out.

There is a new locker room that they are calling the Education Locker Space. Instructors will now have more room to store their personal skis, snowboards and different gear that they will be using to teach participants.

The main desk area has been opened up. There is now more desk room and more room in general area where the couches are.

Thank you to all of those who put in long hours to make the Ski & Snowboard Center renovations a success. I am sure the participants and their families will notice the changes and the new feel of a renovated Ski & Snowboard Center.

We are looking forward to a great season together. The returning volunteer training has now taken place at Park City Mountain Resort, and we look forward to seeing many familiar and new faces on mountain this season.

If you are an individual or know of an individual that would like to take part in lessons at the National Ability Center's Ski and Snowboard Center please log onto our website, and check out the programs and the different adaptive equipment we use to teach participants on mountain at DiscoverNAC.org.

If you have a friend that would like to volunteer with the National Ability Center's Ski & Snowboard Center please have them look at our website for the opportunities available at DiscoverNAC.org.

New AmeriCorps Members

2010-11-12T11:14:00.001-07:00

The National Ability Center is a host site for the AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps is a volunteer service organization that partners with programs throughout the country. There are six new AmeriCorps volunteers joining the National Ability Center for this coming year. They started the first day of October and will be here for a solid year. They will be working in various programs that the National Ability Center has to offer. Take a few minutes to read about the new AmeriCorps individuals. They are all from different backgrounds, but they are bringing experience and passion to the programs that they will be working with.

Andrea will be the Peer Partner Coordinator and ski instructor at the Ski and Snowboard Center. She is from Fenton, Michigan. She studied Therapeutic Recreation at Central Michigan University and is a licensed CTRS. She finished her degree with her internship in the winter of 2009 at the NAC and fell in love with it. She stayed on as an AmeriCorps member and is excited for a second great year of AmeriCorps at the NAC! She loves the power of recreation to enrich peoples lives.

Her favorite quote is: "You gain strength, and courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face...You must do the thing you think you cannot." Eleanor Roosevelt

Erin in from the great state down south of Tennessee and she wishes y'all a good day. She will be working with the equestrian program and at the ski and snowboard center this winter. She loves rock climbing and staying active in the outdoors. She has completed two years of college at the University of Tennessee and is very excited about AmeriCorps and the opportunities at the National Ability Center.

Erica will be the Ski & Snowboard Program Volunteer Coordinator at the National Ability Center. She will be coordinating the volunteers at the ski and snowboard center. Her hometown is Marinette, Wisconsin and she is a Badger, graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology: Exercise and Movement Science. She was in a dance academy for 12 years growing up. She still has some skills.

Laura is originally from the frozen tundra (aka, North Dakota) and is excited to live in the mountains this year. She will be working with a little bit of everything this year including: aquatics, ski and snowboard center, volunteer coordinating, and outreach. A recent graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth, Laura loves to go trail running, climb rocks, and bike in her spare time.

Michelle is originally from Napa, California. She was able to do an Equine Internship through the National Ability Center in the summer of 2009 and came back the following summer to teach Camp Giddy Up. She went to college at Feather River College in Quincy, California where she majored in Equine Studies. She concentrated her studies in Pack Skills and Stable Operations. She graduated with an Associates Degree in the spring, and decided to take a break from school and come out to the National Ability Center to participate in AmeriCorps.

Teaching therapeutic horseback riding has always been a dream of hers, and through the NAC she has been able to live that dream to the fullest. While being here, she hopes to push her boundaries and try something outside of the equine world. In reaching that goal she will be volunteering in the NAC's ski and snowboard program this winter as well as being in the barn.

My name is Ben. I am originally from South Bend, Indiana. I have a Health, Fitness and Recreation Degree and recently finished going back to school to receive my teaching certification in Health and Physical Education. I love to participate in all things sport. I have participated in seven marathons and about thirteen half-marathons in my racing wheelchair. When the snow flies you will find me on the slopes. I will be working this year with the National Ability Center in the marketing and outreach department, the ski and snowboard center, and the sled hockey programs. I am looking forward to meeting some great individuals and learning many new things in my year as an AmeriCorps member.

If you would like more information on AmeriCorps and the different programs they are currently working in Utah and nationally, you can click on the link below.

www.AmeriCorps.gov

Utah Insurance Opportunity

2010-11-10T11:18:00.006-07:00

Primary Care Network is open now for all adults of low income who do not have other health insurance. See www.health.utah.gov/pcn for more information. See the attached flyers and distribute extensively in your networks. Print and post!

“It’s a good preventive care plan,” said Utah Health Department spokeswoman Kolbi Young, who estimates 100,000 uninsured adults are eligible. Currently, enrollment stands at 13,000, down from a yearly average of 18,000.

Applicants must meet the following requirements (please visit the state's website for full list of requirements):
» Age 19 through 64.
» U.S. citizens or legal residents.
» Not covered by other health insurance.
» Meet income guidelines (for example, a family of four must have an income that does not exceed $33,075 a year).
» Not qualified for Medicaid.
» Have no access to student health insurance, Medicare or veterans benefits.

Applicants can apply online at www.health.utah.gov/pcn or can call the PCN hot line at 1-888-222-2542.

Carol Ruddell
Project Director, Work Ability Utah
Utah Department of Health Division of Medicaid and Health Financing
c/o Office of Rehabilitation
1595 West 500 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84104
phone: (801) 887-9388
fax: (801) 887-9389
cruddell@utah.gov
www.workabilityutah.org

*The National Ability Center (NAC) is not affiliated with Primary Care Network, Work Ability Utah or the Utah Department of Health. This information is passed on strictly as information that may be beneficial to those involved with the NAC's programs. Any concerns about the posting of this information should be sent to info (at) DiscvoerNAC (dot) org.

25 years in one 'Starry Night'

2010-09-27T12:39:00.008-06:00

25 years in one 'Starry Night'

National Ability Center to celebrate achievements at gala benefit on Oct. 1

Alisha Self, Of the Record staff
The Park Record

Posted:09/24/2010 04:12:16 PM MDT

(reprinted with permission from The Park Record)

Twenty-five years ago, the National Ability Center (NAC) started with the vision to help veterans with disabilities get on the slopes. Co-founders Meeche White and Peter Badewitz ran operations out of their living room with an electric typewriter and not much else.

With funding from Disabled American Veterans, the pair taught about 50 ski lessons that first winter. In the summer, they shifted to riding bikes. "We started with what we knew," says White. "We were just mom and pop."

After two years, the organization moved to its first office a 300-square-foot space at Park City Mountain Resort (PCMR). As operations grew, so did activities and opportunities for people with all types of disabilities.

When White and Badewitz lost the lease on their office, the resort granted them use of a doublewide trailer at the base of the mountain. That trailer remains the headquarters for the NAC's adaptive ski and snowboard programs today.

Other activities, including swimming, cycling, waterskiing, horseback riding, rafting and camping trips, challenge course activities and leadership development training have been added and are now based at the Bronfman Family Recreation Center & Ranch, which lies on 26 acres of land donated to the center in 1996.

In 2009, individuals participated in 15,545 lessons and outings, a growth of more than 300-fold since the center's inception.

Kathy Stott's son, David, has participated in NAC programs for nearly 10 years. David has a genetic disease that is considered an autism spectrum disorder. Since the age of five, he has been involved in activities including aquatics, horseback riding, cycling, archery and skiing.

"It has opened a whole world to him," Kathy says. "There has been nothing that has given him a broader spectrum of therapy than being engaged in activities at the NAC. They have allowed him to develop physically, to mature, and to engage in social contact in the context of recreation. For David, that has made all the difference in the world."

Kathy sees the benefit of the programs not only for her son but for the entire family. "For the person who is participating, it's a great transformation, but for the parents and the families, it gives hope that there is a place where these young people feel welcome, feel accomplished and like they're enjoying life. That's so valuable. It's a wonderful program and I would love to see it continue to expand and grow."

On Friday, Oct. 1, the NAC will celebrate a quarter century of promoting self-esteem, confidence and physical development in individuals with disabilities at its annual fall fundraiser, A Starry Night. The gala dinner and auction will be held at the Basin Recreation Fieldhouse at Kimball Junction starting at 6:30 p.m.

"We will be highlighting the achievement of the center and additionally we will be honoring Park City Mountain Resort for its commitment to the Ability Center," says special events manager Jennifer Atkin.

PCMR has been an integral part of the NAC's success on the slopes. "They are a huge supporter with in-kind donations and they make it possible for us to have our ski program," Atkin says. Its employees are trained to handle adaptive equipment and the NAC's competitive ski team trains there as well, she notes.

A Starry Night will be a coming-out party of sorts for the NAC's new executive director, Gail Loveland, who took the helm in June. "It will be a great opportunity to get to know her and her vision for the center," Atkin says.

The event, which is one of the center's largest fundraisers, will feature interactive displays of all NAC programs, a tribute to PCMR, a video presentation showcasing the growth of several longtime participants, and live and silent auctions. Auction items include various recreation and vacation packages, Sundance Film Festival tickets, a two-year lease on a 2011 Subaru Impreza, fine wine baskets and more.

Proceeds from the evening will go toward sustaining the NAC's year-round operations.

Tickets are $250 per person, $125 for NAC participants or $150 for students. Tables for 10 people are available for $2,500 to $4,000. Purchase tickets in advance at www.DiscoverNAC.org . For information about volunteer opportunities, donating auction items and more, contact Jennifer Atkin at 200-0985 or jennifera@DiscoverNAC.org.

Utah Parent Center IDEA Survey

2010-09-15T10:37:00.003-06:00

** The Utah Parent Center asked us to share this with our participants, so take a look if this applies to you and your family. **

HELP US HELP PARENTS IN UTAH!

Parents of children receiving services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are being asked to help provide important information about how Utah is meeting the state's requirements to provide programs and services for children with disabilities in early intervention and special education.

Each year the US Department of Education makes what are called "verification visits" to state education agencies and early intervention lead agencies around the country. Utah has been chosen for a visit on October 12th, 2010. The Utah Parent Center has been asked to collect input from parents by distributing these surveys.

SURVEY DETAILS

Parents who have had children participate in the early intervention programs (Part C of IDEA for infants and toddlers) or special education programs in preschool, elementary, middle, or high school (Part B of IDEA) can provide input in your choice of several ways.
1. First, follow the appropriate link below depending on whether your child is ages birth through 2 (Part C) or is 3 or older (Part B) to a web based survey tool. Click on one of the following links, complete, and submit your responses:

Survey for parents of children ages birth through 2 (Part C)
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/partCbirth-2
OR
Survey for parents of children 3 or older (Part B)
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/partB3older
OR
Access the surveys through the Utah Parent Center's website at: http://www.utahparentcenter.org
2. Second, you may print out the survey that relates to your child's program, complete, and fax (801-272-8907) or mail it in. The links for pdf (printable) versions are here and instructions for submitting your responses are on the form:

PDF Version of Survey for parents of children ages birth through 2 (Part C)
http://www.utahparentcenter.org/partc.pdf
OR
PDF Version of Survey for parents of children 3 or older (Part B)
http://www.utahparentcenter.org/partb.pdf

3. Third, you may call the Utah Parent Center office at 800-468-1160 and complete it over the phone with one of our staff or volunteers. Spanish-speaking families can ask for Julie Moreno or Nancy Rodriguez for help in completing the surveys.

SURVEYS OPEN UNTIL 5pm ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th.
We will collect responses until Friday, September 17th. We'll then summarize the information for the US Department of Education team that is coming to Utah.

Please help us reach as many families as possible by forwarding or providing this information to parents who would like to provide input.

You may receive this information from more than one source because our many partner organizations are helping us disseminate the information. If so, you are well connected! Feel free to contact us if we can help you complete the surveys or if you have any questions or concerns. Our toll-free telephone number is 1-800-468-1160.
Thank you for your participation!

This information is also available online by visiting: http://www.utahparentcenter.org/surveys.htm.

Utah Early Intervention Survey

2010-08-20T08:58:00.006-06:00

Parents...tell us about early intervention
and special education services in Utah.

Al terminar esta encuesta en Ingles va a encontrar en español.

This information is also available online in PDF format by visiting
http://www.utahparentcenter.org/osepsurveyintro.pdf

Parents of children receiving services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are being asked to help provide important information about how Utah is meeting the state's requirements to provide programs and services for children with disabilities in early intervention and special education.

Each year the US Department of Education makes what are called "verification visits" to state education agencies and early intervention lead agencies around the country. Utah has been chosen for a visit on October 12^th, 2010.

The Utah Parent Center has been asked to collect input from parents by distributing these surveys.

Parents who have had children participate in the early intervention programs (Part C of IDEA for infants and toddlers) or special education programs in preschool, elementary, middle, or high school (Part B of IDEA) can provide input in your choice of several ways.

1. First, follow the appropriate link below depending on whether your child is ages birth through 2 (Part C) or is 3 or older (Part B) to a web based survey tool. Click on the link, complete, and submit your responses:

Survey for parents of children ages birth through 2 (Part C)

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/partCbirth-2

Survey for parents of children 3 or older (Part B)

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/partB3older

Access the surveys through the Utah Parent Center's website at: http://www.utahparentcenter.org.

2. Second, you may print out the survey that relates to your child's program, complete, and fax (801-272-8907) or mail it in. The links for PDF (printable) versions are here and instructions for submitting your responses are on the form:

Survey for parents of children ages birth through 2 (Part C)

http://www.utahparentcenter.org/partc.pdf

Survey for parents of children 3 or older (Part B)

http://www.utahparentcenter.org/partb.pdf

3. Third, you may call the Utah Parent Center office at 800-468-1160 and complete it over the phone with one of our staff or volunteers. Spanish-speaking families can ask for Julie Moreno or Nancy Rodriguez for help in completing the surveys.

We will collect responses until Wednesday, September 15^th. We'll then summarize the information for the US Department of Education team that is coming to Utah.

Please help us reach as many families as possible by forwarding or providing this information to parents who would like to provide input.

Feel free to contact us if we can help you complete the surveys or if you have any questions or concerns. Our toll-free telephone number is 1-800-468-1160.

Thank you for your participation!

Lo que los padres... nos dicen sobre la intervención temprana y los servicios de educación especial en Utah.

Estamos pidiendo a los padres de los niños que reciben servicios bajo la ley de IDEA que nos ayuden a proporcionar información importante sobre si el estado de Utah está cumpliendo con los requisitos de proveer la educación especial.

Cada año El Departamento de Educación de los EE.UU. hace lo qué se llaman las "visitas de verificación" a las agencias de educación alrededor del país, incluyendo la Intervención temprana. Utah ha sido elegido para una visita el 12 de octubre de este año.

El Departamento de Educación de los EE.UU. le ha pedido a Centro de Padres de Utah que distribuya estas encuestas y recibir las opiniones de los padres.

Padres de infantes y niños que han participado en los programas (parte C de IDEA) o programas educativos especiales en preescolar, elemental, educación media, o secundaria (parte B de IDEA) pueden proporcionar su aporte en diferentes maneras.

1. Primero, siga la conexión apropiada abajo dependiendo si la edad de su niño tiene 0 a 3 años de edad (parte C) o si es mayor de 3 años (parte B) en la encuesta en el Internet.

Encuesta para los padres de niños de 0 a 2 años de edad

(Parte C)

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/spanpartc

Encuesta para los padres de niños de 3 años o más (Parte B)
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/spanpartb

Puede tener acceso a las encuestas a través del sitio Web del Centro de Padres de Utah en: www.utahparentcenter.org

2. Segundo, Usted puede imprimir una copia de la encuesta que está relacionada con el programa de su hijo/a, complete, envíelo por fax, o correo. La línea para el pdf la versión (imprimibles) están aquí como también las instrucciones para presentar sus respuestas están en la forma:

Encuesta para los padres de niños de 0 a 2 años de edad (Parte C)

http://www.utahparentcenter.org/spanpartc.pdf

Encuesta para los padres de niños de 3 años o más (Parte B)
http://www.utahparentcenter.org/spanpartb.pdf

3. Tercero, usted puede llamar a las oficinas del Centro de Padres de Utah al 800-468-1160 y completar por el teléfono con uno de nuestro personal voluntario. Las familias que hablan español pueden preguntar por Julie Moreno o Nancy Rodriguez para que le pueda ayudar a llenar la forma o la encuesta.

Recogeremos las respuestas hasta el 15 de septiembre, 2010 y resumiremos la información para el equipo del Departamento de Educación de los EE.UU. que está viniendo a Utah.

Usted puede remitir esta información a los padres que quisieran proporcionar su aporte, pero solamente una respuesta por computadora será aceptada.

Si tiene alguna pregunta, siéntase con confianza de llamar a nuestro centro. Nuestro línea de teléfono es el 1-800-468-1160.

¡Muchas gracias por su participación!

Americans with Disabilities Act Anniversary

2010-08-17T09:18:00.006-06:00

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with a recognition reception for Senator Orrin Hatch on Thursday! The reception will run from 4-6pm at the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired at 250 North 1950 West in Salt Lake City. If you are interested in going, please RSVP to Liz Cerna at ecerna@utah.gov or by calling 1.877.246.9675 today!

Utah Medicaid Budget Hearing

2010-06-14T12:02:00.003-06:00

Utah Medicaid Budget Hearing for Fiscal Year 2012
(July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012)

JUNE 17, 2010
CANNON HEALTH BUILDING
288 N 1460 W
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
ROOM 114
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

The Department of Health invites you to attend a special Medical Care Advisory Committee (MCAC) meeting to obtain public input on the Medicaid and PCN (Primary Care Network) budgets for Fiscal Year 2012. The meeting will be held Thursday, June 17, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Room 114.

If you know of special medical needs not being met by the Medicaid or PCN programs, or want to speak on a budgetary matter of importance to you, please come prepared to make a short (no more than five minutes) presentation to the Committee. Copy services will be provided, if you have a handout. SIGNED PETITIONS ARE ENCOURAGED.

Your input will assist the MCAC in recommending a budget that will be more representative of Medicaid and PCN providers and clients.

New Executive Director, Gail Loveland

2010-06-11T16:31:00.004-06:00

The National Ability Center announced the hiring of its new Executive Director today. Gail Loveland joins the NAC following a five success-filled years at Outdoors for All in Seattle, Washington.

The NAC’s board of directors received interest from many qualified candidates across the country. Loveland’s experience working with people with disabilities and innovative strategies for community involvement led to her hiring at the NAC. Loveland helped Outdoors for All to become a Paralympic Sport Club – a designation shared by the NAC. She also volunteered with the International Paralympic Committee with 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

Loveland was the Associate Executive Director at the Outdoors for All Foundation in Seattle, Washington. She says she attributes her passion for adaptive recreation to the incredible athletes, families and volunteers who never cease to surprise and inspire her.

Over the last fifteen years, Loveland has gained experience in the recreation and non-profit fields as a ski and snowboard instructor for Keystone Mountain, Education and Program Director for the Starlight Children's Foundation, and Board President of the Washington State Chapter of U.S. Lacrosse. Her free time includes outdoor activities, team sports, and cheering on her home teams like the Philadelphia Flyers.

Loveland graduated from the University of Vermont School of Business with honors and holds an Executive Certification in Non-Profit Management from Georgetown University.

Gail will start at the NAC on June 21st, and you can meet her at the NAC's free Community Open House and Paralympic Experience on July 17th. Mark your calendars!

Bipolar Disorder Survey

2010-05-19T10:55:00.009-06:00

Parents of youth with bipolar disorder:
your voice matters!

If you have an adolescent with bipolar disorder or who exhibits bipolar-like symptoms please consider filing out this survey designed to better assess the needs of parents & children with bipolar disorders in Utah. Simply click on this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BWW7662

The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete & all responses are completely anonymous.

This survey will close May 31, 2010.

Thank you in advance for sharing your valuable time & expertise. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns either by calling 801-274-7070 or reaching us through e-mail at asbell@xmission.com

Sally Asbell, PhD & Peggy Collier, PhD
Department of Special Education
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112

Summiting Kilimanjaro

2010-05-13T13:59:00.003-06:00

Chris Waddell made history last year when he became the first to scale Mt. Kilimanjaro unassisted as a Paraplegic. Now you can learn about the journey from beginning to end at the Kimball Art Center.

This event is not sponsored by the NAC, but it is a great opportunity to see the abilities demonstrated by Chris on this trip.

ART TALK

Thursday, May 27, 6:00 p.m.

Kimball Art Center Art Talk is FREE and open to the public

Summiting Kilimanjaro Chris Waddell's Historic Climb Join the Kimball Art Center and Summit Sotheby's International Realty for a journey to the "Dark Continent" as Paralympian Chris Waddell and photographer Mike Stoner share the story of Chris' historic climb to the top of Kilimanjaro, "The Roof of Africa." With poignant stories and phenomenal images, Chris and Mike will lead you from the base of the mountain, through the difficulties of failed equipment, adverse conditions and heartbreak, to the epiphany of faded dreams and the summit.

Mike Stoner's photographs, which capture the pain and elation of this historic climb and the grandeur and beauty of the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, will be on display and available for order.

AmeriCorps Week at the NAC

2010-05-12T11:36:00.001-06:00

Last month my fellow AmeriCorps members and I attended a conference on volunteerism. During a short discussion session I noticed another conference attendee eyeing the dark goggle tans lining several of my coworkers’ faces. After a moment of hesitation he leaned over to one of my conspicuously tanned friends and, with a slight frown of incredulity, asked, “How can you be an AmeriCorps member and still have so much time to ski?” “It’s part of my job,” she laughed, “I teach skiing and snowboarding to people with disabilities.” He glanced again at the other National Ability Center AmeriCorps and, with a smile, asked, “Can we switch jobs?”

This second week in May is AmeriCorps week, a time when the nation celebrates volunteerism and, particularly, AmeriCorps members. As an organization, AmeriCorps isn’t particularly well-known. Unlike programs like the Peace Corps or the Red Cross, AmeriCorps could still stand to benefit from slightly improved brand recognition. In fact, when describing AmeriCorps I most often refer to it as “the domestic Peace Corps.” In short, AmeriCorps is a government-sponsored service program by which U.S. citizens work for one-year terms as full-time volunteers within the country. Without AmeriCorps, the nonprofit world would be a very different place. Each year nonprofit organizations in the fields of health, homeland security, education, and the environment benefit from the work of 85,000 AmeriCorps volunteers; a combined contribution of over 144 million hours.

Out of this massive number of volunteers, the National Ability Center benefits from the work of six. Not a very large number in comparison, but we six volunteers have moved from across the country for the opportunity to provide a plethora of services the National Ability Center would otherwise be unable to offer. As AmeriCorps we teach horseback riding lessons, coordinate volunteers, teach waterskiing in the summer and alpine skiing in the winter, we give presentations and recruit participants, help maintain the ropes course and belay participants on the climbing wall. We do a little bit of everything.
AmeriCorps members don’t make much in terms of income. Nonetheless, as our friend at the conference would tell you, National Ability Center AmeriCorps have some of the best jobs out there. Two of our members are Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists and one intends to study occupational therapy; they’re learning invaluable information for their future careers. The rest of us simply revel in the novelty that playing outside can not only be considered work, but that it actually makes an extraordinary impact on the lives of others. And this, of course, is the true draw of serving an AmeriCorps term.

AmeriCorps member Adena Miller, from California, works with a little girl named Sarah Barber in the NAC’s hippotherapy program. Sarah was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a condition that causes her muscles to continuously shrink. The NAC’s hippotherapy program is conducted by an occupational therapist who uses horseback riding as tool to build muscle tone and motor skills in patients. Since beginning hippotherapy, Sarah has become the first SMA patient her doctors have ever known to gain muscle mass.

Not only does Adena work with Sarah in hippotherapy on Tuesdays, but she also teaches her swimming lessons on Monday nights. “Sarah and I have a unique bond,” Adena says, “In swimming I’ll ask her to do something five times and she asks, ‘how about three?’ She’ll look at me and I just look her back in the eyes until she grins and says, ‘Let’s do ten!’” Working with Sarah has reinforced Adena’s goal to pursue occupational therapy as a career and it has helped Sarah progress in ways her doctors had never imagined to be possible.

For people with the time to serve, a one-year AmeriCorps term is not only an opportunity to give back, but it is also a chance to explore new interests, build relationships with people you would never otherwise know, and enjoy the freedom to connect to a community in a way no other volunteer or career experience could possibly offer.

Happy AmeriCorps Week!
Libby Falck, National Ability Center AmeriCorps Member

TRAILS SCI Outdoor Expo Tomorrow

2010-04-26T11:20:00.003-06:00

The 2010 Eight-week SCI Forum ends tomorrow at Liberty Park. This is TRAILS' Outdoor EXPO, and it is always a great time to learn about some of the adaptive sports that TRAILS sponsors and that their community partners (like the National Ability Center) provide. Dave Serbeck, one of the Forum participants will also be showing off the simple adaptations he has made to his 4-wheeler so he can drive it. Meet at Liberty Park on the west side just north of the tennis courts. Feel free to bring your family, friends etc. Even if you haven't been able to come to any other nights, please come to this one! There will be around 15 different stations for you to visit. A BBQ dinner will be provided. Please bring blankets, chairs, etc for the park. There should be adequate parking.

What: SCI Forum party

Where: Liberty Park (West side of the park, just North of the tennis courts. Enter the park from 900 South)

When: Tuesday, April 27th; 5-8pm

Should you have any questions. concerns etc please contact Lynette Ballard at 801-581-3142 or lynette.ballard@hsc.utah.edu.

Free NAMI Classes!

2010-03-22T11:11:00.001-06:00

Please forward this email to anyone who may be interested in these two free NAMI classes that start next week.

Family to Family is for anyone who lives with or loves someone with a mental illness. This class gives family members tools for coping, communicating and understanding their loved one with a mental illness. The class provides education, resources and support. This class runs for twelve weeks beginning Thursday 3/25 6:30 pm at the new IHC Hospital located at Quinn's Junction. The class will be meeting in the private dining room off the cafeteria. To RSVP please call Deb Kirby at 435.649.1921.

Bridges is for adults ages 18 and older who have a mental health disorder. This class provides consumers with tools for coping, communicating and recovery. The class provides education, resources and support. This class runs for ten weeks beginning Thursday 3/25 6:30 pm at the People's Health Clinic conference room at their new location at Quinn's Junction. To RSVP please call Sherri Christensen at 435.731.6056.

Please RSVP right away!

Thanks for your help in spreading the word!

Wendy Mair
Wasatch-Summit Affiliate Director and
Child and Adolescent Resource Specialist
NAMI Utah
wendy@namiut.org
435.503.0432

Golden Eagle Going for Gold

2010-03-17T15:43:00.000-06:00

The National Ability Center's Greg Shaw is in Vancouver as a member of the USA Sled Hockey Team trying to cap an amazing year that saw the U.S. win its first ever Sledge Hockey World Championship this past summer. Last night Greg scored the second of six goals for Team USA as they routed the Japanese 6-0. A number of articles and photos of the team were posted after the win. Below are a few of the links. Feel free to add others in the comments if you find them.

Canada.com (Terry Bell)
Vancouver Sun (Gary Kingston)
Calgary Herald (Terry Bell)
Getty Images
Life (Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

World Cancer Day

2010-02-04T11:34:00.004-07:00

World Cancer Day 2010, led by UICC (International Union Against Cancer), its members and with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), will raise awareness of cancer prevention.

Each year, over 12 million people receive a cancer diagnosis and 7.6 million die of the disease.

The good news is that approximately 40% of cancers are potentially preventable.

Today, UICC launched the campaign "Cancer can be prevented too", focusing on how the risk of developing cancer can significantly be reduced through simple measures:

Stop tobacco use and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke
Limit alcohol consumption
Avoid excessive sun exposure
Maintain a healthy weight, through eating healthily and exercising regularly
Protect against cancer-causing infections

According to Love Hope Strength, cancer causes more deaths worldwide than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined.

Many cancer survivors come to the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah each year to participate in our programs. Recently, we welcomed back a group with the University of Texas' M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. This group of young cancer survivors had all had some kind of cancer that resulted in a physical disability. Being a teenager is hard enough! Being a teenager who has had to fight cancer and then have your physical abilities changed by it face an even tougher road. Through our programs, these teens can find confidence by getting out with their peers and accomplishing things they never would have dreamed. Check out their video and the slideshow of their 2010 visit at the bottom of this post.

This week we have welcomed a local group called Un-Limb-ited. These local teens have also battled cancer and other illnesses that have taken away limbs, but not hope nor life! We'll post some of their photos and videos soon.

In two weeks we will welcome back another great group of youth battling cancer. One Step at a Time is based in Chicago and brings teens from around the Midwest to Park City each year for a chance to escape some misguided peer pressure and build new friendships. New friends and new hobbies, like adaptive skiing and snowboarding, can help teens to put their energy toward positive things. There is no room for pessimism on the Greatest Snow on Earth!

If you know someone who has a physical disability because of cancer, please let them know that they, too, are welcome at the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah. Here, we help people everyday to discover their abilities.

2010 MD Anderson Ski Trip Slide Show from National Ability Center on Vimeo.

MD Anderson's 2010 trip to ski at Park City Mountain Resort with the National Ability Center.

A Rewarding Thank You

2010-02-03T15:50:00.009-07:00

One of the most rewarding parts about being involved with the National Ability Center is watching families enjoy recreation together. Recently a family joined us for the fourth consecutive year on the ski slopes. After they returned home, they wrote us this great letter about the experience they had in our adaptive ski program.

Dear Mr. Schoon,

Please find enclosed a check to support the wonderful services the National Ability Center supplies to a population often forgotten. As a family, we have had the great fortune and pleasure to take part in many of the activities offered throughout the year.

I would like to draw your attention to a particular group of people who have made a major impact on our lives and the lives of our children. The winter ski school and its instructors and organizers have made the winters our favorite time of year! Jen C. is always ready to help and is, by far, the most organized person I have ever had the pleasure with which to deal. Kristen and Tracy are fabulous and are always ready to help or simply offer a smiling face first thing in the morning. Our prince in shining armor is Phil B. He has worked with our son for four winters in a row and we are pleased to say that he has now achieved his goal and skied a black diamond. In addition to teaching our son to ski, Phil has taught him so much more. He is the type of role model you hope to find for your son. He is patient, careful, and most importantly, VERY COOL. Our son looks forward to seeing him each time we come to Park City. And so do we.

We hope this contribution makes things just a bit easier for you and your amazing staff to continue the incredible work you do each day.

Fondly,

Debi and Harry

Thank you for the kind words and the generous donation! We look forward to seeing you on the Greatest Snow on Earth again very soon.

If you have an experience you would like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you! You can email us at info (at) DiscoverNAC.org, or you can send us a letter to PO Box 682799, Park City, Utah, 84068.

Utah Department of Health Survey

2010-02-02T15:37:00.004-07:00

We received the following email from Gina Pola-Money on behalf of the Utah Department of Health. With many potential programs on the chopping block while the state legislature is in session, the information families provide is extremely valuable. The less information you give, the less likely a legislator is to make a good decision. While the NAC has not taken a position on any bill presented at this year's legislature, we feel it is important to pass along any information that may help the individuals, families and communities we serve.

January 25, 2010
Dear Families, Professionals, Friends and Advocates of Children and Youth with Special Health
Care Needs and Disabilities:

The Utah Department of Health would like your help in assessing the needs of Utah children and young adults with special health care needs and their families. Because families are the experts on what is and what is not working for them in the state and local communities, we are asking families to complete our online survey to help us gather information. You can go directly to the survey by typing http://bit.ly/4TAuFD in your web browser or you may link to the survey from our web-site at health.utah.gov/cshcn.

For this survey, a child or youth is considered as having a "special health care need" if he or she is under 22 years of age and has a physical, developmental, behavioral or an emotional condition requiring health and related services beyond those that are required by children generally. The survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete and your answers are anonymous. If a family has more than one child with special health care needs, please feel free to fill out one survey per child.

Please forward this survey to as many families as possible! We want all voices of
families to count! This survey will close on February 12, 2010.

Thank you in advance for sharing your valuable time and expertise. The information we gather from the survey will help us better assess the needs of children and youth with special health care needs in Utah. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have at 801-584-8236 or through email at gpolamoney@utah.gov.

Sincerely,
Gina Pola-Money, CSHCN Family
Advocate & Family Voices
Harper Randall, M.D.
MCH Medical Director
Holly Williams, MSN
CSHCN Bureau Director

Legislative Hearing Wednesday

2010-02-01T09:36:00.004-07:00

We received the following email from Joyce Dolcourt with Utah's Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities. While the NAC has not taken a position on any bill presented at this year's legislature, we feel it is important to pass along any information that may help the individuals, families and communities we serve.

If you are concerned about budget cuts, now is the time to have your voice heard. Public testimony on the budgets for the Department of Health (Medicaid, Children with Special Health Care Needs) and the Department of Human Services (DSPD, Mental Health, and Aging) will be taken on Wednesday, February 3^rd in room 30 of the House Building on the Capitol Complex. The hearing will start at 2:00 pm. Public testimony will be preceded by formal presentations that will last about an hour. Since many members of the public will want to speak, it is best to have one person carry the message if you are going to be addressing the same issue. The time limit will be short and strictly enforced (2 minutes maximum and may be cut to 45 seconds if there is a large crowd). Sign-up to testify by calling (801) 326-1671 to get your name on the list of speakers. Sign-up will also be available at the hearing.

You may also want to bring 13 copies of your testimony to distribute to members of the committee. All materials should be three-hole punched.

Joyce Dolcourt, M.A.

Vice-Chair

Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities

(801) 718-3013

Greg Shaw to Vancouver!

2009-12-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

It's official! The NAC's Greg Shaw will be playing with Team USA's World Champion Sled Hockey Team in Vancouver this coming March. Next month he will participate with the team in Japan in a four-country exhibition. In February the team will have two camps. In March the team will meet in Colorado Springs before heading together to Vancouver.

Good luck, Greg!

2009 Hartford Ski Spectacular

2009-12-10T09:59:00.005-07:00

Many representatives from the National Ability Center are in Colorado participating in the Hartford Ski Spectacular this week. Program Director/Competition Program Manager Ellen Adams, program manager Kim Millikan, NAC co-founder and former CEO Meeche White and others are teaching lessons, attending workshops and sharing ideas with other great organizations who work in the adaptive ski industry. Kim took a moment this morning to share a couple of experiences from the week.

My week has been fantastic. I've been teaching all week. My main student is a veteran who lost his arm in Afghanistan. He rocks. He described to me the events surrounding the attack and his reaction with humor and candor. Not only did he expect to die, but he was laughing about what a great life he has had (holding his jaw to his face as he did so). He took snowboarding lessons at the Winter Sports Clinic for Disabled American Veterans last year, but thought he would not recall as much as he did. He came to our first lesson on a beginner board (designed for the first few lessons) and a humble attitude. We very quickly went through the entire beginner progression and it became more and more clear that he was definitely NOT a beginner. I made him exchange the board after the first 3 hours. The next day we were gliding smoothly down steep blue runs all over the mountain. Although the temps and wind were brutal we rode a full day. Yesterday with temps in the single digits (at the bottom of the hill) we found our first stash of fresh unskiied gentle powder and he attacked it the same way he has everything else on the hill. He bounces right up when he actually falls, asks for drills to improve every tiny aspect of his riding, and smiles from ear to ear when he talks about going home and showing his friends and family how to ride. Often people either get down to business and focus on the riding or enjoy being on the mountain and the beauty. He manages to do both! Great!

Yesterday I had the pleasure of teaching a lesson to one of the spouses of a veteran. She rocked. From moment one I liked her. She looked at me and said "if my husband can be out there riding black diamonds with a brain injury I should be able to at least get myself out there". Needless to say, her attitude and spirit were amazing, and I was just as giddy as she when she started lining beautiful turns down her second run.

Stay tuned for more updates coming soon!

No Excuse Not To Ski or Board!

2009-12-03T10:31:00.003-07:00

While skiing is the biggest program at the NAC, many people in Utah have never hit the slopes on more than a sled in the backyard. If you're one of those people, you don't know what you're missing! Park City Mountain Resort is trying to help you out, though. Read on to find out about their new program to help you become as enamored with the Greatest Snow on Earth as the thousands of people who come from around the world each winter to ski or board Utah's powder.

PARK CITY, UTAH (December 2, 2009) – Park City Mountain Resort announces “StartNOW”, a ski and snowboard school program for first-time skiers and riders designed to increase snowsport participation among Utah residents, ages six and up. Park City Mountain Resort’s StartNOW program offers participants five days of instruction, equipment rentals and lift access for only $25 per day.

“Research shows that a low percentage of Utah residents participate in snowsports. We want to encourage them to experience the magic of skiing and snowboarding,” said Tom Pettigrew, director of skier services for Park City Mountain Resort. “We determined that we needed to develop a program that provided a low entry barrier to trying the sport. At just $25 per day, our StartNOW program is an exceptional value and with a maximum of five students per class, participants receive personalized attention from their instructors.”

The StartNOW Program is offered to all Utah residents six and older that have never skied or snowboarded and includes an afternoon ski or snowboard lesson, rentals and a lift ticket for $25. After completion of the first StartNOW lesson, participants are invited to return to the Resort up to four additional times during the 2009-2010 winter season. Return participants will be able to enjoy any combination of an afternoon lesson, rentals and lift ticket for the low price of $25.

The StartNOW program is being offered all winter season long beginning December 4, 2009, with blackout dates from December 18, 2009 - January 3, 2010 and February 13-20, 2010. Interested participants are required to sign up online at startnow.pcmr.com. Space is limited so participants are encouraged to sign up early.

About Park City Mountain Resort
Park City Mountain Resort, the most accessible mountain resort in North America, is located in the heart of Park City, Utah and is only a 40-minute drive from the Salt Lake City International Airport. With 3,300 acres of unspoiled terrain, the Resort offers groomed Signature Runs™, bumps, powder, trees, eight peaks, nine bowls, four terrain parks, and the Eagle Superpipe. Park City Mountain Resort was once again ranked a top-five resort by the readers of SKI andTransworld Snowboarding magazines and a top-10 ski resort in North America by Conde Nast Traveler. For more information, visit www.parkcitymountain.com or call (800) 222-PARK.

Grassroots Advocacy Partnership Survey

2009-11-24T13:21:00.002-07:00

The Grassroots Advocacy Partnership (GAP) is gathering information for as part of a survey of the disability community to gather important data to use in making a case for the importance of disability services during the 2010 Utah Legislative Session.

The first link below is a survey directed primarily at people with disabilities and their families. The second link is directed primarily at people who are professionals and/or volunteers. You are welcome to take both if both apply to you.

Please pass this survey on to anyone and everyone so that GAP can get a good sampling of data from the Utah communities. We will officially close the survey on Sunday, November 29, 2009, and the data will be available on the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council website after December 1, 2009 at www.utahddc.org.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey(s) and then please pass this along to as many people as possible! Thank you!

Survey for people, family members, and friends

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=6fUTPTmg4GHIFkjUTaceWA_3d_3d

Survey for professionals and volunteers

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=50Zvur4v_2bzJe8L_2ffkEdJvw_3d_3d

Western Sled Hockey League Games

2009-11-10T10:15:00.002-07:00

Over the weekend the National Ability Center's Golden Eagles competed in the most recent round of games in the Western Sled Hockey League series. Thanks to everyone who came to support the Eagles!

The final scores were:

Friday, November 6th
NAC Golden Eagles 2 - 0 U.S. Jr. National Team
Phoenix Coyotes 0 - 9 U.S. Jr. National Team
NAC Golden Eagles 6 - 0 Phoenix Coyotes
U.S. Jr. National Team 4 - 1 NAC Golden Eagles

Saturday, November 7th
Phoenix Coyotes 1 - 7 U.S. Jr. National Team
NAC Golden Eagles 8 - 0 Phoenix Coyotes
All-Star Team 0 - 7 U.S. Jr. National Team

Peacefully to Pasture

2009-08-26T19:34:00.000-06:00

Today was a sad day for all of us at the National Ability Center. After three years of working with many of the big and tall riders in the NAC's therapeutic and adaptive riding lessons, Bally passed away.

Measuring more than 16 hands tall, Bally towered over most participants and staff. His body was barely big enough to contain his big heart. Even to his last day, Bally had the respect of both his riders and fellow horses. As he took what would be one of his last walks across the ranch this morning, the other horses in the pastures walked to their fences seemingly knowing that something was wrong with the big Belgian Draft. Bally passed away only a few hours later.

Special thanks to Dr. Sam Hendrix and Dr. John Sieverts for their care of Bally over the last few days. Thank you to David & Sue Steinman, the Alysa Casey Family and Stella Tavilla for helping bring Bally to the NAC.

Sincerely,
Dale D. Schoon,
CEO National Ability Center

A Note from the Equestrian Program Staff:

Bally was a gentle giant who tried his best at dressage and barrel racing. We'll all miss him. - Equestrian Program Resource Manager, Jan Drake

Bally was a friend and mentor to many riders. His kind heart and willing nature will be greatly missed. Thank you to all those who helped make his stay here possible. The big guy changed many lives. - Equestrian Program Manager, Rae Sorensen

United We Serve

2009-06-17T09:49:00.004-06:00

This morning President Barack Obama announced a new initiative called United We Serve. Mr. Obama encourages Americans of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to get out this summer and serve! At the National Ability Center, we could not survive without our army of volunteers. We are thankful for them everyday. For those of you who don't volunteer already, let this be your call-to-action. Come serve with us! We need you, and you will feel good for having helped out in your community. If you are interested in coming up to help in any of our many summer programs (cycling, horseback riding, swimming, water skiing, archery and more), call Jennifer Carpenter at 435.649.3991. She will get you pointed in the right direction. If you are ready to start today, our monthly volunteer orientation will be held tonight at the NAC at 5:30pm. We hope to see you there.

Better Wasatch Front Transportation?

2009-06-11T10:31:00.002-06:00

-Courtesy of Katie Rowley and the Utah Parent Center

Wasatch Front Mobility Management Project

Public Asked to Share Ideas to Improve Transportation Services for Wasatch Front Older Adults, Persons with Disabilities and Persons with Low-Income

Wasatch Front Mobility Management Project

The Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC), Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), Utah Transit Authority (UTA), and Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) are collaboratively conducting the Wasatch Front Mobility Management Project. Project planners invite organizations and residents to provide input on how transportation services for older adults, persons with disabilities and persons with low income can be improved through better coordination.

The objective of the Wasatch Front Mobility Management Project is to develop service and business plans for efforts that improve the coordination of transportation for older adults, persons with disabilities, and persons with low income. The project area includes the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) service area and areas within the Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC) and Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) planning boundaries.

Each Open House is scheduled to last two hours. Planners will share results of recent findings, and will seek the assistance of Open House participants to confirm the study findings, to identify any instances of unmet needs, service gaps or service redundancies that are not among the findings, and to offer thoughts on preliminary coordination strategies.

Input from the Open Houses will be used to develop transportation coordination strategies to address unmet mobility needs among older adults, persons with disabilities, and persons with low income. A second round of open houses will be held again in November to gain feedback and to help prioritize alternative transportation coordination strategies. The details for the second round have not yet been finalized.

In addition to open houses, the project team will also hold a series of focus group meetings for older adults, persons with disabilities and persons with low income. The focus group meetings will consist of small group discussions of 8 – 12 participants from each of the three groups. Individual focus group meetings will be held in three different locations within the project area. Participation in focus group meetings is by invitation only. To participate in a focus group meeting, visit the project website. From there you will be asked to respond to a brief questionnaire. Responses to the questionnaire will be used to identify individuals that reflect a representative sampling of older adults, people with disabilities and people with low incomes. Focus group participants will receive a $25 stipend.

Members of the media should contact Barbara Thomas at Wasatch Front Regional Council (801) 363-4230 x 124 or visit the website at http://www.wfrc.org/cms/wasatchmobility/.

For general information about the Wasatch Front Mobility Management Project, the Public Open Houses, and focus group meetings, members of the public should visit the website at http://www.wfrc.org/cms/wasatchmobility/, or call the toll-free project hotline at 1-877-281-5199.

For special accommodations, please call the project hotline at 1-877-281-5199 at least 48 hours in advance of scheduled meeting times.

Dates, Times, and Locations for Public Open Houses:

Box Elder/Weber/Davis County Area Open House:

Tuesday, June 16, 2009, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Weber County Library
2464 Jefferson Ave.
Ogden, UT

Salt Lake/Tooele County Area Open House:

Wednesday, June 17, 2008, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Salt Lake City Main Library
210 East 400 South
Salt Lake City, UT

Utah County Area Open House:

Thursday, June 18, 2008, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Utah County Health and Justice Building
151 South University Avenue
Provo, UT

Equestrian 20th Anniversary on PCTV

2009-06-09T09:36:00.003-06:00

More than 200 people joined us this weekend to celebrate two decades of horseback riding at the National Ability Center. Thanks to everyone who came and participated. Richard Lee Cody's music was fantastic. Dancing lasted well into the night. Thanks to Bandits for providing the food. Thanks, as well, to Sage Creek Equestrian and Whisperide for all their help in putting the event on. If you couldn't come, check out what was seen through the video camera lens of Park City Television.

Jon & Kate Plus 8

2009-06-03T14:24:00.004-06:00

Jon outside the National Ability Center's Ski & Snowboard Center at Park City Mountain Resort.

At the end of the ski season, we had the opportunity to host Jon Gosselin of TLC's Jon & Kate Plus 8 at the National Ability Center's Ski & Snowboard Center on the hill at Park City Mountain Resort. Jon learned about the recreational programs the NAC offers and volunteered with our Ski Program Assistant Manager, Tracy. The two of them help one of the NAC's most adventurous participants, Shay, on a ski lesson. Shea has Cerebral Palsy, and skis both on the Greatest Snow on Earth during the winter and in the water that snow leaves behind during the summer.

Jon tests a pair of outriggers (to aid in stability during ski lessons) as Tracy explains the program.

Jon met up with Tracy and Shea (along with a two-man camera crew) for an overview of the Ski & Snowboard Program before hitting the slopes. They talked about the different equipment and training needed for adaptive skiing. With the background Jon's father had in working with people with disabilities, Jon seemed to pick up on things pretty quickly. He was impressed with the variety of situations that the NAC could adapt lessons for. Being a nationwide leader in adaptive recreation for people with physical and cognitive disabilities means the program managers and ski instructors need to be ready for just about anything! Last year our instructors taught more than 20,000 lessons for the fourth consecutive year.

Shea and Tracy enjoy a good laugh with Jon before heading to the ski lift.

Early that morning, conditions were perfect with a few inches of snow having fallen overnight. It didn't take long for the snow to really start falling as the three headed out for the lesson. The group skied as much as they could in the white-out conditions before calling it a day.

We look forward to hosting Jon and the rest of his family should they ever decide to come to Park City again.

If you would like to learn more about the programs offered at the National Ability Center, you can visit our website at DiscoverNAC.org or call us at 435.649.3991. We provide recreation for people with disabilities throughout the year, and we encourage you to give us a call if you are interested in water skiing, horseback riding, cycling, archery or rock climbing with us this summer! Winter registration won't begin until September, so enjoy the warm weather while it's here. The snow will return soon enough.

If you are interested in supporting us in our mission, you can donate to us through PayPal, or you can contact our Development Officer, Scott Lyttle at 435.200.0983.

Tours of our facility are free and are available Monday - Friday 9am-5pm. Accomodations outside those times can be made by emailing our information inbox at info@DiscoverNAC.org.

AmeriCorps Members Carry a Big Stick (or Sledgehammer)

2009-05-27T16:10:00.000-06:00

At noon on May 21, AmeriCorps volunteers from the National Ability Center arrived at Recycle Utah on Woodbine Way with destruction on their minds. Wielding screwdrivers, hammers, utility knives, scissors, pry bars, pliers and a sledgehammer they proceeded to demolish thirty-four discarded car seats in 3 hours. By separating the hard plastic from the metal and non-recyclable fabric, a sizeable amount of recyclable materials were mined from the car seats and the county landfill was spared unwanted additions. It was a tough job but all of the participants enjoyed themselves as they found creative new ways to use tools! Many thanks to Brian, Kristin, Rebekah, Garrett, Molly, and Tracy for volunteering, and thanks to Recycle Utah volunteer coordinator Britte Kirsch for organizing the project.

-John Matro (Recycle Utah volunteer, aka Junkyard Dog)

Note from the NAC;
Each AmeriCorps member who serves with us for a one-year term also participates in monthly service projects like this one with Recycle Utah. This year, the NAC AmeriCorps members have volunteered their time and talents to the Peace House, Utah Food Bank, Norwegian Outdoor Exploration Center and many others. Each of them is also required to fulfill an Individual Service Project during the year. For more information about serving as a member of this national organization, check out AmeriCorps.gov. There are many options for where and when you can serve around the United States. Join AmeriCorps, get things done.

NAC Co-founder Honored by Dalai Lama

2009-05-22T08:09:00.005-06:00

Meeche White one of 49 Unsung Heroes of Compassion in the world

photo by Robert Bangtson

Twenty-five years after founding the National Ability Center (NAC) in Park City, Utah, Meeche White was honored by the Dalai Lama as an Unsung Hero of Compassion last month in San Francisco.

White was present two years ago when Paralympian Chris Waddell received the same honor. This time, it was her turn to meet the Dalai Lama.

“It was truly an honor to have an opportunity to shake the Dalai Lama’s hand,” Meeche said after the event. “He’s an amazing man.”

Meeche, who stepped aside as the CEO of the NAC last fall, was one of two individuals from Park City to be honored. She founded what was known as Park City Handicapped Sports in 1985 with her husband at the time. Their idea was to provide ski lessons to veterans with physical disabilities. That first season they taught 45 lessons. This past season the NAC taught more than 5,000 ski lessons and thousands more in programs like horseback riding, sled hockey, cycling, water skiing and swimming. Thousands of people have had their lives changed for the better through the NAC’s programs and Meeche’s efforts in the last two decades.

Her work was not limited to Utah or even the United States. She took the first ever trip with the Special Olympics ski program to Europe, and helped build other adaptive recreation programs in Thailand, Spain, Italy, Korea, Austria and Chile.

Meeche was one of 49 individuals from 13 countries who were chosen for being highly compassionate.

“These individuals have been selected as representatives of the tens of thousands of people worldwide who quietly serve the disenfranchised and work to improve our communities through their personal efforts,” said event chair Dick Grace, founder of Grace Family Vineyards, Red, White and Snow vintner and board chair of Wisdom in Action, the organization hosting the unique celebration. “We don’t see them or hear about them in the daily news, but they exemplify a humanism and heroism to which we must each aspire.”

Meeche said the event was both humbling and overwhelming.

“Of course meeting with the Dalai Lama is always an amazing experience,” she said. “It’s so overwhelming at the time.”

Now that she has had a chance to look back on the experience, Meeche’s thoughts have shifted to the uniqueness of having been honored by the Dalai Lama while so many people love and honor him.

“It’s very humbling because he’s an amazing man,” she said.

Meeche, you're amazing, too! Congratulations!

Tackling Cerebral Palsy

2009-05-11T16:42:00.008-06:00

by Raeshell Sorensen
(names in the article have been changed to protect the privacy of our participants)

Every day at the NAC we witness small miracles. One of many small miracles happened early on a Wednesday morning with a young man named Brad. Brad has Cerebral Palsy and has been riding horses for about two years; he recently switched from Therapeutic Riding to doing Occupational Therapy on a horse with our Hippotherapy program. Brad’s Dad Stuart has mentioned a few times how Brad screams and kicks out of excitement when he pulls their car into our drive. Although Brad doesn’t speak, he is quite verbal and communicates with those who know him best. Brad loves the horses, and the horses now help him to achieve his goals of building strength and coordination that will help him work towards walking with a walker to be more independent instead of using a wheelchair.

After 45 minutes of strenuous exercises and stretches on the back of his horse, Brad practices standing and crouching off the horse while holding to the arena fence. Two weeks ago, while doing such an activity, Brad stood up while holding the fence supporting his own weight for the first time. This may not seem like a momentous occasion to the common passerby, but Stuart had a tear in his eye when he said he was going to start shopping for walkers the next day. These are the small miracles that remind us why we do what we do.

If you are interested in seeing what benefits our therapeutic riding or hippotherapy programs could provide you, come visit us! We are located on the east side of Park City at Quinn’s Junction (off exit 4 of Hwy 40). If you have questions about the program check out our website or give us a call at 435.649.3991.

AmeriCorps Week

2009-05-09T06:38:00.003-06:00

The National Ability Center is fortunate to be one of only eight AmeriCorps state programs in Utah. These volunteers are invaluable and help create a positive environment for each individual who paritipates in our programs throughout the year. This week we celebrate with nearly 3,000 other organizations which are served by AmeriCorps volunteers. From rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina to helping kids with disabilities learn to ride a bike, AmeriCorps members help in many aspects of community life in the United States. At the NAC, each AmeriCorps member volunteers for 1,700 hours over the course of a year. Thank you AmeriCorps members!

Read on to learn more about AmeriCorps and its benefits to organizations like ours around the country. If you are interested in becoming an AmeriCorps member at the National Ability Center, please email us at info@DiscoverNAC.org.

What is AmeriCorps Week?

AmeriCorps Week is a recruitment and recognition event designed to bring more Americans into service, salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their powerful impact, and thank the community partners who make AmeriCorps possible. AmeriCorps Week provides an opportunity for AmeriCorps members, alums, grantees, program partners, and friends to shine a spotlight on the work done by members in communities across the country -- and to motivate more AmeriCorps to join AmeriCorps or volunteer in their communities.

The third annual AmeriCorps Week will take place May 9-16, 2009.

What is AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps provides opportunities for 75,000 Americans to give back in an intensive way to their communities and country each year. It consists of three main programs: AmeriCorps State and National, whose members serve with more than 2,900 national and local nonprofit and community groups; AmeriCorps VISTA, through which members serve full time fighting poverty; and AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps), a team-based residential program for young adults 18-24 who carry out projects in public safety, the environment, youth development, and disaster relief and preparedness.

Greg Shaw & Team USA Head to Czech Republic

2009-05-08T10:47:00.010-06:00

NAC athlete and Golden Eagles team member, Greg Shaw, is competing this weekend in the IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships in the Czech Republic. Greg has been all over the world with Team USA this season, and they are looking to bring home the gold after last year's bronze medal performance. ParalympicSport.tv is broadcasting the games live. Set your alarm clocks, and cheer for #8. Good luck, Greg!

2009 U.S. National Sled Hockey Team Schedule
May 9-16 • Ostrava, Czech Republic • Sareza Stadium

Date	Opponent	Time (Local/MDT)
Sat., May 9	Italy	9 a.m./1 a.m.
Sun., May 10	Korea	12 p.m./4 a.m.
Tues., May 12	Norway	4 p.m./8 a.m.
Thurs., May 14	Semifinal	TBA
Sat., May 15	Bronze-Medal Game	TBA
	Gold-Medal Game	TBA

Back in the Saddle

2009-05-07T09:24:00.003-06:00

Lessons have resumed! Temperatures are warming! Trees are in blossom! What do you want to do today? Bike? Trail ride? Swim? Dance? We do it all, and you can, too!

The swine flu was an unexpected bump in the road, but everyone here is healthy as a horse (including the actual horses!). We're excited to have everyone back. Thanks for your patience. Now it's time to play!

All Clear

2009-05-06T09:10:00.002-06:00

With the Summit County Health Department approving the reopening of area schools, the National Ability Center's programs will resume tomorrow (Thursday). If you have any questions, please feel free to call the us at 435.649.3991. What a crazy week! Wash your hands, and come play!

Two Weeks 'Til Shelby's Debut

2009-05-04T16:23:00.000-06:00

by Abby Ferrin

Shelby is well on his way for his big show on the 16th. He has been working really hard on obstacles like crossing a bridge, walking through water, stepping over poles, and of course, looking as cute as possible. Up next for Shelby are some experiences with a slicker and trotting in hand. He has taken his training very seriously and is waiting eagerly for his chance to show off his skills next weekend. Wish him luck!

(Shelby being followed in his pen by fellow mustang Etta Place)

One More Week

2009-05-04T11:16:00.002-06:00

UPDATE: ALL LESSONS, ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN CANCELED UNTIL MONDAY, MAY 11th.
Erring on the side of caution, the NAC has chosen to cancel lessons for one more week. We still have no reason to believe any individual at the NAC may have been infected with the Swine Flu, but we feel it is best to take this precaution. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the National Ability Center at 435.649.3991.

Lessons Canceled

2009-04-30T12:23:00.001-06:00

ALL LESSONS AND PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN CANCELED UNTIL MONDAY, MAY 4th. This decision was made to ensure the safety and health of our participants, volunteers and staff. The state is currently awaiting test results for possible swine flu cases in Park City. Following the decision to cancel school in the Park City School District, we felt it was in everyone's best interest to cancel our activities until next week. The National Ability Center is taking this issue very seriously as many of our participants have sensitive immune systems. Though we have no reason to believe any individual at the NAC may have been infected, we feel it is best to take this precaution. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the National Ability Center at 435.649.3991.

Discovered Abilities, Pt. II

2009-04-20T10:29:00.001-06:00

Those of you who attended the Red, White and Snow gala and auction this year had the first chance to see this video. Now it is available for everyone else! In this video, we share with you four stories of individuals from differing circumstances and backgrounds. Each has had a different road to the National Ability Center, but they have all discovered abilities here.

By clicking on the title of this post, you can post this video to your Facebook or MySpace page to share with your friends. You can also tweet the video to your friends via a Twitter link. If you like the video and what we do, don't be shy!

Shelby Prepares for Showtime

2009-04-20T09:11:00.008-06:00

by Abby Ferrin

11th Annual Wild Horse and Burro Festival

Shelby’s training is moving to a new level; competitions! He will be showed at the Wild Horse & Burro Festival on Saturday, May 16^th at the Salt Lake County Equestrian Park. Because this will be his first show, we decided to let him ease into it and registered him for just one class. He will be competing against other mustangs of all different ages in the Trail in Hand, Adult Combined class. This consists of being led through an obstacle course of poles, bridges, water, gates, and slickers. He will be judged on how well he responds to his handler and each obstacle.

Shelby has eagerly begun his training for this event with the help of his mustang pal, Etta. Etta was adopted at the same time as Shelby to help him successfully make the transition to domesticated life. She is 2 years old and serves as a more mature example for him to learn from. Etta continues her training just steps ahead of Shelby, so he can see what the future holds for him. We hope that she will also gain the skills necessary to be a therapy horse when she is old enough.

For those of you interested in the Wild Horse & Burro Festival, click here.

Developing Amazing Leaders

2009-04-19T22:07:00.004-06:00

DEVELOPING AMAZING LEADERS – Paralympic Conference

April 17 - 20, 2009
U.S. Olympic Training Center
Colorado Springs, Colorado

by Ellen Hall-Adams

Amazing Awaits. That is the message that is heard over and over during this three day conference. And, judging by many of the stories told, amazing happens.

More than 230 attendees, with a passion to prove what is possible for people with disabilities, are being treated to three days of learning from the best, compliments of U.S. Paralympics and the Olympic University.

The event kicked off Friday with an opening reception and a sneak preview of the film “Warrior Champions: From Baghdad to Beijing.” Filmmakers Brent and Craig Renaud share the emotional and inspiring story of a group of severely wounded American Soldiers as they fight to turn nightmares of war into Paralympic dreams. “Warrior Champions” is a coming home story of struggle and triumph that challenges every notion of what it means to have a disability. It will be coming to select theaters in June, and is a must see.

Saturday opened with Dr. Jim Loehr, the Keynote Speaker. Dr. Loehr is the CEO and co-founder of the Human Performance Institute. Dr. Loehr spoke about learning to rewrite our life stories, and in the process redirecting our energy toward what is really most important. He was impassioned and convincing, and had everyone lining up for a book signing following the presentation.

Following Dr. Loehr’s opening, we were able to choose between five presentations every couple of hours. The choices were difficult, as everything was compelling. The good news is that all presentations were handed to us on a flash drive for later viewing. Among the presenters were Paralympians, Paralympic Coaches, Doctors, Recreational and Physical Therapists, and Leaders of cutting-edge adaptive and rehabilitation organizations.

After many amazing (there’s that word again) presentations about organization, athlete development, equipment technology, recruiting, funding, etc, this attendee got a Goal Ball in the face during a hands on experience in a relatively new Paralympic sport. I think I’ll call it a night. More tomorrow.

Double Dip in the Park Record

2009-04-08T20:49:00.001-06:00

The National Ability Center was mentioned in two separate articles in the Park Record newspaper today.

Patrick Parkinson's article about a local family's struggles with Autism gave Tracy Riddleberger Meier the opportunity to talk about the NAC's programs and summer camps. Tracy is the program manager for Discovery Camps and the assistant program manager for the Recreational Ski & Snowboard Program. April is National Autism Awareness Month. The NAC will be working joining Utah's Walk Now for Autism on May 2nd, and more details will be coming soon about our pariticpation in that event.

Alisha Self also wrote an article about Shelby Mustang's arrival to the NAC. She spoke with Jan Drake about the process of bringing a mustang in from the wild and training it to become a therapy horse. Jan is the Equestrian Resource Manager at the NAC. In the article you can learn about Shelby's progress since his arrival, and you will be introduced to his stallmate, Miss Etta.

Both articles are good reads! Thanks, Pat and Alisha.

NARHA Region 10 Gallops Through

2009-04-07T16:34:00.008-06:00

by Raeshell Sorensen, Horseback Riding Program Manager

The National Ability Center hosted the 2009 NARHA Region 10 Conference last weekend. This was the first conference of its kind hosted by the NAC. It was a great opportunity for therapeutic riding instructors, therapists, horse handlers and volunteers from five different states to gain more knowledge and network with other professionals in their field. Classes focused on topics related to administrative job tasks, instructor skills, horse knowledge and ability awareness. Presentations included topics such as “How to Plan for Volunteer Turnover”, “Grant Writing, Putting the Puzzle Together” and “Preparing a Rider to Be Independent”. The conference was educational and entertaining for all who attended.

Winter Ability Bulletin Newsletter Available!

2009-04-06T14:59:00.000-06:00

The new Winter 2008-09 Ability Bulletin newsletter is now available for download! You can click on the graphic above or the title of this blog post to get your copy right on your computer!

If you are on the National Ability Center's email list, you should have received an email announcing the Ability Bulletin's availability in your inbox earlier today. If you didn't, make sure you're on our list by filling out the form on our homepage. Signing up for our emails will let you in on the inside scoop at the NAC. The latest information on program schedules, special events, registration deadlines and more can be sent straight to your email by signing up. You can always unsubscribe at any time.

If you have suggestions of articles you'd like to see included in future editions of the Ability Bulletin, please leave us a Comment below.

Silver & Bronze at USASA National Champtionships

2009-04-06T12:01:00.001-06:00

by Lucas Grossi

Dan Monzo and and Nicole Roundy are killin' it at the2009 USASA National Championships in Copper Mountain In the Halfpipe competition, Monzo (left) took third place and Nicole (right) rocked a silver metal! NAC Rippers!!!

More to come...

Shelby's Grand Adventure

2009-04-06T08:57:00.003-06:00

by Abby Ferrin

Shelby Mustang is still hard at work. Last Wednesday Shelby had his first major outing. In order to improve his leading skills, he had to move to a bigger area. He very bravely put his halter on and ventured out of his stall, through the barn, and into the arena. This was such an accomplishment that he had to celebrate with a few victory laps around the arena.

He was so attentive and well-behaved in the arena that he was then able to take a walk outside. This was no small walk. He traveled all the way around the parking lot to the lodge and back safely into arena. While outside, he was fortunate enough to encounter a few cars and some very nice people.

A successful trip, and Shelby is safe back in his stall with his buddy, resting up for his next grand adventure.

Adaptive Alpine Champs Wrap-up

2009-04-02T21:41:00.001-06:00

by Sue Greenberg

The 2009 U.S. Adaptive Ski Championships drew to a close today in Winter Park Colorado with the newest event in ski racing, the Super Combined. For those unfamiliar with this event, it requires the athlete to complete one run of Super G and one run of Slalom in one day. Super G is a speed event similar to Downhill but with a few more turns. In Downhill the athletes have the opportunity to complete a few training runs on the course prior to the actual race. In Super G there are no training runs, only a single opportunity to slowly inspect the course before racing full out. Following the morning race the athletes switch equipment and gears to complete one run of the quick turning slalom course. At the end of six tiring days of competition this event showcases both the athletes' versatility and level of fitness. I am very happy to report that all three of the NAC Ability Ski Team members attending this event not only survived the test of the Super Combined, but brought out some of their best performances of the week!

Zack Broderick discovered a love for speed this week, and while his Super G was solid, his Slalom run bumped him up two places to finish 10th in the Men's Sitting category. This showcased the hard work that he has put in all season developing his Slalom skills. Sam Blakley had consistently good runs in both portions of the Combined with a 9th place finish, closing the gap on his Junior aged rival from the East who just squeaked in ahead of Sam. Teague Cowley got one more opportunity to strut his Slalom skills with a run that moved his final result up to 7th place, just behind the U.S. team athletes in the Men's Standing category.

After ten days on the road, the athletes and coaches of the NAC Ability Ski Team are exhausted but excited both by the results from this season and the anticipation of next year. We return to Park City tomorrow. After a few well deserved rest and recovery days the team will begin preparing for next season by getting back to training next week!

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

The Waiting Game

2009-04-02T12:16:00.003-06:00

Teague Cowley and Zack Broderick waiting for the snow to stop.

by Sue Greenberg

There was a problem with the results calculation during the last couple of days. With all of the snow there were a few delays in getting yesterday's race underway, so while the coaches were out getting a thigh burning workout by pushing several inches of powder off of the downhill track, the athletes had a bit of time to rest and relax. The weather did clear and the race was held under much better conditions than Tuesday's blizzard! We'll keep you updated as we get the results from the recent races.

Video from 2009 Adaptive Alpine Nationals

2009-03-30T12:11:00.003-06:00

After one of his best finishes as a member of the Ability Ski Team, Teague Cowley edited this video together of his races and those of teammates Zack Broderick and Sam Blakley. Check them out!

Giant Slalom at Disabled Nationals Ski Races

2009-03-29T22:01:00.001-06:00

Results today in Giant Slalom were OK with Sam Blakley placing 9th and Teague Cowley 10th in GS. Teague skied a 240 point race which is 50 points better than he had going into the race. Sam is still getting used to his new boots and really picked up the pace in the second run. Teague had his own "wardrobe malfunction" with his top boot buckle falling off during morning warm up, allowing him to prove that you CAN fix almost everything with duct tape! Zack missed a gate in the first run and was disqualified. They are all looking forward to the speed events that begin tomorrow with a Downhill training run.

More to come...

Ability Ski Team: On the Road at Nationals

2009-03-28T23:17:00.006-06:00

by Sue Greenberg

The Ability Ski Team put the rubber to the road on Tuesday on our way to Winter Park Colorado for the U.S. Alpine Adaptive Nationals. Apparently we missed out on the most epic snowfall of the season in Park City, but that's okay - our entire season of training has been leading up to this event, so it was best that we were able to maintain our focus and edging skills. Wednesday was a training day with an opportunity to ski on the Super G track in the morning and a few runs of Slalom in the afternoon. Thursday was too windy to allow for training, so we had a much needed rest day to catch up after the travel and adapt to the higher elevation. Friday brought a rare sunny day to Winter Park, and we trained Slalom in the morning.

Today was the Slalom National Championship. The first run was exciting with our athletes, Teague Cowley, Zack Broderick and Sam Blakley skiing at a level that showcased their potential. These athletes compete in the two most competitive categories in Adaptive Racing, Men's Standing and Men's Sitting. After the first run, Teague was in seventh place in Men's Standing, ahead of some US team athletes, and Zack was in 8th place in Men's Sitting. These runs represented personal best results for these athletes. Slalom is a two run event, with the overall result coming from the addition of the two runs. At the end of the day, Teague finished in 8th place, with a result that will improve his world ranking by a significant amount. Zack had another solid run, but unfortunately was disqualified on a procedure violation. Despite this setback he has shown a great improvement in this discipline over the season. Sam finished 12th in the Men's Standing category, finding his groove after a shaky start. Overall the athletes represented the NAC very well today, and we are confident that this will continue through the remainder of the Championships.

Other results of interest to our supporters include current US Team member and NAC alumni, Erik Bayindirli finishing just off of the podium in 5th place in Men's Sitting. Park City locals Monte Meier (Men's Standing) and Stephani Victor (Women's Sitting) won the Championship Titles in their respective categories.

The Championships continue tomorrow (Sunday) with the Giant Slalom. We will keep you updated.

A Farewell to Eddy

2009-03-23T13:49:00.001-06:00

by Jan Drake, Equestrian Resource Manager

We recently found out that one of our retired therapy horses was humanely put down. Eddy, a 24-year-old buckskin quarter horse was leased to us by Mary Lou Hamil. Eddy provided three years of therapy lessons and put many smiles on the faces of our participants. She will be greatly missed by the National Ability Center. Eddy got to the point that her quality of life was quickly deteriorating, and a tough decision was made by her family. We want to thank Mary Lou for her generosity in leasing Eddy to us for those years.

A Name For Our Mustang!

2009-03-17T14:19:00.000-06:00

At this weekend's Red, White and Snow auction, the naming rights to our adopted Mustang were purchased. We are happy to announce that our mustang will be officially named Carroll Shelby, KR (King of the Road) and will be known as Shelby Mustang. Check back regularly for updates on the progress of Shelby's training!

Ability Ski Challenge on PCTV

2009-03-16T16:57:00.002-06:00

Park City Television's Mike Bradshaw paid a visit to the race hill at Park City Mountain Resort for the 21st Annual Ability Ski Challenge and talked with some of the event's skiers. Check out the video!

Ability Ski Challenge

2009-03-16T14:09:00.006-06:00

This year's Ability Ski Challenge was an integral part of the Red, White and Snow weekend to benefit the National Ability Center. Congratulations to the winners in each team and individual category. We look forward to seeing you all again next year. Check out the photo gallery here!

Team Awards:

Shredders Category

Splashy Coaches
Masters
Killer Kids

Weekend Warriors

Adelman Family
Cutie Pies
Team Juicy

Couch Potatoes

Renstall
Preferred Source
Cottonwoods

Male Host

Same Blakely
Teague Cowley
Josie Featherston

Female Host

Cindy Wilmhurst
Amber Ohl
Kirsten Morrisee

Male Legend

Thunder Jalili
Christian Mulholland
Brian Frost

Female Legend

Heidi Voelker
Alex Shaeffer
Jenny Badger

Male (without a disability)

Bob Skinner
James Tautkus
Jay Hay

Female (without a disability)

Dana Alexandrescu
Erin McDermott
Tina Bucheister

Jr. Male

Peter Papineau, Jr.
Kieran Adams
Bridger Clifford

Jr. Female

Sophie Frankenburg
Courtney Staples
Gretchen Swenson

Happy Friday!

2009-03-13T08:31:00.005-06:00

How can it not be a happy Friday morning when you wake up to this?

This photo of the east side of Deer Valley at sunrise/moonset this morning shows just how beautiful today is going to be for everyone who is going to Skiing with the Legends. Groomers should be awesome all day long after a cold night. Blue skies are expected to last throughout the day. Hope to see you there!

Red, White and Snow 2009 | Private Wine Tasting

2009-03-12T23:19:00.012-06:00

The weekend started early for guests of this year's Red, White and Snow culinary, wine and ski spectacular. More than 50 guests joined some of the best vintners in the country to taste a variety of wines at one of Park City's newest Main Street restaurants. Tatou served as the host for the three hours of wine tasting and mingling on a beautiful, chilly Thursday night.

If you couldn't make it, here's a little of what you missed.

Dale Schoon, CEO of the National Ability Center, talks with Diana Schweiger Isdahl (left) and Andy Isdahl (middle) from Schweiger Family Vineyards.

Tim Brennwald, Heidi Voelker and vintner Bayard Fox

Paul Crowe listens to Sean Capiaux from Capiaux Cellars before tasting wine from one of the dozen vintners being showcased.

Lynanne Nyarady enjoys a glass of wine with Chris Waddell and Rick Garcia.

For more photos, check out our Facebook page.

Hey, there, little fella!

2009-03-10T13:21:00.007-06:00

by Abby Jane Ferrin

Our Equestrian Program is very excited to introduce the newest member of its herd—a little, 7-month old mustang. He was adopted from the Bureau of Land Management’s Herriman holding facility on Saturday, February 21st.

Standing in a herd of hundreds of other horses his age, he stuck out immediately to us. His temperament is very calm and accepting of any new thing. He gives lots of love and likes to receive a lot in return. His looks make him completely irresistible. He is a rare tri-color pinto with tan and black points. He also has a rare dorsal stripe only over a tan patch on his back.

He arrived at the NAC on Tuesday, February 24th and immediately settled into his new home. By that weekend, we were able to halter him, and within a week we were brushing and leading him. He has loved being at the NAC and takes to all of his training very well.

As of yet, this adorable little mustang does not have a name. His naming rights will be auctioned off at our annual Red, White and Snow event. The proceeds from this will go toward his formal training when he is a little bigger.

Dr. Phil's Nicole VonRuden Goes Skiing

2008-04-16T15:54:00.008-06:00

by Sarai Morgan, AmeriCorps Member at the National Ability Center

Nicole VonRuden, a producer from the Dr. Phil show, came to the National Ability Center last week to enjoy a couple days of skiing. Although she works with the television show, she did not come to film but to participate with our adaptive ski program. This was not Nicole's first time visiting the National Ability Center; however, it was her first time in a bi-ski.

Nicole was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2001 and has since defied the odds of many doctors. As a result of the tumor, she has undergone several treatments of chemotherapy and has become almost completely paralyzed on her right side. In 2001 the doctors gave Nicole a mere seven months to live. Six years later, Nicole is still not giving up.

As a volunteer in the ski program, I had the pleasure of skiing with Nicole. Her bubbly personality, contagious laugh, and amazing stories made this a beneficial and therapeutic experience for me, as well. The lesson was taught by Ability Center Ski Instructor, Don Armstrong, who has been with the National Ability Center's ski program for eight years. His goal for Nicole was to let her be as independent as possible and, of course, to have fun!

Accompanied by several friends and family members, Nicole was able to rip it up on the slopes of Park City Mountain Resort. She quickly moved from the green runs, to the blue runs, to the black runs! This experience, though intimidating at times, gave Nicole to opportunity to ski again, which she thought would never happen. Thanks, Nicole for trusting us on the hill and showing us how to face adversity with such great courage!

Participant of the Quarter

2008-04-07T12:27:00.005-06:00

The National Ability Center is proud to have Erik Bayindirli as its participant of the quarter. The Center would also like to congratulate Erik for being named to the U.S. Disabled Ski Team and for the four medals he earned while racing at the U.S. Disabled Nationals in March.

Erik has been skiing since he was three years old and has been racing for twenty-seven years. For most of those years, he has been racing with the National Ability Center. Erik has been a participant here since 1985, and in 2000 he began training and racing more seriously with the Ability Ski Team (formerly known as the Park City Disabled Ski Team).

This year in Idaho, Erik won four medals at Nationals. After so many years of work, Erik was still surprised at the results.

“I was quite shocked. I was more than ten seconds behind first place last year,” Erik said. “Speed is not what I usually do well at so that was pretty incredible.”

Hard work individually was a big part of Erik’s success, but he shares the glory with his coaches.

“It was a really great feeling to see all that great coaching by Julie and Maca pay off,” he said.

Now, Erik says he is excited to have the opportunity to see what he can do on an international scale while trying to qualify for the World Cup races.

Besides skiing, Erik likes to snorkel, water-ski, wakeboard, surf, hand-cycle, target shoot, and play tennis and sled hockey.

Erik’s advice for others with big dreams is, “Never, never ever quit. Just as you might think it’s the right thing to do, things can change, and you’ll wonder why you even had that thought.“

Who Can Participate

2008-03-04T13:58:00.002-07:00

Individuals of all ages and abilities take part in the Ability Center's programs, including those with orthopedic, spinal cord, neuromuscular, visual and hearing impairments, as well as those with cognitive and developmental disabilities. Specially designed equipment is available for many of the activities. Adaptive saddles, hand cycles, and customized ski equipment, such as bi-skis, mono-skis and outriggers, enable participants to enjoy each activity comfortably and safely. In an attempt to eliminate the isolation of individuals with disabilities, friends and family members are also encouraged to participate.

What We Do

2008-03-04T13:56:00.003-07:00

The National Ability Center offers a wide variety of year-round activities, which include alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, swimming, cycling, water skiing, horseback riding, rafting and camping trips, challenge course activities, leadership development training, and more. In 2007, individuals participated in more than 26,000 lessons and outings! Because safety is the first priority, instruction is provided by professional, certified instructors and complemented by volunteer assistants who contributed over 25,000 hours in 2007, as well. Many of the instructors are also individuals with disabilities and serve as role models for our participants.

Mission Statement

2008-03-04T13:51:00.002-07:00

The National Ability Center is committed to the development of lifetime skills for people of all ages and abilities by providing affordable sports and recreational experiences in a nurturing environment. The objective of these experiences is to build self-esteem, confidence and physical development, thereby enhancing active participation in all aspects of community life. As a national role model, the Center promotes the concept of ability through integration, public awareness and education.