New Executive Director, Gail Loveland

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!

Who Can Participate

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

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

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.