How To Get Involved With Vermont Adaptive
Backstory
Vermont Adaptive, founded in 1987 at Ascutney Mountain Resort, was the first disabled skiing program in Vermont that worked with people of all ages and abilities. The organization designs year-round programs and outings for athletes of all disabilities—cognitive, developmental, physical and emotional—to get them active. Three years ago, they built a permanent home at Pico Mountain in Killington, but they operate statewide, conducting programs at mountains like Sugarbush, Bolton and Suicide Six in the winter. They now average 3,000 outings per year. “Sports are the ultimate equalizer for people with disabilities,” says marketing director Kim Jackson. “Helping them recreate with friends and family—that’s our goal.”
Get Involved With Vermont Adaptive
Vermont Adaptive is looking for skiers and riders to volunteer as instructors this winter. If you’re looking to donate, Nov. 28 is a great day to do it, as Vermont Adaptive is participating in the world-recognized charitable giving campaign, #GivingTuesday. Two donors have already pledged to match donations up to $40,000. You can also give donations in lump sums, or with a particular intent: for example, one day of skiing, including a lift ticket, instruction and equipment, costs approximately $120. vermontadaptive.org
Photo courtesy of Vermont Adaptive
Click on one of the following links to read more about the organizations in Vermont that get skiers and riders who face challenges of many kinds, out on the mountain. Or, click here to read about the impact one organization had on a participant.
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I’ve seen Vermont Adaptive change a lot of people’s lives over the years, using adaptive equipment and techniques to people with disabilities to learn a new sport or get back to doing an old sport with friends, all in Vermont’s beautiful outdoor playground. It’s also been great as a volunteer, to spend time with these great students who show us what determination, perseverance and inner strength really mean.