Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports

VAS&S Develops Sports and Recreation Programs for All Disabilities

Dec 9, 2008

Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports believes that recreation's physical and emotional impact can give the disabled immeasurable self-esteem, confidence, and independence.

Since 1987, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports (VAS&S) has been at the forefront of accessible sports and recreation in New England, with over 400 volunteers, and innovative programming that accommodates every type of sensory, physical, and developmental disability.

VAS&S’s programs run year-round and include every major outdoor sport and activity tailored to meet the needs of each individual or group at every level, from beginners to aspiring Paralympians.

Recreation programs can improve motor and cognitive functions, balance and coordination; increase fitness and muscular development, build confidence and self-esteem, and expand social skills. VAS&S programs are also fun and set amid Vermont’s beautiful woods, lakes, and mountains.

Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports Winter Programs

Alpine Skiing: VAS&S offers individual and group lessons (morning, afternoon, and all-day) seven days a week from December 26 through early April, including private instruction, adaptive equipment, and lift ticket.

Cross-country Skiing: Whether pursued as recreation or competitive sport, Nordic skiing is a superb cardiovascular exercise that develops balance and motor skills. VAS&S provides sighted guides for blind skiers as well as mono- and sit-skis for the physically disabled.

Snowshoeing: Peaceful outdoor exercise trekking over Vermont’s pristine wooded trails.

Dog Sledding: Short rides or daylong treks seated comfortably in an Adaptive Dog Sled; learn mushing or just enjoy the ride.

Indoor Rock Climbing: Year-round lessons for all abilities; “bouldering” option for the non-climber where one can feel their way around the rock gym.

Champlain Farms' Kids and Family Camp: Weekend event where kids (ages 6-17) develop snowsport skills and have fun with friends and instructors; learn introductory alpine racing techniques, outdoor safety, and active healthy living; features clinics, gate practice, pizza party, and “Fun Race.”

VAS&S also offers winter programs in collaboration with the Vermont Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired for sight-impaired Vermonters and also organizes Alpine race teams for disabled athletes and aspiring Special Olympians.

Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports Winter Programs

Hiking: VAS&S hikes are invigorating without being overly challenging; wheelchair-accessible explorations can also be designed.

Sailing: Sailing builds confidence, self-esteem, and social skills such as teamwork; VAS&S co-manages the Adaptive Watersports Program (AWP) on Lake Champlain, and offers sailing programs for all skill levels.

Canoeing & Kayaking: Water is a great equalizer; paddling equipment adapts to any disability; VAS&S’ three canoe and kayak programs teach skills, test limits, and provide fun exercise amid the beauty of nature.

Tandem Biking: VAS&S has accessible cycles, including tandems, and can arrange for a handcycle and tricycle for rides on local bike paths, rail trails, dirt roads, and quiet highways.

Therapeutic Horseback Riding: VAS&S offers therapeutic riding at MoonRise Farm in Taftsville. Riding improves muscular development, cognitive function, and social interaction and helps build self-esteem and trust.

Adventure Weekends

Each summer VAS&S holds 2-3 Adventure Weekends around the region that include camping, canoeing, waterskiing, kayaking, hiking, biking, white water rafting, sailing, and rock climbing. These weekends teach new skills and test and improve recreation abilities. Join an already organized weekend or create a personalized adventure.

VAS&S also runs rehabilitation ski programs in conjunction with Paralyzed Veterans of America and Disabled Sports USA. In 2006, members of the Israeli Alpine Defense Unit received ski training they used to help rehabilitate veterans in Israel.

Above all, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports seeks to attach labels such as “achievement,” “ability,” “confidence,” and “independence” to persons who might not be used to them—the disabled, the injured, the physically and mentally challenged, living up to their tagline: “Sports for Every Body.”

The copyright of the article Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports in Accessible Recreation is owned by Andrew Leibs. Permission to republish Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.