Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports
Description
Vermont Adaptive is a non-profit organization that provides activities and instruction for both youth and adults with disabilities,Those disabilities may be physical, cognitive, or emotional/behavioral.
During the winter they have programs in skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and other winter sports at three locations in Vermont.
- Attraction Type: popular places
Number of accessible spaces: There are usually enough accessible spaces no matter which venue you go to
Location of accessible spaces: general at the closest location to the main entrance
Surface of lot: generally gravel
Distance to venue: depends on where you are
Transportation to venue offered: na
Terrain: generally fairly flat
Places to rest: na
Paths and walkways: generally concrete near the entrances
Location of accessible entrance: depends on which venue you go to
Baby changing station: generally available in each venue
Available food services: food is generally available at all venues
Friendliness of staff: usually great
Notes: Since there are three venues for Vermont Adaptive Winter Sports, all of the above are dependent on which venue you go to.
Vermont Adaptive is one of the most impressive organizations I know. Although the following excerpt comes from their website, I could not have said it better myself.
It is …a place where youth and adults with disabilities gain a measure of self-confidence and independence by participating in adaptive sports programs and activities…It is recognized nationally for (its) client centered programs… (They) offer a large variety of programs and unique specialized equipment. Their winter activities include alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and other winter sports. They serve clients of all abilities with physical, cognitive and emotional/behavioral disabilities in three Vermont locations during the winter.
I can only speak about the winter program offered at Killington/Pico, because my “better half” has been one of their volunteers for several years. I have been able to see, first-hand, how intense their volunteer training is, and how they interact with their clients, both on the snow and off. It is inspiring to see!
This is a wonderful way to “…empower individuals with disabilities and promote independence and further equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational activities.” I stole this from their mission statement!
If you know someone ( from kids to adults) whom you think might enjoy something like this, visit their website, www.vermontadaptive.org, or give them a call (802) 786-4991 and discuss your specific needs. They will be happy to speak with you.
PS. If you decide to give it a try at Killington/Pico, look at www.destinationaccessible.org, for many accessible options for dining near Killington. Although we do not have hotels on our site, we are happy to report that The Killington Grand, is an easily accessible option for a place to stay.
Contact us