Description
With the support of volunteers, dedicated instructors, and the local community, The ASC has thrived and grown to become one of the premiere programs for outdoor adaptive recreation. Our summer and winter programs share the theme of helping participants to enjoy outdoor and adventure-related activities in Crested Butte?s mountain environment. The ASC makes a concerted effort to share with other communities and organizations our extensive experience in administrating adaptive sports programs. The ASC is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization and is a chapter of Disabled Sports USA and a member school of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA).
PROGRAM HISTORY
The ASC was founded in 1987 when President and Mrs. Carter joined a group of local residents to form the Physically Challenged Ski Program of Crested Butte, which has evolved into the year-round, nationally recognized ASC. The ASC accomplishes its mission by providing adaptive equipment and instruction in alpine and cross-country/backcountry skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the winter. In the summer we offer downhill mountain biking, handcycling, canoeing, multi-day river trips, hiking, camping, whitewater rafting, and fishing.
SERVICES OFFERED
According to the 2000 census, 56.3 million Americans fall into the category of "disabled," and the ASC is proud to offer its services to everyone within this community. We provide recreational instruction for people with physical disabilities such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, amputations, traumatic brain injury, and visual and hearing impairments. The program also provides services for individuals with cognitive-related disabilities such as mental retardation, Down Syndrome, autism, ADD, ADHD, and other emotional and behavioral disorders, as well as programs for youth at-risk. Much to the credit of ASC instructors as well as strides in adaptive technology, the ASC has been able to assist every person who has come through its doors. The ASC welcomes anyone with a desire to participate.
CLIENTS SERVED
We provide over 1,500 lessons each year, enabling hundreds of people to experience the freedom and dynamic motion of outdoor sports. Our students include people who travel from as far away as Germany and Argentina and as close as downtown Crested Butte. The ASC has hosted events such as the Disabled American Veterans Winter Sports Clinic for 350 disabled veterans aged 18 to 80, the Colorado Springs Spina Bifida Association, the Joy School from Texas for girls with learning disabilities, and the Roger Pepper Camp for young burn survivors. Many national and international groups and individuals return to the ASC year after year.
