National Ability Center


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. Our motto is "If I can do this, I can do anything."


The National Ability Center offers a wide variety of year-round activities, which include alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, swimming, cycling, waterskiing, horseback riding, rafting and camping trips, challenge course activities, leadership development training, and more. Last year 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 contribute over 23,000 hours annually. Many of the instructors are also individuals with disabilities and serve as role models for our participants.


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.

CORE VALUES
Innovative: The programs and services of the National Ability Center utilize advanced teaching methods, which embody inventive methodologies and revolutionary ideas. The Center employs a novel approach to old ideas thereby creating imaginative, resourceful ways to accomplish our mission. Integrity: Through a guiding principle of integrity, the National Ability Center strives to fulfill its commitments to participants, community, and each other fully and honestly, ever vigilant that our intent and actions are in harmony. Affordable: The National Ability Center strives to keep all programs and services affordable to all our participants so no one is denied participation due to inability to pay. Scholarships and financial assistance are available to anyone that requests it, while keeping program fees at a minimal rate. Caring: The National Ability Center strives to create an environment of genuine compassion and concern for all who seek our guidance and support. We shall maintain this environment by recognizing that every individual is special and unique, deserving of our cooperative efforts to serve, depicting a sensitivity and enthusiasm, which embodies the spirit of all who work here. Inclusive: The National Ability Center seeks to assimilate individuals of all abilities in order to promote family bonds, friendships and community relationships, by providing an opportunity and environment for unrestricted and equal association amongst people with different abilities, and through the removal of the bias that has developed around certain disabilities. Empowerment: The National Ability Center believes in encouraging people to strive for and to reach their full potential. Personal power is often realized through accomplishment and the Ability Center endeavors to provide opportunities for individuals to succeed in recreation and in life, thereby acting on our belief in others. Quality: At the National Ability Center *quality* is the high degree of excellence at which we conduct all aspects of the Center’s operations. Quality indicates that our participants can expect a safe, fun, and educational experience where they will receive the highest levels of customer service. Customer Service: If we can meet a client’s needs and interests without compromising other participants and staff, then we do whatever possible to accommodate them.

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