There are so many things that we take for granted on a daily basis.  Being able to wake up and walk over to the shower.  Going to the gym to run on the treadmill.  Being able to enjoy skiing down the slopes without a care in the world.  For so many this is not a reality.  They must rely on the constant assistance of others to complete seemingly basic tasks and are restricted from so many opportunities due to physical or mental impairments.  Being able to open up even a single opportunity to a person that would not have been able to participate otherwise makes a huge impact on someone’s life.  Even being able to change and make one person’s life a little bit better is so rewarding.  Here are some specifics:

1. Fosters Independence: One thing that any person with any disability will tell you is that they at times lack independence, not by choice, but by circumstance.  With good coaching, and accessible equipment, a person can have that independence that they would not have had otherwise.  Independence has so many benefits on a person’s mental health.  It boosts self esteem, builds confidence, and is crucial in a person’s growth, development, and happiness as a person.  It also enables a person to feel in control of themselves and their life, while providing them with a feeling of belonging.

2. Skiing is fun: Skiing provides a feeling like no other.  The amount of joy that fills me as I soar down the slopes is indescribable.  It is not fair that someone should miss out on this joy because of a disability.  People with disabilities already have to miss out on so many fun experiences in life, it is not fair that they should have to miss out on skiing too.  Apart from skiing being fun, it has been the place I feel most at home.  Met some of my best friends.  Had some of the best times.  Laughed and smiled the hardest.  Developed some of my core memories.  I want everyone to have that experience.  

3. Physical Benefits: Along with the mental benefits skiing can provide to a person with disabilities, it has numerous physical benefits.  Skiing forces a person to work on skills, such as coordination and balance.  On top of that it requires a person to engage their muscles to propel themselves with the use of outriggers, and provides a great cardiovascular workout.  One thing many people don’t know about skiing is the fact that despite the snow, it is so sunny most of the time (so your vitamin D levels are getting a boost!) 

To sum it up, accessible skiing is so important for so many reasons.  It can change a person’s life for the better, boost their mental and physical health, fosters their independence, and provides them with one of the most fun adventures!