Adaptive Ski Program
History
In 1976, officials from Fort Bliss approached Ski Apache about teaching returning disabled Vietnam veterans to ski. Military Doctors believed that if these men could participate in a sport, particularly one which they enjoyed before the war, it would make a difference in their rehabilitation. Diana Person, a ski instructor, was
the first volunteer and with Ski Apache’s management’s approval and encouragement, a separate ski school was established … the Ski Apache Disabled Skiers’ Program or SADSP. The Program’s goal was to teach any person with a disability to ski. The area management offered to supply a small building and reduced or complimentary lift tickets for students, instructors and volunteers. That first year, Diana taught seven students including three Vietnam veterans and the Program was off and running.
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Diana
Person @ Monjeau Lookout during the 90s.
In 1977-1978, Sierra Blanca Ski Area had a ski program for the local school kids. The local ski shops rented equipment and the area offered tickets; all at reduced prices. Our program needed volunteers to work with our kids. That need was met by the people from the surrounding area.
That same season Hank Yabaro from Sierra Blanca Ski School organized the first Silent Auction. That has been the programs main fundraising event! By the mid 1980s Diana had about 100 volunteers and Bobby Palm, who was Diana's only employee. There was no charge for anybody to use the program, and donations were happily accepted.
Late 1980
Diana was good friends with Hal O'Leary (who ran the Winter Park program). They stayed in touch and traded ideas; together they were pioneers of "what works". By the late 1980s we started using a walker with skis; and a sit ski which was not much more than a flying bathtub with a "coach" attached to it That! opened up a whole new possibility for people to experience sliding down a hill on the snow.
Sit ski showing turning technique.
Sit ski with snow covered rider.
Lisa Maue and Walker
Lisa and Diana with a happy student on the "baby slope".
Previously we stopped the lift and it took two or more people to carry someone. Walkers made it easier on everyone because of the support. It loads and unloads the chairs on the fly giving us more time skiing and less fumbling around. Photo of the flying bathtub coming soon.
( to be continued,,,)