DSUSA Orange County - The Achievers
The Achievers is the Orange County chapter of Move United. Our program was established in May of 1981 by Jacque Adams. Because her daughter was a victim of Cerebral Palsy, Jacque was interested in finding activities that her daughter could participate in and through her investigations came upon the disabled skiing program at Winter Park, Colorado. Hal O’Leary, who is considered one of the founding fathers of disabled skiing, taught Jacque’s daughter how to ski and was instrumental in assisting Jacque to create a similar program in Southern California.
In December of 1980, our instructors began to teach disabled students the basics of skiing. By April of 1981, our first students were either skiing independently or were assisted by their families. Our goal is to provide a quality, safe, and fun experience for children and adults through monthly weekend programs held at the Mammoth Mountain every ski season. In the summer, we also participate in summer events, including handcycling, picnics, Angels game, and more.
Our program is formulated around two philosophies — one, that a person’s abilities far outweigh their disabilities, and second, that a mainstreamed lifestyle in recreation can be the catalyst for an overall better quality of life. Through a process that includes careful, professional medical analysis of the potential student’s disabilities and overall condition, equipment modification if necessary, and assignment of personal instructors, the disabled student then begins with an exercise and instructional program specifically designed for his or her needs. The disabled student receives free instruction, club-controlled equipment, and free use of the ski area facilities. The only cost involved is membership, transportation and lodging.
The DSUSA–OC program is comprised of caring individuals — all of whom are volunteers. We do not pay our instructors, administrators, or medical staff for their time or services. Clinics are conducted by certified instructors trained in adaptive skiing in order to educate our volunteer instructors and upgrade the level of our program. Each instructor is carefully monitored while working with their designated student on the hill. The instructor’s performance and the progression of the student is measured constantly by our staff.
CONTACTS
- Email: dsoc.trips@gmail.com
- Web: theachievers.org
- Phone: (949) 460-6969
- Location: Irvine, CA, 92619
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