The Anderson family is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of inclusivity. Meet Jim and Kim Anderson, devoted parents, and their two daughters, Zoe an Raina, whose story showcases the impact of access to adaptive recreation, particularly through their experience at the Adaptive Sports Center (ASC) in Crested Butte. Zoe, the younger of the two sisters, navigates life with learning and neurological differences, including ADHD and a nerve disorder. Her delayed developmental milestones require specialized schooling and occupational and physical therapy sessions twice a week. For Kim, this journey meant leaving her job to devote herself to Zoe’s care, striving to provide her daughter with every opportunity to overcome physical limitations. When the Anderson family discovered the ASC, they were enticed by the program’s promise of inclusivity, support, and affordability. Jim and Kim knew they had to provide this life changing experience for their daughters, and the Access for All $95 daily lesson rate was like a breath of fresh air for them, knowing they didn’t have to take on another major bill on top of Zoe’s existing medical costs. This kind of affordability is crucial, as many families face similar challenges without the necessary financial support. “It takes a big burden off to be able to have your kids be able to do something and have access to everything and it’s not one more massive bill.” - Kim Anderson, mother Advocating for equal access to outdoor recreation activities for people with disabilities is core to our mission. The ASC’s true cost for one full-day lesson is over $900, but with the help of grants and donations, we only charge $95 for participants and their families. Upon arrival, the family was greeted by a sense of belonging they had never experienced before. Zoe found solace in the camaraderie of fellow participants and the unwavering support of the staff. For once, she didn’t feel different; she felt like everyone else. Zoe’s sister, Raina, also thrived in this environment, receiving equal attention and recognition for her abilities. Zoe and Raina now possess a skill that allows them to be included and participate with their friends and community, which has boosted their self-esteem and instilled a newfound confidence in their abilities. Their experience at the ASC reinforced a valuable lesson: when equipped with the right tools and supported by a nurturing community, there are no limits to what they can achieve. Looking ahead, the family is filled with gratitude and plans to return next winter to build on the skills they learned this winter. Their story serves as a reminder of how important it is to create access to outdoor recreation and provide opportunities for people to experience life-changing adventures. “When they have the right tools, they can do all the things; they just need the right tools and support.” Kim Anderson, mother Our Access for All Initiative is crucial in ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to exceptional outdoor recreation. Please consider donating to the Access for All Initiative. Your contribution to this initiative enables us to maintain reduced-price lessons of just $95, enabling more people to enjoy the benefits of outdoor adventures. Drawing by Zoe Anderson depicting her time at the ASC.
