Have you met Boden?

I write this impact statement for AbilityPLUS from multiple perspectives in that I am a mother, a school administrator, a teacher at heart, and an advocate for all children.

Regardless of which group I am representing, AbilityPLUS has positively impacted my life and the lives of those I care most deeply about. I believe that it is my mission to cultivate the potential and unlock the passions of all children whether I am at home or at school. AbilityPLUS does just that- they have allowed so many children to reach their potential in the area of adaptive sports and have uncovered their true passions for a wide variety of activities available in our community.

My son was born with incredible abilities that allow him to compensate for his significant visual impairment, but in some instances his strengths are not enough to allow him to participate in many sports like friends his age. He was born legally blind, incredibly active, and full of energy.

The skilled, trained, and compassionate staff of AbilityPLUS has connected with him, learned about his interests, and identified his strengths in such a way that he is able to harness his energy and zest for life through alpine skiing. What he has accomplished over the past two years is astonishing! He is skiing virtually independently and is able to participate in the ESSC Jr. Ski Program alongside his peers.

It is difficult to put into words how incredibly grateful we are for the amazing people who volunteer their time to make experiences accessible to all children. As a mother I am humbled by their generosity and their ability to connect with and understand my child. As an educator, I admire their innate ability to provide individualized instruction and supports for a wide-variety of learners who may not have had the opportunity to access the world around them in it’s fullest capacity.

What this organization accomplishes is truly inspiring. I feel very fortunate to be a part of it!