National Ability Center Helps People with Disabilities Experience Active Lifestyles

ROCHELLE MARSHALL courtesy of the National Ability Center

For over 38 years, the National Ability Center (NAC) has served its non-profit mission of building self-esteem, confidence, and lifetime skills through sport, recreation, and educational programs. By providing a safe, inclusive, and uplifting environment for people with disabilities, the NAC has empowered its participants to achieve individual goals, strengthen socialization, recreate with peers, and foster independence and self-advocacy.

The NAC staff are adventure-seekers who love recreating and are passionate about helping people with disabilities reach their undiscovered potential. We are playful, yet focused and purposeful in cultivating a more accessible and inclusive world. We draw from decades of collective experience, working with people who live with a disability while also harnessing the power of specialized adaptive equipment, techniques, and teaching methods.

One out of four people in the United States lives with a physical, cognitive, or developmental disability. Too often, people with disabilities experience barriers and a lack of accessibility to recreational opportunities while facing discrimination and exclusion. We believe a disability shouldn't hinder anyone from living a vibrant, active, and rewarding life. By encouraging everyone to enjoy life and reach their fullest potential, regardless of ability level, our goal is to help people bridge the gap between perceived limitations and what is truly possible. We aim to help the adaptive nation explore, learn, and grow through the spirit and mindset of "I Can." of over 1,000 seasonal volunteers, we are able to serve our mission: to empower individuals with disabilities and their families through adaptive sport, recreation, and educational programs.

The NAC offers over 20+ seasonal recreational programs, including archery, mountain biking, cycling, skiing/snowboarding, indoor/ outdoor rock climbing, watersports, day camps, overnight camping adventures, and more! All programs are designed to provide enriching experiences and improve the lives of individuals, families, and groups of all ages and abilities.

Come visit us and discover new ways to recreate with the adaptive community!

Scholarship applications are available for those seeking financial assistance. Visit go.discovernac.org/recreation-and-adventure for more information.