Disabled Sports USA is undergoing tremendous fundraising efforts this year, headed by executive director Doug Pringle, due to a budget shortfall estimated at close to $450,000.

The loss of revenue is not due to the economic downturn, but rather, to the loss of a major electronic Bingo fundraising event that previously provided the majority of organizational funds. Nonprofit gaming was prohibited with recent California legislation that gives a monopology to Indian gaming.

Pringle has called upon all staff and members to make a contribution to the organization’s success, and is embarking on bold new strategies and events to solicit revenue.

The Disabled Sports USA Far West programs include ski lessons for people with both physical and cognitive/developmental disabilities, as well as summer activities like golf, sailing and kayaking.

Without new funds, the organization will have to close its doors within 2 years.

Pringle, a West Point graduate who donated several years of time and labor and devotion to found the organization, is determined for that not to happen.

If you are interested in participating in fundraising efforts, or have any skills or resources to offer, please contact the main office.

Recently, at a ski event, I met the founder of a new school offering pottery lessons for children with autism. It’s called Create In Clay School of Ceramics and it is based in Oakland, CA.

Hey Everybody,

I wanted to announce early that I will no longer be teaching at Heavenly Resort with Vail Resorts next year. I’ve joined a wonderful program at Alpine Meadows, a nonprofit that is committed to offering adaptive ski lessons at affordable rates, called Disabled Sports USA.  It’s beautiful up here, with a healthy spacious feeling. Please stay in touch with me as you make your winter plans.

Best, Eveline

Hey Everyone,

This year I’ve my schedule is pretty full during the holidays periods with returning students, with just a little spot here and there. If you’re thinking of coming up, I really encourage you to look at non-holiday times, or shorter 3-day weekends. Also, if reservations says I’m not available, please call me directly to double-check. I may be able to make schedule adjustments to fit you in.

Also, many people have been asking if I teach private lessons only for adaptive. The answer is that I teach kids and adults of all abilities. I am also a certified level 2 Alpine coach, and a certified Children’s Specialist Coach. Adaptive instruction involves knowing the alpine basics and more.

Eveline

http://www.wired.com/medtech/health/magazine/16-03/ff_autism

Are you a parent of special needs child? Looking for a Lake Tahoe family ski vacation your whole family can enjoy? How about an adaptive ski lesson?

If you’re like most parents with a child with autism, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other genetic, developmental or neurological conditions, you may not have heard about adaptive skiing before. I wrote this blog for you!

As an adaptive ski instructor who has also worked as a movement therapist for special needs children, I am continually amazed at what a great experience skiing is for my students. I watch children enjoy the snow, meet new challenges, and use adaptive equipment to experience a truly wonderful sport. I also see them learn, in so many ways. I watch parents excited to learn new ways to interact with their child and find new possibilities.

I hope this website can provide you loads of information. If you want, sign up to this blog, because as the year progresses, I will be including photos, and hopefully parents will add comments (as I figure out how to work this blog). You can also email me photos to post or put up any questions you want.

Beware: if your child goes skiing, they may talk about it for the rest of the year!

Look forwards to meeting you!

Eveline Wu

PSIA Certified Adaptive Ski Instructor
Certified Feldenkrais Neuromuscular Reeducation Practitioner
Certified in the Anat Baniel Method for Children
B.A. UC Berkeley

Disclaimer: I’m writing this blog on my own intiative because of my enthusiasm for adaptive teaching, to help you have resources when considering adaptive skiing for your child. This blog does not represent the official views of Heavenly Resort, nor am I writing it as officially representing the resort.