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I have recently been honored and humbled by the invitation to join the Board of Directors of a truly amazing organization, the National Ability Center. The mission of the NAC is:
"The National Ability Center is committed to the development of lifetime skills for people of all ages and abilities by providing affordable outdoor sports and recreational experiences in a nurturing environment.
The objective of these experiences is to build self-esteem, confidence and physical development, thereby enhancing active participation in all aspects of community life. As a national role model, the Center promotes the concept of ability through integration, public awareness and education.
Founded in 1985, the National Ability Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Programs are supported through special events, grants from private corporations and foundations, individual donations and program fees. All activities are offered at an affordable rate and scholarships are available, ensuring participation for all applicants."
Of course, these are just words on a page (or screen). To really understand what it's all about, you have to go there, see the facilities, watch the participants in action and see the support provided by the greater community for this cause.
As therapists, you see people fighting to overcome disabilities every day. But you see them in a clinical setting, which for most people isn't a lot of fun and presents you with the ongoing challenge of keeping your patients motivated. In contrast, watch the same patient ride a horse, learn to snow or water ski, ride a hand-cycle bike, or even conquer a challenge course (in a wheelchair!) and you can see the motivation, energy, and joy on their face!
I'm posting some links below so you can see for yourself what I mean. Hopefully you'll be reminded of the same things I was:
1) Learning and accomplishing are much easier when you make the task fun. Whether managing people or motivating patients, we should try to use our creativity to make it fun;
2) All of us can accomplish much more than we think we can. There is no such thing as overconfidence if you have the right tools, support and no-quit attitude. If you don't believe me, Google "Chris Waddell" or look at www.one-revolution.com
3) There are organizations like the NAC in your community. Find one, and volunteer your substantial expertise and skills to help them. My bet is, you'll end up receiving much more than you give.
And if you're ever in Park City, Utah - please call me and let me show you around the National Abililty Center. Yours (or a loved one's) life could be among of the many changed as a result!
Alan
www.discovernac.org Main NAC website
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Tzh71vGvKQ NAC Hippotherapy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWcel6sPwqQ NAC snow skiing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErG50hdtlnE NAC Discovery Camp
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