Adaptive Snow Sports Locations - Canada
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/02/10 - Updated: 2010/06/28
Category Topic: Adaptive Snow Sports - Academic Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: List of adaptive snow sport locations and instructors in skiing and snowboarding programs for persons with a disability in Canada.
Introduction
List of adaptive snow sport locations and instructors in skiing and snowboarding programs for persons with a disability in Canada.Main Content
The Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports Society
Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports (VASS) (www.vass.ca) runs skiing and snowboarding programs for persons with a disability at Grouse, Seymour and Cypress Mountains. VASS makes the mountain experience accessible to all. They welcome students of all ages and disabilities and utilize adaptive equipment and/or specialized teaching techniques to maximize a person's independence on the snow. To meet the needs of its members, VASS offers programs from beginner to advanced, which include snowboarding, sit-ski, stand-up skiing and advanced adaptive ski racing. VASS is affiliated with The Disabled Skiers Association of BC (DSABC) and The Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing (CADS).
Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snow-sports (www.visasweb.ca)
The Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snow-sports is a non-profit charitable society focused on providing Nationally Certified Snow-sports Instruction to the physically or mentally challenged. They believe that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate and enjoy Alpine/Nordic snow-sports. Volunteer instructors are certified nationally with the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing (CADS). Many are also members of the Canadian Ski Alliance (CSIA), the Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI) and the Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors (CANSI).
Whistler Adaptive Ski and Scotiabank Learn to Ride Program (www.whistlerblackcomb.com/rentals/adaptive/index.htm)
The Whistler Adaptive Ski and Scotiabank Learn to Ride Program is a therapeutic program that provides individualized ski or snowboard instruction to meet the needs of clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis and other cognitive disabilities. The Whistler Adaptive Ski and Scotiabank Learn To Ride Program, works in partnership with the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program (WASP). This winter program caters to a full spectrum of skiers and snowboarders from beginner through advanced. Our trained and certified instructors, guides, and assistants will help those with both physical and cognitive disabilities access the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb. Please join us to experience outdoor activity in a safe, friendly, and FUN way. They cater to all disabilities or special needs from ages 3 and up. Lessons typically run from 9am - 3pm. The meeting times may be adjusted to suit your needs.
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.