About Disabled Sports, USA Orange County
The Orange County Chapter of the National Handicapped Sports and Recreation Association (now called Disabled Sports, USA) was organized in May of 1980 by Jacque Adams. Because her daughter was affected by cerebral palsy, Jacque was interested in finding activities that her daughter could participate in, and through her investigations came upon the adaptive skiing program at Winter Park, Colorado. Hal O'Leary, who is considered one of the founding fathers of adaptive skiing, taught Jacque's daughter how to ski and was instrumental in assisting Jacque to create an adaptive ski program based in the Orange County area of Southern California.
In December of 1980, our instructors began to teach disabled students the basics of skiing. By April of 1981, our first students were either skiing independently or were assisted by their families. The DSUSA-OC goal is to provide a quality, safe, and fun experience for children and adults. The Achievers go on monthly weekend trips to Mammoth Mountain Resort from December to May.
Our program is formulated around two philosophies: First, that a person's abilities far outweigh his or her disabilities and second, that a mainstreamed lifestyle in recreation can be the catalyst for an overall better quality of life.
Through a process that includes careful, professional medical analysis of the potential student's disabilities and overall condition, equipment modification if necessary, and assignment of instructors, the disabled student who has completed the required paperwork and has been approved by our medical team then begins with an instructional program designed for his or her needs. The disabled student receives free instruction, adaptive equipment if needed and lift access. The only costs involved are membership dues, food and lodging, and transportation.
The DSUSA-OC program is comprised of caring individuals--all of whom are volunteers. We do not pay our instructors, administrators, or medical staff for their time or services.
Training is conducted by instructors certified in adaptive ski/board teaching in order to educate the volunteer instructors to maintain and upgrade the level of our program. Each instructor is carefully monitored while working with their designated student on the hill. The instructor's performance and the progression of the student is measured repeatedly by our staff.
We invite you to explore our website to see what DSUSA - Orange County, "The Achievers" is all about.
- Send us an email at:
- Leave us a message at 949-460-6969
- Send US mail to P.O. Box 10502, Fullerton, CA 92838.