Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 8468 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2016 As the winter season arrives, families around the globe prepare to head to their favorite slopes. For families in Dallas-Fort Worth, skiing is about more than just the ideal bonding opportunity for parents and their growing, technology-consumed kids. The white slopes also provide a much needed escape from the Lone Star heat. But what about families with less traditional situations, such as special needs children? Are they doomed to sit on the sidelines while their friends and loved ones enjoy the sights, speeds, and excitement of the race downhill? After all, skiing is known as one of the most physically demanding sports. Fortunately for families with special needs children, the U.S. has one more thing to thank its veterans for. While the roots of what is known as adaptive skiing reach back a bit before World War II, it was the efforts of Vietnam veterans that sparked widespread growth and interest in the concept which now enables nearly anyone to experience the thrills of snow sports. Originally intended to help injured military members,whomayhavelostlimbsorvision,adaptive skiing has grown into a celebrated Paralympic sport. Still, those not looking for a pathway to the Olympics have benefited too, as resorts around the country host lessons and a variety of other opportunities for individuals who would not otherwise be able to ski. WHAT IS ADAPTIVE SKIING? Through the use of specialized equipment, adaptive skiing removes the barriers between individuals with disabilities and one of America’s favorite family pastimes. As it sounds, adaptive skiing, adapts to each person’s need level, allowing the blind, deaf, intellectually disabled, autistic, and even quadriplegic to embrace the same traditions on the slopes as their families. Different types of equipment cater to a wide range of disabilities. For example, mono or bi-skiing, also known as sit skiing, frequently works best for those with amputations or spinal injuries/disorders. Individuals who sit ski should have significant upper body strength or accommodations can be made to attach an instructor or a guide. Alternatively, there are adapted forms of stand up skiing, two, three, and four track. Two-track skiing is similar to traditional skiing with the addition of a variety of supplemental devices as necessary and works best with individuals using prosthetics or who have epilepsy, a spectrum disorder, or mild cerebral palsy. Three-track adds a third handheld outrigger to the mix, helping individuals with single limb weakness and above the knee amputees. Lastly, utilizing four points of snow contact, four-track skiing aids people with lateral stability issues. EMBRACE! Originally intended to help injured military members, who may have lost limbs or vision, adaptive skiing has grown into a celebrated Paralympic sport.