Adaptive Snow Ski Program, Adaptive Sports Association
The Adaptive Sports Association (ASA) in Durango, Colorado was co-founded by Dave Spencer, a young ski instructor with an amputated leg, who believed that skiing could challenge and increase the self-concept and physical well being of all individuals with disabilities. Although Dave lost his battle  with cancer, his dream of an organization dedicated to teaching people with disabilities to ski and participate in outdoor recreation has continued to thrive. It is truly magical when these students overcome their fears, push their limits and experience success. Dave Spencer described this as the difference between “living life, and just surviving a disability”.

 

Far too many individuals with disabilities lead isolated, inactive and unhealthy lives simply because they have not been exposed to the possibilities of  adaptive sports and recreation. The programs at ASA are designed not only for fun but also as tools to  facilitate vital changes and personal development within students. Students become more self-confident and independent and go on to achieve their maximum potential in many other areas of their lives as a result of their experiences with ASA and other adaptive programs. The close partnership of the Torrey Pines Kiwanis Club and the Adaptive Sports Association (ASA) dates back to the founding of ASA 21 years ago. Since that time more than 400 San Diego area residents with disabilities have received full scholarships to participate in “learn-to-ski” weeks at Durango Mountain Resort. Through the generous support of the Torrey Pines Kiwanis Club, ASA is able to offer services to individuals with virtually any type of physical or cognitive disability through the use of highly specialized adaptive equipment, creative equipment modifications and customized, progressive teaching techniques. For more information, call (970) 259-0374 or check the ASA web site at www.asadurango.org
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Cal-Diego Paralyzed Veterans Association
The Cal-Diego Paralyzed Veterans Association was established in July of 1981 as a chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injury or dysfunction through service, legislation, advocacy, sports, recreation, research, and education. Membership is free and is open to those who have served in the military and have a spinal cord injury or disease. Paid affiliate memberships are also available to all those who are interested in supporting our work. For more information about Cal-Diego PVA and its programs, please call (858) 450-1443, or visit our web site at www.caldiegopva.org. Cal-Diego PVA is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization.
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Canine Companions for Independence
Founded in 1975, Canine Companions for Independence pioneered the concept of training assistance dogs to serve people with physical disabilities. With service dogs as the cornerstone, the CCI program has expanded to include three other categories: hearing dogs for people who are deaf or hearing-impaired; skilled companion dogs for younger people with disabilities and others requiring help in managing the dog; and facility dogs, who work with professionals in a variety of institutional settings. Canine Companions help their partners to accomplish practical tasks and lead fuller, more independent lives. The bond of mutual love between a CCI graduate and his or her Canine Companion is a joyous testament to the program’s success. Since 1975, the organization has placed more than 2,000 assistance dogs. For information, call (760) 901-4300 or log on to www.cci.org.
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Family Karate Adaptive Program
It began with some borrowed wheelchairs and techniques demonstrated at a Torrey Pines Kiwanis meeting. It has evolved into program classes in Rancho Penasquitos, La Mesa, Solana Beach, Oceanside, Escondido and Murrieta. Brothers Steve and Mark Truscott teach children in wheelchairs, braces and those with other disabilities the discipline and sport of karate. "This has been a first sport for a lot of kids," says Truscott. "Now, many of our students do all sorts of sports. You can’t teach these kids without getting inspired." Visit our website at http://www.familykarateusa.com:84/Programs/PhysicallyChallenged/tabid/63/Default.aspx
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Grossmont High School Adaptive Physical Education
In the Grossmont Union High School District students that receive Adapted Physical Education services have had an Individual Education Plan created for them which may be the only Special Education service that the student receives. Classed are divided into different four week sport/recreational units during which the students are taught specific skills and practice different drills within that sport. Proper modifications and adaptations are made according to the students needs for each activity. Some of the sports and recreational units that are covered in classes include swimming, soccer, tennis, football, ultimate frisbee, bocce ball, and croquet. Also incorporated into the Adapted Physical Education class is cardiovascular fitness training such as hiking, stair climbing or a workout on the track. Funding from the Torrey Pines Kiwanis Foundation will be used for equipment purchase.
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Hage Elementary Kids Programs
The Integrated Life Skills classroom at Hage Elementary School is part of the Special Education program within San Diego City Schools. The program is for children who have moderate to severe cognitive disabilities as well as physical challenges. Hage Elementary has two Integrated Life Skills classrooms, one each for lower and upper grades. Within the classroom and community, emphasis is placed on the child’s independence in the skills of communication, socialization, academics, recreation, vocation, self-help and integration with children in their general education classes. The program utilizes adaptive equipment and technology to assist the students with communication, mobility, and access to computers and recreational activities. The goal is to provide an enriching, caring and supportive classroom situation so students can be successful in their home, school and community environments.
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Helen Woodward Animal Center, Therapeutic Riding Program
Some arrive in wheelchairs. Many wear braces on their legs. Others walk into the arena on their own. Nearly 60 students take part in Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Therapeutic Riding program each week. Riders, ages 4 through 70, work on mental, emotional, and physical challenges. While their doctors judge the program in terms of goals and evaluations, the smiles of these riders tell the real story. Therapy horses are specially trained by the Center’s staff to carry these precious packages. Most horses are donated and for many it’s a new beginning after successful careers as jumpers, show horses, and polo ponies. Now, as therapy horses, they enrich the lives of people with special needs. Therapeutic Riding at Helen Woodward Animal Center is the only program in San Diego County accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). This department of the Center has improved the quality of life for thousands of San Diegans since it began in 1976. Other services offered at the Center include dog and cat adoptions, AniMeals for the pets of homebound elderly people, Club Pet boarding, education programs, the Community Equine Hospital and Pet Encounter Therapy. For information, call (858) 756-4117 or log on to: www.animalcenter.org.
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Julian Youth Academy
The Julian Youth Academy (JYA) established in 1993, is a long-term, Christian residential school providing support for troubled teenage girls. Despite our facility being destroyed in the October 2003 Cedar fire, this program continues to grow and flourish. This private, accredited high school, located in the mountains of San Diego County, provides an ideal setting for healing and renewal. JYA offers full-time supervision and instruction within defined, high moral standards. Our mission and purpose is to bring healing to parents and teens in crisis through firm but loving intervention, interactive education and life skills training. The Julian Youth Academy is a program of Teen Rescue, Inc., a free referral service for parents with teenagers in crisis.  Teen Rescue provides parents with a variety of resources and services that help redirect teens in a positive direction. For information, call (800) 494-2200 or log on to www.teenrescue.com

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Kids on the Block
Kids on the Block of San Diego is an educational program that uses life-sized puppets to represent children with a variety of physical and learning disabilities, medical conditions and social problems. The puppets, who travel throughout the San Diego community performing at schools and special programs, address a wide range of issues that affect today’s children. They speak out about what it’s like to have a disability, be abused or have other cultural and social challenges. The interaction between children and the puppets reinforces the unique and often humorous exchange of facts and feelings that is the essence of each performance. KOB reaches thousands of children annually in elementary schools and community programs throughout San Diego County. Since its inception in 1985, over 900,000 children in our community have had the opportunity to hear Kids on the Block’s positive message. For information call (619) 770-8689 or log on to www.kobsd.org.
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KPBS
The KPBS Radio Reading Service broadcasts the readings of newspapers, books and magazines to those who are blind, have low vision or are physically impaired. Throughout the week, a large pool of local volunteers read from sources as diverse as The San Diego Union-Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Time magazine and local grocery ads. Readings and programs air 24 hours a day and can only be heard via a special radio provided by the service. For more information, call (619) 594-8170 or log on to www.RadioReadingService.com.
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La Jolla Firehouse YMCA
The La Jolla Firehouse YMCA Community Center, an historical landmark, is located in the heart of the picturesque seaside village of La Jolla. The Firehouse provides activities for folks of all ages and abilities, including group fitness, concerts, music lessons, drama programs, seminars, stage productions and special events. For more information, call (858) 459-1640.
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La Jolla YMCA Inclusion Program
For over 40 years, the La Jolla YMCA has been dedicated to improving the quality of human life and helping all people realize their fullest potential as children of God through the development of spirit, mind and body. The YMCA, a nonprofit organization, accomplishes this mission by providing over 180 programs and services to members and participants of all ages and abilities. These programs and services include, youth sports, adult sports, gymnastics programs, swim lessons for all ages, summer camps, child care programs, adult health and fitness classes, and much more.

In addition, the YMCA never turns anyone away due to an inability to pay. The YMCA grants financial aid and scholarships to those adults, families, seniors, and children who cannot afford the full price of the programs and services. This “charity” is what makes the YMCA unique. The La Jolla YMCA offers inclusion facilitators in all programs upon request and have been able to assist many families with the generous donation we have received from the Torrey Pines Kiwanis Foundation. Recently added is a new sailing camp, partnering with Challenged America, designed specifically for children with disabilities. For more information 
about the La Jolla YMCA’s programs and services, visit their web site at: LaJolla.YMCA.org or call (858) 453-3483.
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Mission Bay Aquatic Center
The Mission Bay Aquatic Center is the world’s largest water sports facility. Last year, over 14,000 students participated in water skiing, wake boarding, kayaking, sailing, surfing, wind surfing, kite boarding and rowing classes. Their programs for persons with disabilities include sailing, kayaking, water skiing, and rowing. With the outstanding teaching and leadership skills of the staff at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center, persons with disabilities can enjoy the thrills associated with these exciting sports. Several community organizations such as the National MS Society, Sharp HealthCare Rehabilitation Services, and City of San Diego Therapeutic Services team up with the Mission Bay Aquatic Center to offer accessible water sports events uniquely for persons with disabilities.

The Mission Bay Aquatic Center also offers a Youth Water Sports Camp and regularly scheduled class offerings in accessible sailing and water skiing for individuals not associated with an adaptive organization. In addition to the opportunities uniquely for persons with disabilities, the Mission Bay Aquatic Center believes in the philosophy of inclusion, adapting equipment and procedures to accommodate most levels of abilities in any regularly scheduled class. “It’s great to see someone find a new recreational interest,” says Steve Kaliszewski, wheelchair sports specialist at Sharp Rehabilitation Center. “To really see the overall effect these events have on someone’s self-esteem is special.” From accessible water sports to inclusion, the Mission Bay Aquatic Center continues to lead the effort to provide accessible water sports for individuals at all ability levels. For information, call (858) 488-1000.
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Paws'itive Teams
Paws’itive Teams provides service dogs for persons with disabilities, enabling these persons to live more independent lives and to achieve an enhanced quality of life. Our dogs are custom trained to meet the specific needs of the individual. All placements are limited to San Diego County, where lifetime support is provided following every placement. A trained dog can improve a person’s quality of life and become a valuable assistant to accomplish the goal of independence. This four legged “assistive device” gives unconditional love and provides valuable psychological, emotional and social support. Our dogs are trained using operant 
conditioning training methods and are kept in the trainer’s home until placement with their disabled partners. Preparing a dog begins as early as 7 weeks and culminates with placement at approximately 2 years. Once the dog’s new partner is chosen, further training is customized to emphasize specific skills needed by the individual. For more information, call (858) 674-0845 or visit www.pawsteams.org.
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San Diego Fireman's Relief Association
The San Diego Firefighters Benevolent Fund of the San Diego Fireman’s Relief Associations was established to raise funds to provide assistance to active and retired San Diego firefighters in times of serious financial difficulties and for educational scholarship awards. The assistance provided usually consists of payments for continuing health care coverage, providing durable medical equipment as needed or outright grants. We are pleased to have awarded close to $25,000 in scholarships over the past five years.
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San Diego Unified School District Adapted Physical Education
Adapted Physical Education is part of the Special Education program within the school district. It serves students with a wide range of disabilities, from preschool through high school, that demonstrate gross motor deficits which may inhibit their ability to safely or successfully participate in the general physical education program. Students receive a diversified program of motor and fitness activities that are modified to meet state physical education standards and individual student goals. Specialized equipment is necessary to adapt and modify the curriculum so that all students are successful. Our goal is to enable all students to participate in physical education in the least restrictive environment that promotes maximum interaction with the general school population.

Sharp HealthCare Quad Rugby
Sharp HealthCare’s involvement with quad rugby dates back to 1989—the infancy of the sport itself. It was only two years later that Torrey Pines Kiwanis saw the value of this program and began to partially sponsor the team with funds earned from the La Jolla Art Festival. Sharp’s quad rugby program has been a model organization since inception, one which other programs nationwide attempt to emulate. This approach was validated when Sharp won their first National Championship in 1996 and subsequently four times since then. For information on Sharp Edge Quad Rugby call Steve Kal at (858) 939-3048.
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Sharp HealthCare Adaptive Yoga
There are many physical and mental benefits derived from practicing hatha yoga. Most yoga classes are designed for students who can do standing poses. Sharp Rehabilitation Services Recreation Therapy offers an adaptive yoga class designed for individuals with physical limitations. At Sharp, recreation therapist and yoga teacher, Debbie Moore leads a class using modified poses. The weekly class is performed from raised mat tables in the physical therapy gym. The class is open to anyone in San Diego who has a physical limitation. Current  students include those with spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, post-polio and other mobility limitations. Due to the adaptive nature of the yoga class, many of the students state that they receive the same benefits from practicing hatha yoga as their able-bodied counterparts. These benefits include increased feelings of relaxation, deeper breathing, increased flexibility, increased posture or alignment, and less muscle stiffness and pain. For more information, call (858) 939-3048.
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Spina Bifida Association
The Spina Bifida Association is an all volunteer, nonprofit, parent run support group formed to provide support, education and community for families with a member with spina bifida. We offer monthly support and educational meetings in both English and Spanish. A youth group meets at the same time for fun, games, music and other activities. Meetings are held from 7 to 9 pm the first Monday of each month in the conference rooms adjacent to the main cafeteria of Children's Hospital. Additionally, educational and sports scholarships are available to members. Other events are a summer potluck picnic and a December holiday party. All meetings and events are free. An information and resource book is available in addition to a quarterly newsletter with events and educational articles. For information, call (619) 491-9018.
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Team Thor Adaptive Hang Gliding
TEAM THOR USA, Inc. is a public charity dedicated to “Turning Athletes Into Champions” and causing unity, excellence and celebration. Paragliding for Possibilities is one of our unique programs which gives physically challenged athletes the breakthrough of experiencing tandem flight over the spectacular Pacific coast at the Torrey Pines Gliderport. Support from the Torrey Pines Kiwanis Foundation helps us bring this gift of freedom, hope, inspiration, fun and possibility to people living with disabilities, and to the entire community. For information, please contact Scott Sargeant, Lalit Katz or Gary Jones at (858) 536-1560, by email at teamthor@msn.com or visit our web site at www.teamthor.com.
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U. S. Open Wheelchair Tennis Championship
Youth Tennis San Diego owns and operates the Barnes Tennis Center and promotes the physical, educational and social development of all children through tennis activities. Community programs encourage youth participation, personal integrity, leadership and competitive spirit in a friendly environment that builds responsible citizens. Located at the gateway of Ocean Beach and Point Loma, the public tennis facility was built as a community resource center and today is the home of Wheelchair Tennis San Diego and the US Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships.

Funding from the Festival is used to further develop the Center and encourage athletic activities for physically challenged San Diegans. Wheelchair Tennis San Diego is an organization that offers wheelchair tennis instruction and match play every Thursday evening at the Barnes Tennis Center, for disabled youth and adults. This program is an excellent way for disabled people to participate in a sport that they can play with their able-bodied friends and family. Initial lessons and use of the tennis wheelchairs are free of charge for those who would like to try wheelchair tennis. The US Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships is the premiere wheelchair tennis tournament in the United States and one of the most prestigious events in the disabled sports world. The event will take place in late September and encompasses three events: the US Open, the Junior, and the Senior Doubles Wheelchair Tennis Championships. The public is invited to attend free of charge. The tournament attracts about 200 players, as well as numerous coaches, family members, friends, and countless spectators. Sanctioned by the United States Tennis Association and the International Tennis Federation, the tournament draws top local, national, and elite international players all vying for the coveted title of US Open champion. The tournament will be held at the George E. Barnes Family Junior Tennis Center. For information, please call (760) 966-0989.
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