| SPLORE
Provides recreational activities to children and adults with disabilities and special needs
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Splore is a Utah based non-profit organization that specializes in promoting empowering experiences in an active friendly world through affordable, customized, inclusive recreation and education programs for people of all abilities. Splore ran its first accessible rafting program during the summer of 1977 and for more than 30 years, has served over 40,000 individuals with disabilities including volunteers, care providers, friends and family members. These adventure experiences act as a catalyst towards greater independence, well being and self esteem.
It's the joy on a child's face when they ride the rapids down a river for the first time or climb to the top of a rock wall. It's the self-esteem that is built when a person with a disability is recognized and accepted for the unique individual they are. It's the connections that are made when walls are taken down, barriers broken and people can just be themselves. It is the life-enhancing experience that Splore provides through its outdoor programs. The activities we offer are only a small portion of what Splore provides; there is a deeper, more magical essence within the Splore experience.
Splore's staff and volunteers help create this magical experience. What makes Splore special is not necessarily the fact that people participate in outdoor recreation activities, but that people of all abilities are able to interact together. This interaction develops meaningful, life-long relationships between friends, family members, care providers and volunteers.
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Splore’s Experience Your Abilities Program
Children with special health care needs represent one of America’s most vulnerable populations. By partnering special education students with mainstream students, the Experience Your Abilities Program emphasizes friendships, health, independence, and education through active recreation inclusion.
Dear Splore: In December our school had the opportunity to join Splore’s Experience Your Abilities Program. I would like to tell you some of the great things that have happened as a direct result of Splore. The program was well organized and fun. The snowshoe trip was amazing. I saw many relationships develop that day. Amanda is a student who struggles with social situations. Amanda had a great experience in the group, has made more friends since the program, and is now playing jump rope with the girls at recess. Kevin, who has autism, often has no desire for social interaction. During the snowshoe trip Kevin interacted in social ways that he rarely does. He was laughing and enjoying the type of relationships that we encourage, but don’t usually get from him. Many of the regular students that came with us were unsure of the situation they were getting into yet they had a marvelous time and came back to tell everyone else. We were bombarded by student requests who wanted to be part of the experience. Walk through the lunchroom and kids would stop me and say "When are you going again and can I come?" Our students learned more about making friends in new situations, were excited, were more confident, and had new experiences that increased their awareness of others. Our students loved the experience and are asking about next year. We have benefited with increased friendships within our school. Even other teachers have approached me to learn more about your program. We hope to be invited to participate next year. Thank you for the experience!
Jenny, Dilworth Elementary School
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