Check out the year-round activities that are available at
the National Ability Center:
- Ability Ski Team
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Adventure Learning Program
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Aquatics
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Archery
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Cycling
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Hippotherapy
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Horseback Riding
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Indoor Climbing Wall
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Outdoor Education
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Paralympic Academy
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Sled Hockey
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Skiing and Snowboarding
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Water Skiing
The National Ability Center uses trained therapists
partnered with volunteers to ensure a safe and fun experience for attendees.
Family members and friends are included in the experience whenever possible,
since a goal of the Center is to promote participation of people with
disabilities in all aspects of community life, pursuing common interests
together.
With 26 acres to play on, it’s not hard to find an activity
to suit the needs and wants of every child. Your son or daughter can ride one
of the Center’s 26 horses and ponies, or spend some time on the challenging
ropes courses. Maybe they’d like to scale the 32-foot climbing wall, or try
adaptive mountain biking or snowshoeing on the 1,200 acres of adjacent trails.
National Ability
Center Camps
Summer camps at the Ability Center are designed to explore physical abilities
in a fun environment. Making friends and developing social skills are
encouraged by staff members who are chosen for their positive outlook,
experience and enthusiasm for the job.
Three different camps cater to youth with physical
disabilities, cognitive disabilities and Autism spectrum disorders. In
addition, teenagers with physical disabilities can elect to attend Camp Xtreme,
which includes overnighters and other challenging activities.
If you’ve got a horse lover in the family between the ages
of 8 and 15, rein them in to Camp Giddy Up. They’ll get plenty of riding time,
and intermediate enthusiasts have the opportunity to sign on for an overnight
experience, compete with horse show, or participate in a full day of mountain
trail riding. Your child can even meet every one of the Ability Center’s hooved
helpers online before camp.
Paralympic Academy
You don’t have to be the next gold medalist to take advantage of this outreach
program designed to inspire children with physical disabilities to take part in
sports and recreation. Parents and coaches can learn the skills and find out
about adaptive equipment available to support their children’s active
lifestyle. The Center features special event sports programs to promote the
Paralympics throughout Utah.
Lodging at the National
Ability Center
Affordable, accessible accommodations haven’t been forgotten. The Lodge at the
Ranch features 26 completely accessible double rooms, each with a private bath
and six with roll-in shower. A kitchen and dining rooms mean you don’t have to
eat expensive meals out.
But watch out for arrows flying to the south of the Lodge!
That’s where you can test your skills at the archery range. There’s also an
accessible playground just outside the door on the west side, with access to
plenty of trails for winter or summer sports if you head south.
Visit their website to find out more about the nationally
recognized programs offered by the National Ability Center.
