ASA Scholarships and Financial Assistance
Since the founding of ASA in 1983 our
mission has stated that our services
would be provided "regardless of individual
financial situations". Every possible
effort is made to keep our programs
as affordable as possible. Our full-price
winter students pay approximately
20% of what an able-bodied skier would
pay for the equivalent services at Durango
Mountain Resort.
Opportunities for financial assistance include:
Individual Financial Assistance
Many of our students continue to be severely limited by not only
their disabilities but also by their financial limitations. Unfortunately
sport and recreational therapy is often considered an unaffordable
option for people with restricted incomes. These individuals are
very often the ones who most benefit from these opportunities when
the door is opened. An ongoing goal of ASA has been to provide our
services to all individuals regardless of their ability to pay.
Individual financial assistance is available to qualified participants.
Our Program Director works closely with the teachers, group leaders,
counselors, parents, and students to determine the level of financial
need. These discussions take place at the time of the reservation
or the program activity. All financial assistance for economically
disadvantaged participants is determined on a case-by-case basis
through these discreet conversations.
New Dimensions Scholarship Program
ASA has established a scholarship program with the objective of increasing support for out-of-state, first-time skiers and snowboarders. In turn, these new participants will help develop new relationships with various recreational therapists, service clubs, support groups, and disability organizations to ensure even more participation in our program. ASA believes this will enhance the lives of an increasing number of people with disabilities by offering a new area of self-fulfillment. The statements of the overwhelming majority of past scholarship recipients have convinced us that the testimonial of just one person whose life has been changed by this experience can open the door for many others.
Expenses included in the Scholarship Fund
- Round-trip transportation to and from Durango, Colorado
- 5 nights lodging with a Durango area host family
- Meals (Excluding on-mountain lunches)
- Accessible ground transportation while in Durango.
- Evening activities such as informal pot-luck gatherings and a farewell dinner
- 4 days of adaptive ski or snowboard instruction including: Lift tickets, equipment, and private instructors
- Loaner winter clothing can be provided with advance notice
What past scholarship participants say
“….it gives you wings…” Gabriella - Quadruple amputee
“To see how much others cared & would volunteer their time so I could enjoy participating in sports again. If not for the program I would never have experienced any of this because of financial reasons & my fear of traveling that has resulted from MS affecting my mobility. The program empowered me ……. I was able to see I can still exercise & challenge myself. ASA enabled me to see I could still be active & participate with my able bodied friends. Being able to participate in sports again & share this experience with my able bodied friends has had a significant impact on my life” Brain – MS participant
“You have an amazing program with amazing people involved. You really do change people’s lives by giving them a sense of accomplishment & a feeling that they can take on new challenges in their life. It goes far beyond the skiing! Thank you for all that you do!” Kelly Fleming – Spinal cord injury
Candidate Selection
Ideal candidates are people with a physical disability and/or progressive disease who regularly participate in athletic activities, are able to travel to Durango, are new to disabled skiing or snowboarding, and will help “spread the word” about ASA’s program within their communities and support organizations.
Scholarship application process
Application Yearly Deadline: December 15
(Applications received after December 15 deadline will be considered for the following year’s scholarship program.)
Torrey Pines Scholarship Program (For
Southern California Participants)
The Adaptive Sports Association enjoys very strong ties to the
San Diego community. Almost 400 San Diego area residents
with various disabilities have participated in the Torrey Pines
Kiwanis Scholarship Ski Program over the last twenty years. These
participants are flown to Durango, Colorado with the assistance
of America West Airlines. They stay with local host families, receive
adaptive ski instruction for four days and participate in additional
social activities while in Durango. The tremendous impact of this
program is far reaching and often significantly alters the lives
of participants. This program is fully funded by the Torrey Pines
Kiwanis Club in La Jolla, CA. If you (or someone you know) may
be interested in this all expense paid scholarship program please
contact:
Ross Ehrhardt
Ski Program Director
Torrey Pines Kiwanis Club
2160 Valley Lake Drive
El Cajon, CA 92020
How You Can Help as an Organization
As a program representative you can help by being actively involved
in the interview and selection process for scholarship candidates
with input and final approval from ASA. You can also:
- Send out the applications
- Review the candidates
- Meet and briefly interview interested parties
- Assist in logistics
- Act as a communication link in your city
- Contribute funding for extra participants from your area
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