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No Barriers merges with Global Explorers!

January 24, 2012 By

From Erik Weihenmayer No Barriers Founder:

I want to share some exciting news with you, and because of your support of No Barriers, I want you to be well informed! After months of careful deliberation, we have decided to join forces with an outstanding nonprofit organization called Global Explorers. By combining our efforts, we will create an effective, high-performance organization that fulfills our mission in new and exciting ways.

I have long been a supporter of Global Explorers’ outstanding educational youth travel programs for students and educators of all backgrounds and abilities. From taking blind and sighted youth to the summit of Kilimanjaro to providing international experiences to youth in poverty, Global Explorers fully embraces our No Barriers philosophy. No Barriers has been looking to add a strong youth component to what we do and I can think of no better organization than Global Explorers to head this up.

In addition, we will gain staff and board members who have extensive experience working with major corporate and government partners. We gain dedicated experts in nonprofit management and marketing. And, most importantly, we bring in new team members that share a deep passion for our mission.

Over the course of the next year, Global Explorers and No Barriers USA will be fully merging efforts under one united organization called No Barriers. Leading the effort will be our new Executive Director, Dave Shurna. Dave is the current director of Global Explorers and he will now be taking on the leadership of the merged organization. He has a proven ability to build strong sustainable nonprofit organizations that make unique and significant impacts on the world.

The new No Barriers will be operated out of Global Explorers existing offices in Fort Collins, Colorado. Over the course of the next several months, we’ll be revamping our website and materials to reflect the exciting expanded directions of our organization.

Our existing programming, including the No Barriers Summit and the Soldiers To Summits program, will not change. They’ll only get better! Plus, we’ll be adding an impressive suite of youth programs. Check them out at www.globalexplorers.org!

As for me, I will continue to play a strong role on the Board of Directors of the merged organization, as will other No Barriers board members. I will continue to secure new corporate partners for No Barriers and help with organizing life-changing experiences for all of our participants.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

The Movement goes to Sundance

January 14, 2012 By

Steamboat got its own special two viewings and VIP evening for the movie The Movement at this week’s STARS and Adaptive Adventures‘ 7th Annual All Mountain Ski Camp.   The film was written and directed by Steamboat local Greg Hamilton along with Kurt Miller, is narrated by Kurt’s father Warren Miller and Robert Redford, and features many athletes’ stories of getting back on the slopes, including Adaptive’s co-founder and longtime friend of Access Anything Matt Feeney.   The team is on their way to Utah to celebrate the film’s acceptance to the Sundance Festival, and if you’re in the area, you can see a screening at one of these locations:

Fri, Jan 20 – 6 PM, Screening Room, Sundance Resort
Mon, Jan 23 – 2:30 PM, Library Center Theatre, Park City
Wed, Jan 25 – 4 PM at Redstone Cinema 7, Park City
Thu, Jan 26 – 6 PM at Salt Lake City Library, SLC
Sat, Jan 28 – 9:30 PM at Temple Theatre, Park City
+ Greg will appear at additional school/community screenings

After Sundance, The Movement goes to two other festivals as well:  The Boulder International Film Fest in Boulder, CO during February 16-19, and the Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose CA, from February 28-March 11.

The Movement was produced by MakeAHero, a non-profit organization created to build awareness around outdoor opportunities for people with disabilities and supports Adaptive Adventures,  getting people up and out to experience the freedom of sports.  Find them on Facebook or donate $10 to support local adaptive sports by texting HERO to 80077.

Read Greg’s latest  blog and follow future posts at Huffington Post here.

 

Filed Under: access, adaptive recreation, adaptive sports, adventure, skiing, wheelchair

Transportation Security Administration launches “TSA Cares” to help passengers with disabilities

December 22, 2011 By

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched TSA Cares, a toll-free helpline to provide information and assistance to passengers with disabilities and medical conditions and their families before they fly, and this service is now open to the public.

The toll free (1-855-787-2227) is available prior to traveling for questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.  Travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to contact TSA Cares or can e-mail TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.  The hours of operation for the TSA Cares helpline are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. EST, excluding federal holidays. After hours, travelers can find information about traveling with disabilities and medical needs on TSA’s website at:  http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/disabilityandmedicalneeds/

Answers will be provided about screening that is relevant to the passenger’s specific disability or medical condition, or the passenger may be referred to disability experts at TSA.  TSA recommends that passengers call approximately 72 hours ahead of travel so that TSA Cares has the opportunity to coordinate checkpoint support with a TSA Customer Service Manager located at the airport when necessary.

Press releases regarding this program can be found at www.tsa.gov.

 

 

Filed Under: adaptive travel, air travel, airports, Transportation, travel

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!

December 21, 2011 By

It’s been an amazing year for us at Access Anything!

Check out our video on our Blip.Tv page:

http://blip.tv/file/get/AccessAnything-2011HolidayVideo654.wmv
Filed Under: Uncategorized

2011 Recap in Photos!

November 15, 2011 By

It’s been an amazing year for us, as we continue to branch out with adaptive sports through Craig’s work at STARS, with travel consulting through Open Doors Org, and what we still continue to do through Access Anything with amazing people in the industry, encouraging travelers with disabilities that they can Go Anywhere and Do Anything!

The 2010-2011 Ski Season peaked with more camps for STARS, more powder for Steamboat, and lots of great memories skiing with friends and Craig’s new clients as he achieved a new goal of receiving his PSIA Level 1 instructor’s certification!

Craig Skiing

Craig getting typical faceshots on Powdercats Trip

We spent some of the spring shoulder season traveling, and as we eased into summer, Craig and Julie launched with more camps for STARS to grow their summer programming this year with two new camps, and culminating their season with the USA Pro Challenge Cycling Stage 4 and Charity Ride in August.

Olympic Cyclist

Charity Ride

Craig and Fiona on the Steamboat Core Trail

 

In June we visited Chicago for the New United Airlines Accessible Travel Advisory Board.  As the company merged with Continental, we were thrilled to see our old friends from this board as well as meet and welcome in some new faces.

2011 Board

We came home from Chicago to attend the 3rd bi-annual No Barriers USA Festival in Winter Park, CO where Craig tried his hand at horseback riding, rock wall climbing, handcycling, downhill mountain biking, fly fishing, among many many choices at this amazing every-two-years event, and Andy took photos for the org once again!

Therapeutic Horseback

Therapeutic Horseback Riding with NSCD

Downhill Mountain Biking

Downhill Mountain Biking with ASC

Something new for us this year, throughout the spring, summer, and fall we got to visit New Orleans, Oakland, and DC to be a part of Amtrak’s Employee Block Training on Customers with Disabilities for Open Doors Org.  This 7-hour training touched 8,000 employees in 17 cities overall, thanks to over 40 trainers ODO contracted throughout the year!

New Orleans

New Orleans

San Francisco Bay

San Francisco Bay

DC Amtrak Training Facility

DC Amtrak Training Facility

And here it is November, and the Winter 2011-12 Season is JUST about to begin – the snow is falling in Steamboat, and the mountain is looking amazing as always!

Mt. Werner Alpen Glow

Mt. Werner Alpen Glow

All in all it’s been a terrific 2011 year at Access Anything, and we feel so blessed to be doing what we’re doing!

We wish you and yours a fabulous holiday season and great new year!

Filed Under: access travel, adaptive recreation, adaptive sports, adaptive travel, images, STARS, trains, Uncategorized

NY City Mayor steps into the battle zone with visitors and locals with disabilities

October 24, 2011 By

Hot off the press from United Spinal – we at Access Anything fully support equal access for all travelers, and think Bloomberg has gone way too far with this one.  Join us in speaking up against his ignorance.

 

New York City’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg has recently made incredibly offensive remarks directed at wheelchair users who want greater access to the city’s yellow taxi fleet.

Bloomberg stated that “it’s too dangerous” for wheelchair users to hail a cab in New York City and that most drivers would “pretend they didn’t see them”. He also said wheelchair users “sit too far from the driver to establish a dialogue” and therefore “they would not tip well”.

It’s time to call out the offensive remarks of Bloomberg by showing your support for a fully-accessible NYC taxi fleet. Sadly, only 231 of the city’s 13,000 taxis are accessible to wheelchair users. The New York Daily News is taking an online poll regarding the desirability of accessible taxis.

Read the NY Daily News article here – and VOTE to give riders with disabilities a chance

United Spinal has advocated for accessible taxis in New York for many years. But this fight reaches far beyond the city’s front lines. If NYC creates an equitable system of accessible public transportation then other cities both small and large will follow.

You need not be a New York resident to take the survey as it affects our entire community. So please let your voice be heard by taking this important survey that only takes a few seconds to complete.
Background reading on this issue:
http://www.spinalcord.org/push-for-cab-access-grows/
http://www.spinalcord.org/key-to-hailing-a-cab-in-nyc-tip-well-and-hide-your-wheelchair/

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Gorgeous day for some hittin

August 20, 2011 By

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7
Filed Under: adaptive sports, golf, para golf

If you can’t beat em’, cycle beside ‘em

August 12, 2011 By
On August 26th forty of the top Paracycling riders will descend on Steamboat Springs, CO to participate in one of the premier Paracycling races.  The race will be a fast 4.07 mile time-trial. Racers will compete in front of thousands of bicycle enthusiasts just prior to the finish of the USA Pro Challenge. These athletes come from all over the US, but they all have one thing in common…sheer determination.  These athletes, many wounded veterans, make it a practice to focus on their “abilities” rather than their “disabilities” and they don’t leave anything on the course. This is a must see event for the whole family.

Race begins at 1:30 on 6th street at the US Pro riders finish bay….. But that’s not all:

Following that is the STARS Biking the Boat Charity Ride on Saturday August 27th….

Join STARS to participate in your own biking experience after experiencing the US Pro Tour Steamboat Stage Race. Choose the 26 mile ride (click HERE for map) through the scenic back roads of Routt County or participate in our 5 mile All Abilities ride (click HERE for map)to raise money for people with disabilities. Participants will ride alongside 40 of the top handcyclists and Paralympians in the country. Monies raised will stay in Routt County to benefit ‘STARS’ Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports.

Sign up to ride and challenge your friends to sponsor you or to ride with you!

Start time: Long Ride 11:45, Short ride 12:00

Registration: All Ability ride – $25.00 per person

Challenge Ride – $50.00 per person

Riders raising $500 or more receive a jersey and a ticket to the USA Pro Challenge Steamboat VIP tent at the finish of the race on August 26th. Great prizes for top fundraisers!

Registration includes a t-shirt, goody bag, after ride party with food and drink.

Volunteers and limited adaptive equipment will be available for riders needing extra assistance.

Registration now open.
Filed Under: adaptive sports, cycling, paralympians, steamboat springs

Atlantic Southeast Airlines Fined for Violating Rules Protecting Air Travelers with Disabilities

July 12, 2011 By

Office of the Governor Rick Perry
    Committee on People with Disabilities   
DOT 84-11

Monday, July 11, 2011

Atlantic Southeast Airlines Fined for Violating Rules Protecting Air Travelers with Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today assessed a civil penalty against Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) for violating rules protecting air travelers with disabilities.  The carrier was assessed a $200,000 civil penalty of which up to $75,000 may be used to improve its service to disabled passengers above levels required by DOT rules.

“Passengers with disabilities have rights and they have a right to be treated fairly and with respect by the airlines,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We will continue to take enforcement action when our disability rules are violated.”

The Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 requires airlines to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities in boarding and deplaning aircraft, including the use of wheelchairs, ramps, mechanical lifts or service personnel where needed. 

During June 2010, the Department’s Aviation Enforcement Office conducted a review and inspection at ASA’s Atlanta offices and airport operations of the carrier’s compliance with Department consumer protection requirements.  The Enforcement Office reviewed, among other things, disability-related complaints received by the carrier from January 2009 through May 2010.  That review revealed a number of violations of the rules requiring assistance to passengers with disabilities who use wheelchairs.

Of the $200,000 penalty, up to $35,000 may be used to relocate passenger lifts that have been acquired by ASA to airports that the carrier serves in order to supplement and improve enplaning and deplaning services.  Up to $40,000 may be used by the carrier to conduct audits and surveys to ensure that its employees are complying with the airline disability rules.

The consent order is available on the Internet at www.regulations.gov, docket DOT-OST-2011-0003. Link to Press Release;  http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2011/dot8411.html

Filed Under: air travel, airlines

Telluride Adaptive – Hiring

July 11, 2011 By
Job Title:                          Development and Special Events Associate
Responsible to:                Executive Director
Responsibilities:             

A.       Event Management:  Manage key fundraising events throughout the year including annual Golf Tournament (September), Goin’ Cowboy at the Opera (March), and multiple smaller events as they arise.   

a.       In consultation with the ED, provide lead management role in all event logistics.
b.      Create and adhere to specific budget guidelines for each event.
c.       Working with the volunteer coordinator, recruit and manage volunteers to assist in event roles.
d.      Oversee procurement of auction items for both the Golf Tournament and Goin’ Cowboy events.  

B.      Resource Development:  Support general resource development work

a.       Maintain a proactive, creative, leadership role in the cultivation and solicitation of individual, corporate, and foundation contributors.
b.      Identify potential sources of grant monies and advise the ED for grant application preparation.
c.       Write grant proposals in conjunction with the ED as needed.
d.      Prepare regular fundraising reports.
e.      Review and update TASP information on charitable giving websites, as well as sites maintained by other agencies as appropriate; including social media sites.

C.      Outreach & Communication:  Promote TASP’s mission and business operation in the community and beyond

a.       Build and maintain media relationships
b.      Contribute to the production and delivery of the monthly e-newsletter, social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and blog
c.       In conjunction with ED and program staff, develop, monitor and execute TASP’s outreach and marketing plan
d.      Working with the ED, create and distribute all letters of thanks, and letters to the editor as appropriate
e.       Maintain donor database-Giftworks

D.      Other:

a.       Provide administrative support to program staff
b.      Back-up phone assistance
c.       Participate fully as a member of the TASP staff team
d.      Other duties as identified
Qualifications: 

·         Exhibit high level of energy, enthusiasm and initiative
·         Bachelors degree preferred
·         Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills
·         Proven ability to manage auctions and other event fundraising work
·         Ability to work a flexible schedule; evening and weekend work required
·         Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
·         Demonstrated computer proficiency: Microsoft Word, Excel, Database Entry, Constant Contact and Internet experience required
·         Poses maturity, poise and confidence, high level of personal relation skills and a comfort level when interacting with people from diverse backgrounds 
·         A valid Driver’s License; must verify own auto insurance

Salary Range:  DOE
Status:  Full time, ¾ year round with possibility of full time, year round.  
To Apply:  Please forward resume, three professional references, and a writing sample to director@tellurideadaptivesports.org by Friday, July 22nd.  

Filed Under: adaptive recreation, colorado, jobs, telluride
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