1. Physical Impairment:  Spinal cord injury in June 1988, resulting in T-9 paraplegia

 

2. Challenges of Having a Physical Impairment:

Adapting to life in a wheelchair is challenging at first, but like anything else in life, it gets easier.  Obviously, I never expected to have to deal with a physical disability, but I had to accept it and move forward.  Today, I guess I don’t even think about it that much.  There are some differences and challenges, but my life is not that different.  Often the biggest challenges are physical barriers such as stairs or narrow doorways.  Most other challenges are in the mind.     

 

3. Education:  B.A. in Business Administration

 

4. Employment:

Co-founded Adaptive Adventures, a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through outdoor recreation; recently received 2005 Colorado Ski Country USA’s “Adaptive Athlete of the Year” award

 

5. Interests / Hobbies:  downhill skiing, nordic skiing, handcycling, mountain biking, kayaking, waterskiing, wakeboarding …

 

6. Life’s Ambition / Goals / Passion:

My goal is to help as many people as possible achieve success in life through recreational experiences.  Recreation for people with disabilities helps build confidence and self-esteem, promotes fitness and good health, and can add mental strength that can carry over to other facets of life.

 

7. Advice “Life’s Lesson”:

Patience is probably the most important quality in life with a disability.  Things may not come as easily as one would like, so be persistent and strong, but have the patience to learn through experience and overcome obstacles.