Gateway Disabled Ski Program

Gateway Disabled Ski Program gdsp.org

Mission Statement The Gateway Disabled Ski Program is a not-for-profit, recreational ski program for children and adults with disabilities. We are committed to the development of lifetime skills for people of all ages and abilities by providing an affordable ski experience. Our objective is to build selfesteem, confidence, physical development, socialization and fun that enhance active participation in all aspects of our community by promoting the concept of ability through integration, public awareness and education.

What does the Gateway Disabled Ski Program Do? 

The Gateway Disabled Ski Program offers athletes an opportunity to achieve through a variety of exciting winter snow sport adventures, including alpine skiing, snowboarding, ski biking, downhill, slalom and giant slalom racing.



The Gateway Disabled Ski Program provides modern up-to-date adaptive ski equipment, instruction to disabled skiers and professional instruction to volunteers.



This program is open to any athlete who needs adaptive equipment or special instruction.



Our programs are designed for individuals, families and groups and are available for all levels of ability, from beginner to advanced athletes.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

Where Do Athletes Learn to Ski? Hidden Valley Ski and Golf in Wildwood has been the home and partner to the Gateway Disabled Ski Program from its inception in 1984. Without their kind support our program could not exist. Hidden Valley provides slope-side space used to house GDSP adaptive ski and snow sport equipment as well as indoor space to fit and modify adaptive equipment to the athletes. They continue to provided in-kind services, including lift tickets, discounted season passes for winter volunteers and help provide professional training for our volunteers to learn to become better instructors.

Gateway Disabled Ski Programs

For 24 years The Gateway Disabled Ski Program with the help of volunteers, donors, and professional training has had the opportunity to positively impact the lives of people with physical, mental and behavioral challenges through adaptive recreational snow sports in a direct, immediate and visible manner. Offering hope, encouragement and the ability to achieve to people with a wide range of disabilities GDSP offers programs for children and adults, individuals, families and groups with disabilities who require adaptive snow sports equipment or special instruction. Programs are available for all disabilities and levels of ability from beginner to advanced standup and sit-down skiers, ski bikers and boarders.

The Beginning 

The Gateway Disabled Ski Program was founded in 1984 by three friends from St. Louis, Lyle Siemer, Terry Carpenter and Jim Smith. Together they volunteered to teach Special Olympians to learn to ski at Hidden Valley Ski Area. Lyle, a teacher by profession, believed the athletes could be taught in a more effective an safer manner. The results of their direct action was the beginning of the Gateway Disabled Ski Program with 11 Special Olympic Athletes; and friends and acquaintances as the first volunteers.



In 1988 the Untied States Association of Blind Athletes inquired about the program and 15 athletes from the Missouri School for the Blind joined the growing number of athletes.



In 1991 The St. Louis Society for Crippled Children and Adults inquired about the program and an acquisition of used adaptive ski equipment launched a new program for physically disabled athletes.



In 1993 the St. Louis Wheel Chair Athletic Association came on board. Word of mouth brought more athletes and the interest of more organizations for disabled athletes.



The Gateway Disabled Ski Program now proudly provides ski instruction and adaptive ski equipment to athletes who are physically disabled, visually impaired, hearing impaired, cognitive and developmentally disabled.



Through our annual benefit golf tournament, small grants and donations GDSP now offers a snow sport experience comparable with big mountain programs offering mono-skis, bi-skis, dual skis, snow boards and snow bikes and snow sliders. Beginner and advanced skiers can enjoy the excitement and challenge of snow sports right here at Hidden Valley.

Who Does GDSP Serve The Gateway Disabled Ski Program provides services to physically disabled, visually and hearing impaired, mentally challenged, developmentally disabled and behaviorally challenged athletes. Disabilities include but are not limited to: ADD, Amputation, Arthritis, Autism, Behavioral Disorders, Bone Disorders, Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Deafness, Developmental Disabilities, Diabetes, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Fragile X, Hemophilia, Learning Disabilities, Little People, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Disorder, Muscular Dystrophy, Nerve Disorders, Neurological Disorders, Paraplegia, Post-Polio, Quadriplegia, Respiratory Disorder, Spina Bifida,Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, Substance Abuse, Vision Loss/Blindness. Athletes regardless of their disability can learn to ski, board and bike with their friends and family. The Gateway Disabled Ski Program has expanded services throughout the community and now offers a wide array of programs designed to reach as many athletes as possible.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decomp are needed to see this pictu

Who are GDSP Coaches and Athletes GDSP Instructors are people from all walks of life, willing to make a time and financial commitment to share their love of the sport of skiing. GDSP Athletes are children and adults with a wide and diverse range of disabilities and levels of expertise. Our Purpose is:  To have fun and make friends through the sport of skiing  To make a difference through rewarding experiences.  To promote personal growth, development and self-esteem.  To increase physical and mental capabilities  To encourage social interaction.  To improve teaching, leadership and communication skills.  To promote independence and participation in non-exclusive activities.

Gateway Disabled Ski Programs

Physically Challenged Skiers Athletes with any physically disability can learn to enjoy snow sports. 

Skiing is a sport that levels the playing field. Whether you are an able bodied or disabled each skier begins at the same point, learning to use the ski equipment and the core ski concepts of balance, edging, rotary movements and pressure.



The Gateway Disabled Ski Program offers a wide range of snow sports activities for physically challenged athletes including stand-up and sit-down skiers.



Adaptive snow sport equipment is modified to insure success and to fit each athletes specific needs.



Adaptive ski equipment for athletes includes outriggers, biskis, mono-skis, snow sliders, snow boards and snow bikes.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

Special Olympic Recreational Program  The Gateway Disabled Ski Program provides recreational ski instruction and adaptive ski equipment for athletes with developmental and cognitive disabilities including athletes with social, emotional, behavioral and learning issues. 

Volunteers become ski buddies to our athletes building confidence and self-esteem as they teach skills needed to become independent alpine skiers boarders and bikers.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

SPECIAL OLYMPIC RACE TEAM Special Olympic athletes train to compete in the Heartland Winter Games with skilled athletes from all over the mid-west. Volunteering with this program provides the opportunity to teach adaptive skiers skills and drills required to compete in Downhill, Slalom and Giant Slalom competition. Volunteers assist in training, site preparation, race course maintenance and course safety.

Visually Impaired Athletes Visually impaired skiers ski with a Guide who stays in verbal or physical contact with the skiers at all times. Communication strategies and guiding positions are agreed upon between the guide and student.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) de are needed to see this

Verbal commands, directional commands and auditory cues are used while instructing the student. Ski bibs are worn on the slopes to identify the visually impaired skier. Adaptive ski equipment may include Ski tips, Bamboo poles, Reins, and two way radios.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

Hearing Impaired Skiers 

The principal obstacle for hearing impaired athletes is communication. Since they cannot hear, it is often difficult to learn to speak.



Hearing Impaired skiers are taught by example and imitation with the use of demonstrations, hand signals and the American Sign Language.



At GDSP we emphasize the fun of skiing, but also teach control so the athlete can feel safe.



As always the goal is to enhance positive self-esteem of your athlete as they learn to ski while having fun.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

Wounded Veterans and Recovering Active Duty Soldiers The Gateway Disabled Ski Program in partnership with Jefferson Barracks and John Cochran Veterans Administration Medical Center is proud to offer the Gateway Disabled Ski Program for Wounded Veterans and Recovering Active Duty Soldiers. This program includes all service members who have received injuries or permanent disabilities in service to our country and provides an opportunity for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities to regain confidence, physical ability and the promise of a bright and active future through recreational snow sports.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

Participants in our Wounded Veteran and Recovering Active Duty Soldier Program experience enhanced overall health, increased self-confidence and improved selfesteem. Snow sports recreation provides a way to rediscover abilities, rehabilitate body, mind and soul, and gain the confidence necessary to return to the work force, go back to school and participate in life.

Adaptive Ski Camps The Gateway Disabled Ski Program offers ski camps for organizations serving disabled children such as the St. Louis Variety Club and the Delta Gamma Center fore Children with Visual Impairments.  Ski Camps offer disabled children an opportunity to experience the art of sport.  The camps offer instruction, skill development, the use of adaptive ski equipment, the thrill of skiing and great fun.

Hidden Valley School Field Trips Gateway Disabled Ski Program is available for disabled school children who can now accompany their class during the Hidden Valley School Field Trip Programs and learn to ski with their class mates.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

Skiing is a sport that levels the playing field. Whether you are an able bodied or disabled each skier begins at the same point, learning to use the ski equipment and the core ski concepts of balance, edging, rotary movements and pressure. This special program offers disabled children the ability to experience the thrill of skiing and the success of achievement along with their classmates.

Community Service Programs Ski Lessons and adaptive ski equipment Is provided to many organizations allowing athletes with disabilities the opportunity to experience snow sports along with their peer group. –

Scouts

–

Church Groups

–

Community Organizations

–

Social Organizations

Children and adults of all ages and disabilities enjoy the opportunity to learn a variety of snow sports that includes skiing, snow biking and snow boarding.

Skiing With A Disability Skiing is a sport that can be enjoyed by people with disabilities. Equipment that people with disabilities use may be different but individuals with a variety of disabilities go to the slopes each year to enjoy the snow. 

Skiers with partial paralysis or skiers with visual or hearing impairments may use conventional ski equipment with special instruction or adaptations.



If the disability is more severe instead of standard ski poles outriggers, snow sliders or adaptive snow boards may be used as an assistive device for balance.



Stand up skiers needing additional stability may use a snow slider, adaptive snowboard or snow bike to provide stability.



When paralysis, lack of muscle control or severe spasticity makes it impractical to stand on skis, biskis, mono-skis dual-skis and snow bikes allow the skier to sit and use outriggers as balance aids.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

ADAPTIVE TWO TRACK SKIING 

Two-track skiing is for a skier that stands, skis on two skis and does not use outriggers.



Additional adaptive equipment such as ski bras and/or tethers may be used to enhance leg strength.

QuickTimeª and a  Two-track skiers may have various degrees of TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor disabilities or combinations which may include are needed to see this picture. but are not limited to Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, hearing impairments, visual impairments, acquired brain injury/traumatic brain injury, Spina Bifida, Development Disabilities and Down Syndrome.

Christine Gunn at the Heartland Games



Two-track skiers follow typically ski progression.

THREE TRACK SKIING

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

 

Three track skiing is skiing on one ski while using outriggers to maintain balance. Three track skiers generally have one sound leg and two sound arms and may have amputations, post polio, hemiplegia, etc.



Once basic skills are established development is comparable to what occurs in twotrack skiing.



Adaptive equipment such as tethers and slant boards may be used as ski aids.

FOUR TRACK SKIING Outriggers $400.00 

Four track skiers may have a mobility impairment that requires the use of outriggers or a walker for stability while skiing.



Athletes who may experience balance problems or general weakness in the lower extremities benefit from four point contact with the snow.



Ski Equipment – Boots and Skis – Outriggers – Spacer Bar – Walker

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decomp are needed to see this pictu

Snow Sliders $2,208.00  The snow slider is a lightweight, diverse, steerable, standup aid that has a full range of steering and speed control adjustments.  The snow slider is appropriate for skiers requiring upper body or whole body stabilization, visually impaired and MRDD skiers.  The skier can ski various terrains in varying snow conditions.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompres are needed to see this picture

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompresso are needed to see this picture.

Ski Bikes $1,269.00  Ski Bikes allow for independent skiing and instant success.  Small skis or snow skates on the athletes boots act as outriggers to stabilize the skier’s balance.  Shaped skis allow for carved turns and skids.  Ski Bikes can be used on a wide variety of terrains.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) deco are needed to see this p

Adaptive Snow Board $1,293.00  pipelines, shredding, jibbers, and boardercross are all part of the colorful world of snowboarding.....Originally embraced by preteen and adolescent males has taken off wildly and gained acceptance to athletes of all ages and abilities.  Snowboarding is open visually impaired, cognitive, developmental delay and physically disabled athletes.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

ALL ABOUT BI-SKIS $2,570.00 

Bi-skiing is a downhill ski technique whereby the athlete is seated in a device attached to an articulating undercarriage, which is mounted on two uniquely designed skis.



The design of the bi-ski and the ability of the instructor and athlete enables the skier to ski most areas.



Bi-skis offers stability and maneuverability.



A typical candidate for the Bi-ski would be an individual with a mid to high level spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, spina bifida or MS.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

Mono-skis $4,099.50  The mono-ski is a single unit, which includes a seating system mounted on a suspension absorption system.  The mono-ski is the most difficult piece of sitdown equipment to use because it requires the greatest balance, strength and coordination.  The mono-ski allows the skier to perform at a higher level than the bi-ski allowing for independent skiing.  The perfect candidate for the mono-ski would be an individual with T-4 or lower spinal cord injury or any other type of mobility impairment such as multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

Volunteer Training QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.



Training is essential for the safety and enjoyment of our athletes and volunteers.



The Gateway Disabled Ski Program provides professional training for all volunteers. Training includes Dry Land instruction and On the Snow Training that is provided by Professional Ski Instructors of America Certified Instructors.



Training clinics are designed to be fun, informative and help volunteers become a better instructors to adaptive athletes.



Volunteers learn about the different types of adaptive snow sport equipment, ski techniques and how to apply them in a teaching situation.



New and returning volunteers are encouraged to take as many clinics as possible. All clinics are free to volunteers and athletes.

Why Volunteer

Volunteering is a Life Changing Event 

As stated by Mark Musso, Missouri President of the Special Olympic Program. “Volunteering to work with adaptive athletes will change your life.”



Disabled athletic programs such as the Gateway Disabled Ski Program empowers individuals with mental and physical disabilities to become better physically fit through sports training and competition, Snow sports are more than just sports. Skiing and other snow sports enrich the lives of athletes in countless ways. That's because GDSP athletes find friends that last a lifetime, have achievements that make them proud and find a community that embraces them.



Succeeding in sports and finding a place to call their own enable our athletes to grow physically, socially and emotionally.



For volunteers and coaches within the GDSP, the lines of difference blur and commonalities shine through, leading to a greater understanding and acceptance. Perception and respect extend beyond people with disabilities and are critical in the diverse world in which we live.



It can't be learned in the classroom or boardroom, only through personal interactions and long-lasting friendships through the bonds that disabled sports participants form. At Gateway more than 150 athletes train for recreational skiing and compete in snow sports with the help of over 150 volunteers



Lives changed through the richness of this experience. It's a sight worth seeing and an experience worth living.

How Can You Help? Volunteer Now! The heart and soul of the Gateway Disabled Ski Program is its volunteers. GDSP depends on volunteers to teach, tether and to be ski buddies to our athletes. GDSP is entirely a volunteer organization, there are no paid employees. QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

During the 2008 ski season over 150 volunteers have given their time, skills and effort to have fun and teach our athletes. The average volunteer returns year after year. Volunteers attend training clinics to learn about adaptive skiing techniques and teaching individuals with disabilities. Skiing and non-skiing volunteers are welcome. Volunteers are needed on Mondays to assist physically disabled skiers on and off the lift, tether and out-ski on the hill, and for special events such as ski camps. Thursday Volunteers become ski buddies and champion their athletes to new skills and success. Non skiers can volunteer to assist with recruiting, maintaining equipment, coordinating paperwork, organizing the volunteers and athletes for the Heartland Games and organizing social function . The GDSP Equipment Room is a high volume fitting and modification area located in Hidden Valley’s Ski Shed. Volunteers are needed to fit and modify adaptive ski equipment to athletes, help with transfers when needed and maintain adaptive ski equipment.

Community Service Hours  Helping others inspires understanding and kindness and gives volunteers the skills and opportunity to change the world for the better one person at a time. QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

 High school and college volunteers can earn community service credits  Scouts can earn badges as they learn leadership skills and have fun.

Ways to Give The Gateway Disabled Ski Program is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in the State of Missouri, your gift is tax deductible to the full extent to those who give generously in the following ways: 

Volunteer your time. Volunteering enhances your life and the life of those you touch.



Annual Gifts. The GDSP relies on strong annual support from our many friends to help us with day-today operating costs. Gifts help us develop new services purchase up-to-date adaptive ski equipment, train our volunteers and scholarship athletes in need.



Matching GiftsYour gift can be doubled, or even tripled, if you or your spouse work for a company with a matching gift program. All you need to do is obtain a matching gift form from your human resources department, fill it out, and mail it to the GDSP at 5924 Flint Ridge Road, Pacific, Missouri 63069-4043. In-Kind



Donationsof Products or services, which have the effect of reducing our operating costs, are greatly appreciated.



Stocks or SecuritiesGifts of appreciated stock enable you to maximize your philanthropic impact while avoiding capital gains taxes.



Charitable BequestsA charitable bequest can be tailored to almost any set of circumstances, and it provides an unlimited deduction for estate tax purposes. Today, bequests can take many forms. In a last will and testament, you may stipulate a specific cash donation, or state a percentage of your gross assets.



Life InsuranceA gift of a life insurance policy allows you to make a major gift for a modest cost. Many donors like to use insurance gifts to receive a current tax deduction while disposing of an old policy that is no longer needed.

Corporate Donations and Sponsors Skiing down a mountain is an enjoyable experiences for many people. But for an individual with a disability snow sports can lead to a fuller life. Each year, whether a young athlete with Cerebral Palsy just getting to understand his abilities or an adult in recovery, re-discovering abilities thought lost forever after suffering a stroke injury or disease, more than 150 individuals with disabilities gain the reward of achievement through the challenge of snow sports at the Gateway Disabled Ski Program. 

Gateway Disabled Ski Program produces and develops its own programs, all donations stay in the program and go directly to purchase adaptive ski equipment, scholarship underprivileged athletes and train volunteers. Your contribution makes a direct impact and helps to improve lives.



We are the only organization of our kind in the eastern Missouri and southern Illinois. The Gateway Disabled Ski Program provides a ski and snow sport experience comparable with large adapted sports programs on big mountains in the west. Your funds allow us to provide a comprehensive choice of equipment to our athletes and bring the finest professional training available to our volunteers. The GDSP provides a structured way for employees to volunteer and better the lives of individuals with disabilities. Their involvement enhances employee pride, providing you with a more productive, loyal workforce.



We want your BUSINESS TO SUCCEED Becoming involved with the not-for-profit, Gateway Disabled Ski Program offers you and your employees an opportunity to become involved in something unique and meaningful to St. Louis.



Interested in becoming a corporate sponsor? Send an email to [email protected] or call 636-9386478 now!

Our Vision

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

 Gateway will empower athletes with physical and mental challenges to increase their independence and their physical, mental and emotional abilities through snow sports recreation and competition with the help of dedicated volunteers, modern adaptive snow sport

Join the Fun Sponsor our Athletes and Volunteer Now

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.

QuickTimeª and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.