What an honor to be in their newsletter. We truly feel blessed to have found the National Ability Center and all of the wonderful people there. We look forward to getting to know everyone and to be a part of something so amazing! Ava is very excited at the thought of riding a horse in the near future!  It will be a dream come true for her!

Please read the below. Again, happy tears!

Much love,

Gina 

A bi-monthly series reflecting what is on the executive director’s mind at the National Ability Center     “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” -Nelson Mandela   Many think of education in an academic sense. Though that piece of education is invaluable, it is just the start. What happens when you have an education in theory, but not in life; when your education is in graphic design, but your greatest struggle is your son’s health? How has your training in accounting principles prepared you to deal with a child or spouse who isn’t getting better? Can a background in statistics prepare you to believe a 10 percent chance of recovery is good, and to convince others as well?Walking out of a meeting at the National Ability Center the other day I heard a young boy look to his mom and ask her, “Mommy, are those happy tears?” She answered softly, “Yes, they are.” I could have broken down and cried with her right there, but managed to keep moving, and not interrupt the moment.  However, it had a profound impact on me and our team. That mother was Gina, cofounder of  Utah Rare and Undiagnosed Network, and a new resident to Park City. Gina first became aware of our facility simply by driving by and taking a picture. She then went to our website curious about what we offer, which was followed by an invitation and tour.   I believe the heart of education is awareness.  The saying you don’t know what you don’t know is often true.   During her visit, she was surprised to learn that her family could benefit from our programs. She has three children who have undiagnosed illnesses or conditions; that’s right: ‘undiagnosed.’ Something is wrong and there are no answers. As our team toured her around the center, she watched her kids excited for new opportunities, especially the horseback riding, and embraced by the safe and welcoming community only found at the National Ability Center. She learned our programs could not only connect her kids, but her entire family–including her–to life changing programs.I believe the heart of education is awareness. Our vision at the National Ability Center is to inspire individual achievement and create a global impact for people of all abilities. It is a big, auspicious goal.  Last month we sent a team to Thailand to provide training for more than 200 coaches and individuals with disabilities in adaptive recreation.  What they thought of as impossible before, became possible right before their eyes.  This past year we have held 201 trainings, supported 27 interns, and spent more than 50 hours planning for our largest educational conference yet: No Barriers, July 9-12, 2015, which will play host to 800+ people. At each of these opportunities we see moments like Gina’s. Moments where awareness turns to knowledge, knowledge becomes hope and hope suddenly spurs on action; then, most powerfully, the cycle continues. Over the next five years, the National Ability Center will be investing in our training and education efforts at unprecedented levels. Frankly, it is our strongest weapon in achieving our vision in Utah, across the country and around the globe.   Over the next five years, the National Ability Center will be investing in our training and education efforts at unprecedented levels   When Gina returned home she sent us this note, “I was blown away by the people working there, and the facilities. What you are doing for people like us is needed and such a gift. It made me emotional. I apologize. I feel honored to live so close to such an inspirational center.”  The only apology, Gina, is ours.  We are sorry it took us so long to find you.Please consider becoming an honorary member of our training and education team by telling someone about adaptive programs and the possibilities that exist for them, their family members and friends.  If you are looking for even more ways to support our education efforts and change the world, let us know. Gail Loveland Executive Director, National Ability Center   To participate, volunteer or support National Ability Center programs, visit our website www.discovernac.org or stop by the ranch for a tour.    Join Our Email List    *     Forward to a Friend    *    Follow us on Facebook Main Phone: 435-649-3991    |    www.discovernac.org     The National Ability Center empowers individuals of all abilities by building self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills through sport, recreation and educational programs. Support Our Mission.