New ways of understanding how sports could be taught also brought about instructional adaptations for people with disabilities. The benefits of adaptive skiing, both alpine and cross country, snowboarding and snowshoeing are great for people with physical disabilities. Developing physical strength, self-confidence, and social contacts are just some of the benefits seen when Maine Handicapped Skiing students take to the slopes and trails. To be in a place where one's disability doesn't define you but is just one aspect of a person's life helps build great confidence in our students. Working with volunteers often builds new friendships and social relationships so important to our participants.
Summer time allows our students a completely different experience with sports and recreation.
Canoeing and kayaking , like skiing, gives people with physical disabilities a tremendous sense of freedom and lightness gliding on the water. Balance, flexibility, and coordination are enhanced as one learns paddling and navigational skills. Orienteering , following an established course in the woods using a map and compass, teaches patience, flexibility, and focus. Horseback riding gives our students the wonderful opportunity to bond with an animal while at the same time improving balance and coordination. Handcycling allows students with lower body disabilities the freedom to move fast on a cycle that uses hand pedals.