Statements
Mission
To reach and teach all children in wheelchairs the importance of complete independence, which in turn leads to self-esteem, motivation, and a desire to excel. The children of A.B.L.E. Youth are taught to Adapt, Believe, Love and Enjoy life as it pertains to them, known as The ABLE Way. As the children show signs of independence, they are introduced to all types of wheelchair sports and recreation which further enhance their belief they are truly 'capABLE' of anything in life.
Background
Rick Slaughter started a children's independence / sports program in February of 1997. Rick himself being in a wheelchair and having played all sports from his chair realized the incredible benefit sports could have on someone's life. There was no other program in the area, and he knew it was his calling to create such a program. After letting other non-profits run the program, in 2003 he felt it was the right time to make A.B.L.E. Youth its own non-profit entity. Independence is the main goal and mission of the program, as most kids entering A.B.L.E. Youth have been over-protected by their parents. We not only teach the children, but also educate the parents as to what 'helping' their child truly entails. All kids in the program must learn how to dress, bathe, perform personal care skills, etc...in a different fashion than a typical child. After a child begins showing signs of independence, he/she is introduced to various types of wheelchair sports such as tennis, basketball, water skiing, track and field, etc...These activities not only provide physical fitness but also provide emotional well being and self-esteem. All children are not athletes in the true sense of the word, yet all A.B.L.E. Youth participants are athletes in a bigger and more important game: the game of life. The children are given instruction on life skills to improve their odds of success as they grow into adulthood. Spiritual growth, financial issues and job interview skills are taught to the children so they will have a better understanding of what to expect in the world around them.
Impact
The most important goal of A.B.L.E. Youth is to teach children in wheelchairs to become independent in all areas of their lives, to graduate from high school, and enroll in college or enter the workforce. Our monthly Super Sports Saturdays remains the cornerstone of our program where kids of all ages come to learn independence and athletic skills, and alumni come to give back to the next generation and to teach them what they've learned along the way. We have a strong wheelchair basketball program with Paralympic gold medalist Emily Hoskins coaching our teams. The teams, Prep in the younger division of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association and Varsity in the older division, travel to tournaments to play other NWBA Junior Division teams and to collegiate camps to build their skills and to learn from other athletes and coaches. We have continued our partnership with Achilles International, and our kids have participated in races throughout the year. Kids are also involved in adaptive athletic meets around the country, giving our kids the opportunity to compete against and make friends with other youth adaptive athletes from around the United States. All of the meets have track, field, and swimming, and then some have additional sports included like archery and powerlifting. Kids who qualify then can compete at Nationals. We have been blessed and are grateful for the continued support of so many good foundations, companies, and people in the Middle Tennessee area.
Needs
Board Members interested in being actively involved, Volunteers for Super Sports Saturdays particularly during the summer, Corporate Sponsors, Recruitment of children, Ongoing practice facility for our wheelchair basketball team
CEO Statement
The A.B.L.E. Youth program is the only one of its kind in the state of Tennessee. Hundreds of children with disabilities and their families have been positively affected by participating in the program. Many parents drive more that an hour each way to allow their child the opportunity to participate, which demonstrates that the program works. We motivate and inspire these children to be the best they can be, no matter what the circumstances. Quality of life, self-esteem and a true purpose for living are just a few of the many benefits obtained from participating in the program. Our kids need us now more than ever. It is my goal, my duty, and my mission to make sure the program stays intact and continues to provide life lessons and experiences to allow these children all of the opportunities they can get and to experience well-deserved success.
Board Chair Statement
A.B.L.E. Youth continues to be committed to children and families from all walks of life. Our goal is to teach children with disabilities to function as normal individuals as they continue through life's journey. We educate on the simple things: hygiene, dressing, cooking, cleaning, going to school, physical activity, sharing and, most of all, caring. Our greatest successes occur when A.B.L.E. Youth children realize that no task is too great for them. A.B.L.E. Youth has been able to transform young children, who otherwise looked at life as hopeless from a wheelchair, into bright, competitive, happy young adults who are capable of giving back to their community. To see these happy individuals succeed in life defines A.B.L.E. Youth.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Youth Development - Youth Development Programs |
| Secondary Category: | - |
| Tertiary Category: | - |
Areas Served
While we are based in Middle Tennessee, any child is welcome, no matter where they live.
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Wilson |
| TN - Sumner |
| TN - Williamson |
