The newsletter for families, volunteers and supporters of TAASC

The newsletter for
families, volunteers and
supporters of TAASC
Summer Sports are in full swing and TAASC's biggest event of the year, the
WaterSports Weekend is coming up soon! Don't let summer slide by
without enjoying kayaking, sailing, rowing, water skiing and cycling!
See you at TAASC!
Megan Ricci, Newsletter Editor
Summer Activities at TAASC
Kayaking - Our kayaking program is in full swing! Our June lessons had many participants old
and new that came out to enjoy the water. Lessons continue throughout July and August on
Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings. Visit www.taasc.org to register! When you register please
indicate if you need any assistance including an on-water buddy kayaker.
Did you know that on three Thursday evenings in July and August TAASC has open paddling?
This is a great time to introduce people from the community to TAASC. These people may be
future volunteers, ambassadors and supporters of TAASC. The cost for open paddling is $10 for
TAASC Disability members, $20/adult, $10/child for others. A beginner lesson is included for
guests who have not kayaked before. Invite your friends and family members to take part in a
fun filled and relaxing evening on the water! You must register so we have enough kayaks
available.
New this Season - TAASC will host day programs for adults with a developmental disability on
Thursday mornings from 10am to noon. The Day Program staff must receive training to assist
their participants. Daytime volunteers are needed to make this successful!
Water Sports Weekend - The WaterSports Weekend and Water Ski Clinic is July 12 – 14. This
event is open to active military and veterans with disabilities and others who have disabilities.
The weekend starts with a golf outing and includes archery, activities for children, kayaking,
cycling, fishing, sailing and more! Meals are provided. To register visit www.taasc.org. If you
are interested in volunteering please contact Barb Hughes [email protected].
Rowing - TAASC partners with the Greater Columbus Rowing Association to offer adaptive
rowing on alternate Saturday mornings from 8 AM to 10 AM at the Griggs Boathouse using two
specially adapted shells and ergs for dry land training. Participants must be at least 18 years old
and independent on the water. To register email [email protected].
Sailing - TAASC members can learn to sail on a 24′ Catalina sailboat at Alum Creek Sailing
Club. Captain Gary Bertelsen and Roy Kiger lead the sailing lessons on Saturday and Sunday
mornings, weather permitting. The boat has a capacity of 4 guests. To register for sailing
lessons, contact Gary at 614-774-9151.
TAASC Adventure Center Improvements
On Saturday morning, June 22, volunteers gathered
to raise the new 20' x 40' frame tent picnic shelter.
This purchase was funded, in part, through a
donation from the Dublin Foundation. Additional
funds for the tent came from TAASC's general
contributions and fees. The tent seats 100 people
and allows us to hold activities inside on rainy days.
School groups or others who come to kayak will
now not have to cancel due to rain. We are able to
put our inflated inner tubes on the ground with a
kayak on top of them and teach kayaking skills.
Last fall, TAASC's neighbors lowered the area near the deck for easier access and created
beautiful plantings. This spring Dave Holzer led the effort to install a retaining wall, a wallway
and additional planings and sod to complete the area by the garage and deck.
Our thanks to TAASC’s generous supporters and to the many volunteers who continue the
development of the TAASC Adventure Center!
TAASC is a chapter of AMBUCS
“Creating Mobility and Independence”, that is the
AMBUCS motto. TAASC’s cycling program
includes AMBUCS AmTrykes for neighborhood cruisers
and hand cycles or other models for distance
cyclists. AMBUCS, was originally known as the American Businessmen's Club, and began as a
national service organization for young business and professional men. The group began
adapting tricycles as a club project and eventually decided to petition the IRS to change from a
club to a charitable organization. They now make a line of 20 different adaptive tricycles.
TAASC helps families raise funds or find the money to purchase a bike. TAASC has trained 40
physical therapists to help evaluate children and adults on selecting the right bike for
them. Over 30 TAASC families have been able to purchase an AmTryke in its first 18 months
as an affiliate of AMBUCS. This is a great opportunity to get involved with TAASC. Contact
Ron Auble at [email protected] to get involved.
Evaluations to find the correct adaptive bicycle can be scheduled throughout the year. Adaptive
hand, recumbent and side-by-side bikes are available for loan for assessment. TAASC is also
able to direct those who would like some assistance to available sources of funding for cycling
equipment. Purchasing and owning a bike will allow individuals to enjoy riding more often
since it can be done in the comfort of one’s own neighborhood.
Pedal with Pete, a fundraiser for cerebral palsy research, has partnered with TAASC funding
AmTrykes for four people with CP so they can be a part of the ride. Last year Pedal with Pete
funded three AmTrykes for children with CP.
Youth Outreach Grant to Involve Low Income Children in Summer Sports TAASC has received a grant from Disabled Sports USA to reach out to and involve low-income
youth in TAASC's summer activities. This mini-grant will provide scholarships to cover fees for
children ages 3 to 17 years of age with a physical, sensory, or cognitive disability in TAASC
summer sports. A $10 gas card can also be provided if needed. Qualifying children are new (or
have only visited once last year) to TAASC summer sports and receive free or reduced cost
school lunches, SSI or some other demonstration of financial need. This mini-grant will help a
greater number of kids and families enjoy TAASC sports this summer and allow us to
incorporate a larger number of children from the surrounding area. If you or someone you know
is interested in learning more about this opportunity please email [email protected]. As a thank
you for helping in recruitment, TAASC will provide a gift card for two free kayaking sessions to
anyone who brings or refers an eligible family to summer sports.
TAASC Volunteer Opportunities!!
As an all-volunteer run organization TAASC needs YOU to continue to help make this
organization successful! We have the below volunteer positions open:
Assistant Property Manager - Start up trash and port potties each season, keep things in
working order, make repairs as necessary, and direct volunteers for spring and fall work days.
Organizational Office Assistant - If you are organized and comfortable working on a computer
we could use you! We need you to help us keep track of the many people, events and tasks that
go on in our organization and make sure that things happen efficiently! This job can be done
from your home computer as all of our events and activities are planned online.
Special Event Planning Team Members - This is a great way to step up in your involvement as
a TAASC volunteer. Our special events raise funds and draw awareness to TAASC. We are
currently looking for volunteers for our Water Sports Weekend and Winter Sports Challenge.
TAASC encourages people with all abilities to be volunteers in our organization. Many of our
participants have become dedicated TAASC volunteers. Please contact [email protected] if you
would like to step up and take a part in our organization!
Mark Your Calendar for These Special Events!! Fun(draising) Day for AmTrykes - Bring anyone you know to
kayak at TAASC on July 20 from 11am to 2pm to help ten families
who are working to raise money to purchase an AmTryke of their
own!! Cost is $10/TAASC Disability member, $20/adult, $10 per
child. Donations to the AmTryke fund can be made
at http://www.razoo.com/story/Amtrykes 100% of your donation goes
toward the purchase of an AmTryke.
Pedal with Pete - On August 3, TAASC will coordinate adaptive cycling at
this community event, which draws 1000 riders. It is the week before Peletonia
and considered the final practice ride. Anyone who is interested in riding in
Pedal with Pete as an adaptive rider can register through TAASC
at www.taasc.org. Riders who do not need special accommodations can register
at http://pedal-with-pete.org/events/columbus-ohio/
Peddle, Paddle and Picnic - This event is on Sunday September 22, with registration
beginning at 8:30am followed by the ride at 9am. This event includes a
cycling route with a choice of two distances followed by kayaking on Twin
Lakes and the Scioto River to retrieve flags from various spots. After
kayaking, enjoy a cookout lunch. Cost is $35 per person with kayak rental,
$25 per person without kayak rental and $5 for lunch only. This event is open
to the public. Scholarships are available for TAASC Disability members, if
needed. More information will be posted on www.taasc.org closer to the
event date. This event is part of the Warriors Fishing and Sports Weekend.
Be a Part of the 2014 Winter Sports Challenge and Bring Adventure Sports to People with Disabilities!
Planning will start toward the end of summer for a better than ever Winter Sports Challenge at
Snow Trails Resort. This is TAASC's only fundraiser of the year and we depend on it to support
growing programs. Start thinking now! Would your employer be a corporate sponsor? They
receive free passes for a company team to participate in a day of skiing. If you would like to be
part of the planning team, please email [email protected].
Open House introduces new people to TAASC TAASC’s Open House was a great success! We would like to thank all of those that came out to
make the event such a positive experience for everyone. The second annual Open House held on
June 7 & 8 was a great opportunity for new families to learn more about TAASC. We
highlighted several events including cycling, rowing, and kayaking. TAASC conducted 20 bike
equipment evaluations and "try out" rides. The Greater Columbus Rowing Association brought
an adaptive shell for interested participants to experience. Guests of the Open House were also
able to give kayaking a try. Thanks to our Open House sponsor Absolute Care and A Different
Day, adult day program!
6000 Harriott Drive
Powell OH 43065 [email protected]
www.taasc.org
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