Industry News
The National Ability Center (NAC) provides world-class adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for individuals, families, and groups with varying physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities. Rooted in Park City, Utah, For over 40 years, the NAC has been a cornerstone for adaptive recreation in Park City, UT, and has served over 300,000 participants from all 50 states and across the globe. The nonprofit hosts over 32,000 experiences annually, including alpine and Nordic skiing, horseback riding, cycling, swimming, rafting, and more in Park City, Moab, and other destinations across Utah. This year, the NAC announced it is partnering with Toyota to improve these programs and the lives of these participants even better.
The National Ability Center and Toyota are teaming up to launch Toyota Mountain of Dreams, a groundbreaking initiative making adaptive skiing and snowboarding more accessible than ever. Through this multi-year partnership, the NAC and Toyoota are breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The goal is to allow everyone to experience the thrill of skiing and snowboarding and know they belong. Toyota is funding scholarships to assist participants attend these sports clinics. “Toyota supports the idea of bringing the next generation forward and our fundamental belief is that no matter what mountain our participants are trying to get to the top of, they will get you up there,” Willie Ford, CEO of the National Ability Center, said in an interview with SnowBrains.
On July 25, 2024, the NAC announced Willie Ford as its next CEO to lead the organization and programs in the future and drive the NAC to new heights. The NAC leadership team is pivotal in realizing its mission to empower individuals of all abilities through adaptive recreation and educational programs. With their strategic vision, dedication, and expertise, they steer the initiatives to ensure the delivery of high-quality, inclusive programming and services.
The NAC celebrated its 40th Birthday this past November and Ford said that the foundation is really solid, and the buildings, facilities, and campuses are world-renowned. Ford said that now that the foundation is set, it’s time to build on it. The multi-year partnership with Toyota is helping make that foundation even stronger. “Toyota Mountain of Dreams isn’t just about getting people on the mountain, it’s about making sure that no matter where someone is in their journey, they feel seen, supported, and empowered,” Ford said. “Our partnership with Toyota will open doors to new possibilities for the adaptive nation and help them feel a sense of belonging on the mountain.”
The partnership between the NAC and Toyota is also developing additional clinics, ways to get participants involved, and offering year-round programming opportunities. Through Toyota Mountain of Dreams, individuals with disabilities have the chance to improve their lives in ways they never thought of. “For children and young adults facing medical challenges that come from a cancer diagnosis and years of treatment, experiences like skiing and snowboarding can be life-changing and something that never would have been possible,” Devin Ryan-Holanda, vice president of camps and programs at Camp One Step, said in a press briefing.
For additional information, visit the National Ability Center’s website.
To learn more about Toyota Mountain of Dreams, visit Toyota’s website.
