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Director's Letter
Spring 2009
We continue to devote time
and thought to our strategic plan - the process is on-going. With clearly
defined goals and initiatives, we continue to out perform
our expectations each year.
I'm not sure why, but the
process makes me chuckle. Strategic planning can be folly when a key
goal for all of our programs is to meet the needs of any child or adult
who comes to us.
No matter how well we plan,
children and adults living with disabilities come to us with new needs
which are so compelling; so we adapt our planning and create programming.
While remaining responsible to our many supporters and loyal athletes,
we can rarely say "no" to those in need near us. This is how our
program, "City Street" became one of our most prominent efforts.
Initially, we worked with a few youth living with disabilities from
Boston neighborhoods six summers ago. We discovered that they were the
tip of a proverbial iceberg of children and youth in Boston who could
greatly benefit from our water sports programs and conditioning/function
training throughout the year. Now hundreds of greater Boston children
and youth work with us year round both on the water and in their schools.
In fact, we just conducted our second successful annual City Street
Soccer Clinic with Kristine Lilly and the Boston Breakers at Harvard
Stadium with thanks to Harvard Athletics.
Most recently a need we've
all known has caused us to make another addition to our programming.
This summer, we're creating a six week program for veterans wounded
in recent conflicts. The program, actually, will not be restricted and
we won't turn away veterans from other eras, but the stories of newly
"Wounded Warriors" have moved us.
We will teach rowing and Hawaiian
Outrigger Canoeing at Community Rowing in Watertown to supplement their
on-going adaptive rowing program. We'll implement adaptations we've
already created for rowing and paddling, and hope to refine new technologies
with the help of our collaborators at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital,
Boston. Our high-challenge water sports program--adaptive windsurfing,
rowing and kayaking, as example--now in its tenth year is at three
sites in Massachusetts: Boston's Charles River from the Pier at Spaulding
Rehabilitation Hospital; Canton's Reservoir Pond at the Massachusetts
Hospital School and Nantucket's Jetties' Beach. I'm confident
that this new program will be as successful as our ongoing partnerships
with Spaulding, The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, Perkins School
for the Blind, Mass. Hospital School Summer Camp, Nantucket Community
Sailing and others.
I'm so grateful that we have
the freedom and the support to meet these needs and effect great change
in these times. We are hopeful for the future with our athletes, our
new friends, our supporters and certainly for the growth of existing
and new programs as we continue to plan "strategically" for many
hopeful days ahead.
Enjoy,
Ross Lilley
Executive Director
Fall 2008
Recently much has been noted regarding
the movie Tropic Thunder and language which was possibly demeaning
about people living with disabilities. At AccesSportAmerica we engage
in frequent discussions about "correct" language and inclusive
language. Our belief is that without being militant or self-righteous in enforcement, we should all be more conscientious and use kinder, more inclusive language. Tropic Thunder is a Ben Stiller/Jack Black
movie that may intend to push the envelope and challenge boundaries.
Without condemning or endorsing the movie, I'd say that at the very
least, the movie has begun a larger discussion that needs to occur in
our culture.
Generally, we are quite good as a society
in reigning in most bigoted language. In public discourse ethnic slurs
are pretty much forbidden as are racist remarks. We even say "The
'N' word" in reference to racist remarks which ridicule or belittle
African Americans, as example. Yet, rarely, if ever do we hear people
use the same restraint designating "The 'M' word" instead
of the word "moron" or "The 'R' word" referring
to the word "retarded". One can no easier change their cognitive
capabilities than the color of one's skin or their ancestry. Yet the
belittling language that comes courtesy of people living with disabilities
is almost blessed in our culture.
Listen to many talk shows on the radio
for your proof. Especially in the sports radio section of the dial,
shock jocks are rightfully horrified by the slightest racist remark
but almost welcome and happily participate in equally offensive dialogue
using words and phrases like "moron", "retarded",
"idiot", "spaz", "crazy as a loon", "dumb
as a bag of rocks", and so many others. We also know the very popular
series of "... for Dummies" self help books that no one seems
to be pulling from the shelves. The language isn't aimed directly at
people living with physical or cognitive challenges, or people living
with mental illness necessarily. But the language certainly belittles
the triumphs and struggles of a life dealing with significant disability.
I know many people with disabilities
who aren't bothered by this language. I also know many who aren't sensitive
to the offending nature of slurs aimed at people living with disabilities.
I've even heard some of our athletes remark "I may be in a wheelchair,
but at least I'm not retarded." - a way of distancing themselves
from an opportunity for solidarity. I hope this isn't the voice we all
hear. I also hope we don't listen too carefully to those who think this
is just another Politically Correct way of trying to control speech.
Critics of inclusive or politically correct language claim that eventually,
no one will be able to venture outside the lines of convention. That
may or may not be correct, but here's what many of us hope for at AccesSportAmerica:
We like inclusive language, because,
very simply, the language creates a kinder community and world. Thinking
of how language can offend someone in a daily struggle helps us become
better human beings. I, personally don't consider my life easier or harder
than anyone else because we have a son living with cerebral palsy and
quadriplegia. Yet, my heart breaks when I hear the insensitive language
around us in this culture. I wonder who will speak for my son. I think
of all the people I have come to love who are AccesSport athletes and
how we're not appreciative or in solidarity.
I am not suggesting we cease to push
the envelope and challenge each other with satire and great comedy -
we can't take ourselves too seriously (I am also someone who pushes
boundaries). But as trite as this sounds, being kinder in our language
can make a huge difference for all of us and change our worlds dramatically.
Ross Lilley
Executive Director
Fall 2008
We often talk about "Community" here at AccesSportAmerica. This is our most powerful tool to succeed in reaching for more function and fullness in our lives. Community is established in every session and as we move forward together in our challenges. But we all experience this sense of being together differently. Our approach to each athlete and instructor is unique but still we need to find something in common. With all the differing personalities and styles, disabilities and gifts, I often wonder how we manage to connect. But, we do connect.
We find commonality and connection when, for example, some athletes and instructors work well with physical touch and guidance that is literally hand over hand. Others in the same group live with sensory issues and need a "touch" that is far from physical and more emotional. Still, they may thrive in the same outrigger team on the water, or be equally involved in a soccer drill. We may be more or less verbal, powerfully attentive for hours or intensely engaged for moments, fully of stamina or participating in short bursts - but mysteriously we can all be a part of the same AccesSport community.
Our community is based on a trust and unspoken understanding that we will accomplish something great in our sessions together. Especially as we come to the summer I can feel the excitement building in this community. Those working out through the winter months are ready to transfer their conditioning and strength onto water sports or a new cycle or outdoor tennis. Programs are year-round in Florida and New England; new programs are starting. Athletes and instructors can't wait to try out new boards, boats, adaptations, and skills. The excitement that transcends any new piece of equipment however, is how community is found and grows each day. I hope you'll take time to learn more about us and in your own way, become a part of us.
Ross Lilley
Executive Director/Founder
Winter 2008
In our AccesSportAmerica community of athletes and trainers, I'm known for asking questions. I ask many questions about goals, what motivates people and basically what makes our athletes "tick". Often my questions and our discussions get quite personal. I'm fascinated when we go beyond talk of pushing a wheelchair with greater strength, windsurfing faster, paddling better with a new adaptive outrigger paddle, or other athletic feats. Beyond all of that is function and healing that isn't dependent on physical or cognitive function. Beyond the sports and training regimens is filling a void inside which makes any person feel unfulfilled or in need of healing.
I'm not sure what being healed or whole truly means. I'd like to think we can find moments in which the mind and body simply don't matter that much. I hope for moments in which we realize that we are much more than the material side of living and can find wholeness and happiness just as we are. Still, some could say this is hard to imagine or attain when physical disability and mental or cognitive issues or pain constantly hammer at our being. (I can't speak for all, but to have a taste of disability with a son who lives with quadriplegia and too immersed in the lives of my friends who are AccesSport athletes gives me a little clue. ) Given the choice for the healing of disability or to feel healed and whole inside many would chose the former. It's so hard to get beyond the temporal/physical side of our lives or to envision life outside the struggles of each day.
Still, I believe we have times in which we, in this community, feel lifted up and to be on a plane in which we know healing. Sometimes after a great workout, for example, I see the look on an athlete's face. She could be working out from a wheelchair, or he could be run/walking with assistance across a tennis court--but the work-out is exhausting and rewarding. They feel they have truly challenged their whole being. They've done something great for their bodies and their minds. These athletes have overcome a challenge with a relative determination, skill, and athleticism which they uniquely own. The best that they brought to that work-out is as compelling as the most elite athlete. To me, those moments are an example of being healed. Those times give us all a sense that we are winning and overcoming.
We can find higher function in a physical and cognitive sense in AccesSportAmerica. We are documenting that. But more importantly, I'm convinced we are finding other forms of healing and wholeness, that far surpass the ability to walk, run, or to even jump over a building.
Ross Lilley
Executive Director/Founder
Fall 2007
As you look through our website, you'll see that we love summer. Sure we love winter opportunities like skiing, but we're trying to overcome the perception that fall/winter means being more sedentary. All year-round, people need to move, not just from room to room or in a car, but to propel themselves over significant distances. We all need to escape the feeling of living indoors and stretch our senses to take in larger spaces.
We are doing our very best to make sure that summer never ends. This is why we create opportunities which are summer oriented throughout the year. As example:
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Our Florida High-Challenge Sports program, based in Jensen and Palm Beaches, offers water sports year round as well as tennis and soccer.
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Our Massachusetts High-Challenge Sports program, with water sports at Boston's Spaulding Pier, Canton's Reservoir Pond and Nantucket's Jetties Beach, is outside on the water and the pathways of Boston until November. From November to May, we offer Tennis & Conditioning as well as Soccer & Conditioning in field houses and large gyms.
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Year round our athletes train in our Function & Fitness program.
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Intense, one week/overnight sports camps are held annually in California in partnership with The Cheshire Project, Guatemala in collaboration with the Stars of Massachusetts and in Florida, a part of our year round program.
Quite simply, fall and winter are no longer dreaded by our athletes, trainers and volunteers. We successfully stay connected all year in warm locations which are made so by environment and community. Take a look at our opportunities and see if one will help you feel the same warmth our athletes feel through these next 12 months.
Ross Lilley
Executive Director/Founder
Summer 2007 We are surprised each summer at the direction or emphasis in our program. Early on, during our first few years, we windsurfed during 90% of our sessions. We had a heavy emphasis on independent windsurfing. Each year, as other sports were introduced, the emphasis shifted. One year, we had many water-skiers, another year kayakers, and last year was the year of performance Hawaiian Outrigger Paddling. I'm not sure about this year yet, but I sense, we may experience a resurgence of interest in windsurfing. We have some new equipment and techniques that could lead to higher performance windsurfing—especially for our seated athletes. But yet, Outrigger Canoeing could be the emphasis with some new paddles and techniques. Regardless, we will let the process flow on its own—the spirit within AccesSportAmerica will guide us.
You see, from the beginning, this program has had a mind and spirit of its own. We plan and prepare quite extensively for each year, but we always allow for a little mystery and, what we could call, "miracle" in these programs from Boston to Palm Beach to Guatemala to Venice Beach and to Nantucket. The intangible aspects of AccesSportAmerica humble us. We can't plan for an athlete's determination and spirit. We don't always know what instructors might use for inspiring athletes, offering insight, or support at just the right time. Invention and innovation come to us in moments in the night, or in the workshop, and quite often in the middle of a session. In short, somehow performances and function are elevated because we don't try to control every aspect of each season and every session.
This summer, I'm looking forward to being surprised and giving into the mystery of working with remarkable athletes. Please explore our site to see what events and programs might be of interest. Our 2007-2008 year truly begins right now. The Mayor's Cup Regatta is the kick off event and the most impressive and inspiring gathering of the year. The surprises and new winning boats make the day incredible. This summer will surely follow in similar fashion.
Ross Lilley
Executive Director/Founder
Spring 2007 The AccesSport Community Model
I often wonder about the way I'd describe the relationship between AccesSportAmerica athletes and our trainers. Are we friends, gym or water "buddies", cut and dried professionals/clients?
As background—for close to twenty years before AccesSportAmerica became full time, I was a minister with a parish. In that life, I frequented support meetings with other ministers and rabbis. We'd talk about the rigors of the job, current theological trends, balancing family and "the job", and other issues unique to our vocation. A question that often arose was whether our parishioners could also be our friends. Some felt it "unprofessional" to be friends much as the psychotherapist/patient model would deem that relationship inappropriate. Others thought that the lines were a little blurry and to be genuine, we had to be immersed in the lives of the congregation. I was and remain a part of the school of thought which believes rabbis and ministers must be a part of the congregation and immersed in that life to be truly present.
Similarly, and without the religious implications, I believe that the relationship between our trainers and our athletes and their families has to be based on something far deeper than a purely professional model. We are all professionals with a unique skill set. We are all trained to reach out and find something in each athlete that is fantastic and compelling. We are also trained to confidently and competently bring athletes with disabilities to a higher plane of performance and function. We help our athletes succeed in areas into which they never dreamt they'd venture. To accomplish these feats, we have to become a part of our athletes' lives and have unique relationships. Somehow describing that relationship as a friendship seems a little trite. But ÒfriendshipÓ is perhaps one of the best ways is to describe how we work. Athletes and trainers each reach out and engage in a partnership in the gym, on the field, and on the water. Certainly, we each are part of a strong give and take process.
I'm sure that we don't reach every one of our athletes as we would like, but this is the mission we ask every instructor to take on. The obvious lesson is that every person, regardless of ability, has something that makes them wonderful, inside. The intensity and fun of AccesSportAmerica makes the search and discovery of the gem within each, that much easier. The common goal is to achieve more than ever thought possible—to make friends with athletes and trainers who, without AccesSportAmerica, might not have ever met or shared anything in common before.
As summer approaches, we are challenged to be even better trainers, better athletes, and to find common ground that creates a great community.
Ross Lilley
Executive Director/Founder
Winter 2007
Have you ever wondered when an athlete says—"I did my absolute best"—that he/she truly gave it their all? We all have listened to interviews after an event when an athlete says—"We put it all on the court" or "I couldn't have gone another step" or, as expressed in rowing, "We left it all in the boat".
Short of collapsing from exhaustion, I doubt that many of these athletes exerted themselves to the absolute limit. These days we are experiencing what I call "Performance Evaluation Inflation". This is when an elite professional athlete celebrates and self-promotes excessively for routine plays, which seem to be an all-time. Athletes are our role models — setting the bar for achievement, subtlety guiding our behavior and sports performance. All too often what happens in the professional arena trickles down to the playground and gym. If we see a dance in the end zone on Sunday, it will be repeated on some playground by Monday. If we watch a soccer player roll in agony to fake an injury for a call on a Thursday night, dozens of imitators will pull the same stunt in their games that week. If an athlete huffs, puffs, and fakes exhaustion after a mediocre performance, we soon believe that we can reach our limits too soon and too easily.
At AccesSportAmerica, we are concerned with this trend toward "Performance Evaluation Inflation". Working with athletes living with disabilities, we often encounter a lower set of standards or benchmarks for performance that seems acceptable but it is not. One step above being a "couch potato" is an improvement over doing nothing, but it's hardly enough. Our programs are safe and we hardly push our athletes to the edge of exhaustion, but we encourage our athletes to train as athletes.
As the able-bodied population is pushed and prodded to elevate their heart rate in exercise 3-4 times/week for a half hour or more, it is our goal for people living with a disability to not settle for 5 minutes of hardly breaking a sweat in exercise once a week, but to find a sport that challenges them and that they love, and to train year round as if their life were worth it and depends on it — as it does.
I believe we at AccesSportAmerica are making great strides in helping people to see themselves as athletes regardless of ability and finding ways to condition our athletes with imagination, safe practices and a great deal of fun. Winter in New England is a time to get going and to go a step above in ability, effort, and conditioning. We are training our athletes through our Function+Fitness program, which includes adaptive soccer, tennis and medically prescribed gym training programs. During May-October, we will be on the water again with our adaptive High-Challenge Water Sports program — adaptive windsurfing, outrigger canoeing and kayaking. In Florida, our High-Challenge Water Sports program is now year round.
At AccesSportAmerica, we are the antidote to "Performance Evaluation Inflation". We will push and prod our athletes beyond expectation. Join us.
Ross Lilley
Executive Director/Founder
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