Who We Are

Colorado Discover Ability (CDA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to increase the independence, self-confidence, self worth, and education of individuals with disabilities through outdoor therapeutic recreation.

CDA programs have been serving people with disabilities in western Colorado since 1980. Much has changed in adaptive outdoor recreation over those years. Every year the number of people who challenge their own abilities continues to grow, and our programs grow right along with them.

What has not changed is our founding belief in the ability of outdoor recreation to transform lives. Our programs are designed to encourage each client to participate as independently as possible, regardless of his or her disability. CDA programs have produced incredible results. The health benefits from exercise and outdoor recreation are self-evident. More important, the mental and emotional changes our clients experience include greater self-confidence, higher self-esteem and a greater level of independence that often carries over into their daily lives.

What We Do

CDA offers year-round recreational programs of therapeutic value. During the winter, CDA operates the adaptive ski and snowboard school at Powderhorn Mountain Resort, located just 35 miles east of Grand Junction, Colorado. Using an array of specialized, adaptive equipment and individualized instruction, skiing and snowboarding are individually tailored to each client's ability level, thereby enabling them to experience the chosen activity. During the summer, CDA's focus shifts to providing water-based recreation, such as river rafting, kayaking, and related camping activities. Summertime also brings day camps, bike nights, camping trips and specialized camps for children and adults with disabilites.

Volunteers

At the heart of CDA's ability to carry out its programs are its volunteers. Each year more than 140 volunteers give of themselves, making it possible for CDA to provide outdoor recreational adventures for its clients. Whether as a program volunteer, a fundraising volunteer or an administrative volunteer, these amazing individuals play a tremendous part in changing lives.

Supporting Colorado Discover Ability

Year after year, staff and volunteers at CDA have the incredible honor of looking into the eyes of individuals who have gotten to do something new and exciting, something that might change and improve their lives and, as a minimum, will give them memories to last a lifetime. Making this possible requires a partnership: clients provide the courage and determination; CDA provides the equipment, instruction, and support; and the community provides volunteers and financial support from individuals, corporations, and granting organizations.

Please consider supporting CDA and all its clients by giving of your time, talent, or financial resources.

Support Our Efforts »