Welcome to ABLE Youth

Mission

To reach and teach children in wheelchairs ages three through twenty-two the importance of complete independence in all activities of daily living, which in turn leads to self-esteem, motivation, and a desire to excel. The children are taught The ABLE Way - to Adapt, Believe, Love, and Enjoy life as it pertains to them.
All children in ABLE Youth are taught wheelchair mobility, transfers, how to dress, bathe, perform bowel and bladder routines, driving a car with hand controls, etc. As a child shows signs of independence he/she is introduced to various types of wheelchair sports such as tennis, basketball, water skiing, snow skiing, golf, etc... These activities not only provide physical fitness but also provide emotional and mental well being and self esteem. All children are not going to be competitive in sports, yet all ABLE 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 what to expect in the real world.

The ABLE Youth program is the only one of its kind in the state of Tennessee, has impacted the lives of over 200 children and families since we began, and currently serves 30-35 children to help improve their quality of life. We pride ourselves on showing the children and parents just what CAN be accomplished from a wheelchair.

ABLE Youth, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and is funded through private contributions, corporate gifts, grants, and events.