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ABLE Youth enjoy a variety of sports and
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Mission Statement:
To reach and teach children in wheelchairs ages three through high
school 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 contributions.
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What Parents Say About ABLE Youth
"ABLE Youth has made such a difference in Landon. He does everything now; he takes out the trash, mows the yard, he has a life we all never dreamed of. Rick has shown us all how to live. I don’t know how to let go, but I am getting better." (Jacqui Yates Burton)
"My goal is to reach as many children as
possible and introduce them to all types
of wheelchair recreation. Through these
activities children become completely
independent and therefore learn a great life lesson - it's not the circumstances that
matter, but what you do with those
circumstances."
Rick Slaughter
ABLE Youth Director
Rick's Bio
Rick's Blog
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"Whitney has matured through her contact with other children and adults with disabilities in the ABLE Youth program." (Carolyn Qualls)
"ABLE Youth has shown my daughter that being in a wheelchair is no excuse for not doing things. The program gives her the opportunity to participate in activities that a couple of years ago she never thought possible. ABLE Youth has been wonderful for her self-esteem." (Bob Duncan)
What Kids Say About ABLE Youth
"ABLE Youth encourages me to try new things. I don’t feel different when I am at ABLE Youth.”
(Jessica Duke)
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Learning to drive at Independence Camp |
"What I like most about the program is basketball. I know I can play like any kid plays, just in a different way." (Josh Anderson)
"I've met some awesome people, and it's made me see that I am not the only one out there with a disability. I can do anything an able-bodied person can, plus some." (Lindsey Painter)
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