A synopsis of
the national adaptive meeting at Copper
August 2, 1999
Hello Adaptive Sports Programs and Ski Schools,
I am sending you this letter to inform you about the most recent
workings of the PSIA National Adaptive Committee as well as information regarding the
regional PSIA Adaptive Committee and what our organization is doing for your school and
our members.
The National Adaptive Committee recently met at the PSIA National
Summer Work Session in Copper Mountain on June 11-12, 1999. If you hadn’t heard, the
National Adaptive Committee is a full standing committee within PSIA. We are funded to
attend the Summer Work Session, can submit project funding proposals to the Board for
consideration, and have the voice to direct PSIA adaptive’s future.
The following are the salient points from the Adaptive
Committee’s Summer Work Session and the long range plan for PSIA National Adaptive.
- Significant time was spent answering questions presented by the
Publication Task Force relative to the structure and future directions of PSIA. Details of
the Adaptive Committee’s suggestions can be obtained through the National office.
- The editorial staff from The Professional Skier visited the
committee and discussed issues regarding technical reviews of article submissions. In the
future all articles will be reviewed for technical correctness.
- Education Director Linda Crockett visited the committee and presented
information relative to the availability of funds for specific projects. Logistics and
timetables for an adaptive photo shoot were outlined for the committee.
- Certification standards from each region were discussed. All regions
are basically on the same track. Standards for Adaptive DCL’s and examiners differ
widely from region to region.
- Regions that need assistance presenting clinics/exams will be able to
apply for funds to bring in an examiner from another region to help fill the need. Regions
must send a letter of Application to Gwen Allard, Committee Chairperson, by October 12,
1999.
- The examiners college that was offered in conjunction with the Summer
work session was deemed a success and funds will be sought to offer another event like
this in June 2001.
- The committee discussed the need to keep our member schools,
individual members, and DS/USA Chapters better informed of what the National Adaptive
Committee is doing for them as well as what support is occurring at the regional level.
- Specific assignments for the current PSIA Adaptive Manual review and
revision were discussed.
- A discussion took place relative to the Adaptive sector and its
relation to its ATS skill base methodology. Further work is needed to help adaptive
instructors understand that we should be embracing and teaching ATS with adaptations where
necessary. More discussion will occur on this topic at the next event where the majority
of the committee members are present.
- The committee reviewed its short and long term goals. Much discussion
surrounded the benefits of utilizing the Internet for our members, for adaptive
recreational sports, and for the special needs population. A sense of urgency was felt to
create an adaptive bulletin board on the PSIA National site for the year 1999-2000. Mark
Dorsey, PSIA National Marketing Director told the group that PSIA is hiring a new person
to deal exclusively with the Internet. He stated that it would probably be Fall 1999
before the adaptive page would be created. Assignments were made regarding work to be done
on the short and long range goals.
I hope that this information is useful to you. If your school is not
currently a PSIA Member School and would like more information about how the Association
can help support your organization you may contact me through the division office address
listed on this letterhead.
Sincerely,
John Stevenson
National Adaptive Committee Division Representative
