The American Blind Skiing Foundation (“ABSF”) was founded in 1971 and is a non-profit tax exempt national organization chartered in the State of Illinois. The purpose of ABSF is to provide an educational skiing program that is open to any blind or visually impaired person in the hope of providing both physical and psychological therapeutic value. ABSF provides opportunities for the blind and visually impaired to participate in our sport no matter what their level of expertise. We provide highly qualified guides to visually impaired skiers and snowboarders to participate in our sport, as well as basic instruction for those just learning. ABSF provides financial assistance to visually impaired individuals who otherwise would not be able to ski due to financial hardship.
In a world where “a picture is worth a thousand words” it’s easy to understand the barriers that confront a child … who can see no pictures. So it is with the blind and visually impaired children and adults who ABSF serves.
Having the spirit and fortitude to overcome the daily challenges of life is difficult enough if you have sight, but for the blind, those challenges can be overwhelming. Confidence in oneself is needed. The American Blind Skiing Foundation helps build that confidence.
ABSF helps the blind to focus on what they can do … not on what they can’t see. This knowledge and confidence gives them some of the tools they need to successfully face challenges in other aspects of their lives.
ABSF is endorsed by the Chicago Metropolitan Ski Council (CMSC). Some ABSF blind skiers have become proficient in racing and have participated and won medals with the NASTAR National Championships. ABSF welcomes everyone.
More information is at the ABSF’s website, www.absf.org.
