Discovering Ability, Overcoming Disabilty

How Colorado Discover Ability is Redefining Outdoor Adventure.

Story By: Makenna Livingston, In the Dirt Editor

Photos By: Adelaide Martinsen

In a world where those with disabilities are steered away from outdoor recreation— told they can’t and could never — Colorado Discover Ability is here to say, “Let’s go do it,” by helping them defy expectations, challenge assumptions, and bask in the joy of the great outdoors. Whether it’s taking blind participants rafting or guiding the paraplegic on bikes through winding trails, this Grand Junction non-profit proves adventure has no limits. 

“If you’ve been told you can never ski, let us prove you wrong. If you’ve been told you can’t raft, let us prove you wrong,” said Kady Ostowick, executive director of Colorado Discover Ability. 

The Empowering Outdoors

Founded in 1980, CDA was originally called the Powderhorn Handicap School — a program that gave children in the Mesa County Valley School District an opportunity to ski. Over the years, it has evolved into what it is today: an organization helping people get outside, no matter their disability.

Every day, whether it’s experiencing snow for the first time or mastering a life-long sport, CDA’s programs empower individuals, builds confidence and fosters connections within a supportive group of peers. 

“One of our clients said, ‘You know, that’s why I come up here with you guys. Cause I can do things on skis that I can’t do downtown walking the streets,” said Anson Metzger, a volunteer at CDA.

Operating year-round, CDA offers a multitude of activities, enabling those with physical or cognitive challenges to enjoy the abundant recreational opportunities that fill the Grand Valley. CDA helps turn what once seemed impossible into reality. 

“How do we measure success at CDA? And the one thing we always say is smiles. We don’t measure it by anything except for the smiles we’re producing on people’s faces. If you’re coming back and smiling…because you did something, then we know we won,” said Kady Ostowick. 

The People

The volunteers at CDA make everything possible. With only four full-time staff members, this organization relies heavily on them — a diverse group that includes school teachers, physicians, veterans, and parents — all contributing their unique experiences to keep CDA’s programs running.

Seventeen years ago, when Anson Metzger, a volunteer at CDA, was flipping through newspaper ads, he was initially drawn to the job for a free lift ticket. But after understanding what CDA truly did, he found a love for the mission, the people and the work they do.

Every Tuesday for six years, Metzger worked with a boy with Down syndrome, helping him learn how to ski. Zooming down the mountain with his superhero cape ruffling in the wind, Super Dave and Metzger became best buddies. They were regulars to Powdernhorn, with ski-lift operators giving Super Dave high-fives every time he went up, everyone knew his name. The silence of the mountain echoed with their sign-song tunes of “Old McDonald Had a Farm,” with Super Dave being the star of the show, perfecting each animal sound in the song. More than just a team on the slopes and duet on the lift, this pair was united by the bond they carried in their hearts.

Strengthening the Community

As the sole non-profit organization in the valley offering multiple adaptive outdoor recreation sports, CDA opens a gateway of hope into the eyes of those who believe they can’t, or have been told they couldn’t. 

“There is nothing more powerful than someone saying, ‘My mom, my grandma, or my aunt said I would never be able to ski.’ We tell them, ‘No they’re wrong. You can do all things, and we’re gonna show you that you can do it.’ And that’s the power that’s behind it, when they come down the mountain, it makes us emotional all the time,” said Kady Ostowick.

What CDA does best is supporting each person in overcoming their personal barriers, ensuring no one has to change who they are to pursue their goals. 

What’s Happening Now?

Currently, CDA runs various seasonal programs that last eight weeks, meeting two days a week. During the summer, participants have the opportunity to try horseback riding, paddleboarding kayaking, rafting, cycling, bird-watching and disc golf. They’re also offering a new four-week program, held every Friday, where participants will learn about camping. Additionally, CDA always provides activities year-round, such as cycling and rafting, and once the weather starts to cool, the program shifts into skiing and snowboarding. 

Partnering with multiple groups across the valley, such as The Center of Young Visionaries, various veterans’ assistance groups, and other organizations, CDA strengthens the community. In the future, they will hold two fundraising events: the River of Dreams at Orchard River View on September 21 and the Ability Open golf tournament at Adobe Creek Golf Course on August 15. Both events aim to educate, raise awareness and fundraise for the organization. 

Additionally, CDA ensures that no one is turned away due to financial constraints, making its programs accessible to everyone.

To volunteer or learn more about participating in CDA’s programs, those interested can contact the organization by phone at 970-257-1222, via email at office@cdagj.org, or by visiting https://cdagj.org.