Adaptive Discipline News – Fall 2017
Dan Stormer, Adaptive Chair
The Adaptive Committee has been working to align with the Alpine and Snowboard disciplines, in offering our members a two day L1 examination. As a result we will no longer offer the
In House validation program. This was a very difficult decision as this option worked well for a number of candidates.
Ultimately the committee determined that a streamlined two day exam for all candidates will lead to a more consistent exam experience and a better product for our members, trainers and schools. To provide maximum flexibility, we will be offering a mix of calendar events, and more local ‘traveling’ examinations which can be added during the course of the year. We hope this system allows candidates to plan ahead, while still retaining some flexibility to change.
See the Calendar for a list of the Adaptive calendar exams.
We will work directly with any L3 candidates to set up an examination.
We are also adding an on-line pre-test requirement two weeks prior to your on mountain examination. This will allow us to reinforce knowledge that is needed for the certification, without cutting in to valuable on-snow time. Alpine and Snowboard have had great success in doing this and we want to build on that.
Adaptive Academy
Come experience the PSIA-AASI National Adaptive Academy (NAA), December 5-8, 2017, Breckinridge Ski Resort, CO. Programs are offered for all disciplines and levels and cover the latest in adapted ski and snowboard teaching methods. This is a chance to network with over 800 attendees from around the world, including instruc- tors, coaches, disabled participants, equipment vendors and expert consultants. Some of our Western stars will be working the event, including Bill Bowness, Josh Spoelstra and Katherine Hayes Rodriguez.
New this Year!
We have funding commitments for Adaptive specific certification scholarships. We recognize that many Adaptive instructors are volunteers.
The Ed Foundation will be accepting scholarship applications for your Level 1, 2 or 3 Adaptive exams. Can be submitted retroactively.
See the Ed Fund page of www.psia-w.org for more info.
Adaptive Committee changes
We have put in place a mentoring program and succession plan for our Adaptive Committee Chairs. A sitting Committee Chair will stay on for another year at the end of his/her term to work toward a successful transition.
Lastly, I will be leaving as Chair of the Adaptive Committee following November’s Ed Staff Training. It has been an exceptionally fulfilling two years. Stepping up will be Bill Bowness and Katherine Hayes Rodriguez to be co- chairs. These two have been leaders for many years. They are brilliant, hard-working and born leaders. Adaptive could not be in better hands.
This article appeared in print in our Fall Edge Newsletter in September 2017.
