NDAD Awards 2024 Adaptive Recreation Grant

NDAD has awarded Adaptive Recreation Grants to four organizations across North Dakota, totaling over $20,000. The grant funds are used to support adaptive recreational opportunities for people with disabilities. 

“Our philosophy is that people with disabilities can live more satisfying, productive lives if they have the opportunity.  We believe each of these programs closely match our mission to enhance the quality of lives of individuals facing health challenges,” states DeAnn Burckhard, NDAD Marketing Director.

Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports
Prairie Grit’s mission is to provide sports and recreational opportunities to youth and adults with physical and mental disabilities to enhance their quality of life. They work to make sports and recreational activities as inclusive as possible throughout Minot, N. Dak., and the surrounding area. Prairie Grit was awarded a grant for adaptive sports equipment transportation. “Being able to transport our equipment to individuals throughout the state eliminates access barriers and gives more people the ability to experience the transformative power of sports and recreation,” notes Krystal Butgereit of Prairie Grit.

Dreams in Motion
Dreams in Motion provides competitive and recreational adaptive sports programs critical to the health and well-being of youth and adults with mobility challenges or visual impairments throughout the Bismarck and Mandan area. Dreams in Motion was awarded a grant for maintenance and repairs of wheelchairs. “Improving the equipment we use allows us to increase participation in our adaptive sports programs,” shares Dreams in Motion’s Sammantha Peterson.

RoughRider AMBUCS
RoughRider AMBUCS was awarded a grant for Amtryke Adaptive Tricycles. This equipment gives freedom and independence to individuals who would otherwise be unable to ride a bike. “In addition to riding bike with peers and family, the Amtrykes help people become more independent as they build strength, endurance and range of motion,” states Kristina Bouley of RoughRider AMBUCS. This organization serves the Bismarck and Mandan area and has reach across the state of North Dakota.

Missouri Valley Family YMCA
Missouri Valley Family YMCA offers an Adaptive Swim program which offers tailored swim lessons and water safety education to children with Down Syndrome, Autism and sensory disorders. The program instills water safety skills, and empowers children with confidence and knowledge to navigate aquatic environments safely. NDAD’s grant will help to cover the cost of fees for all program participants. Amber Rae Bernhardt of Missouri Valley Family YMCA notes, “With every stroke, these young swimmers not only conquer physical barriers but also cultivate a sense of accomplishment and belonging, making waves toward a brighter, more inclusive future.”

ABOUT NDAD
NDAD, North Dakota Association for the Disabled, is a nonprofit, charitable organization founded in 1975 by concerned citizens for the purpose of assisting people with disabilities in the state of North Dakota. With locations in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot and Williston, NDAD offers direct financial assistance, healthcare equipment loan, adaptive recreation, and information, referral and advocacy for those who may not be eligible for services from other agencies. With over $2.8 million provided in client services, NDAD’s mission is to enhance the quality of lives of individuals facing health challenges.  For more information, visit ndad.org.