The Ride2Live Project is a snowboard experience for teens with autism spectrum disorder. Ride2Live is a program that encourages families of children with ASD to work outside the confines of their normal day to day routine. With the guidance of ASF staff members, parents introduce their child to a number of new experiences. The goal of Ride 2 Live is to offer an experience where the whole family can come together for outdoor recreation and healthy physical activity.  A no less important goal is to encourage the children to grow socially in a nurturing and understanding environment.  Below is a letter from Corrine Brown whose son participated in this year’s event.

“I wanted to thank you very much for the amazing experience my son Patrick had at the Ride2Live event on January 23, 2016.  I could never have imagined what took place that day.  It started out at little rough in the lodge as Patrick had no idea what was going on but then our instructor, Matt came in to the room and spoke to my son in a way that not many people do.  He spoke directly to him and treated him as he would treat any other person.  Most people do not do that with Patrick.  They either are unsure how to speak to him or they just speak to me.  Patrick immediately calmed down and listened to everything Matt had to say.  He followed Matt and the two other instructors outside.  Once they got him on the snowboard they could not get him off.

I can not even begin to describe the feelings that my husband and I felt watching our son enjoy himself so much and the way that the staff and volunteers at the Adaptive Sports Foundation treated him.  I always heard how wonderful they were but to experience it first hand is something else.  I just wanted to let you know how much this day meant to us and again how thankful we are to have been given this opportunity.  Our instructor, Matt was exceptional at his job and truly made a difference in our lives.”

Click here to view photos from Ride 2 Live events.  For more information on the ASF’s Ride 2 Live, contact the Adaptive Sports Foundation office at 518-734-5070 or email.