RISE is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the physically disabled community. One of its unique features is that its leadership is entirely composed of individuals with physical disabilities. This means that the board of directors and staff at RISE are all intimately familiar with the challenges that people with physical disabilities face daily.Â
The CEO of RISE, in particular, was born with spina bifida and relies on a wheelchair for mobility. This personal experience has given the CEO a unique perspective on the challenges faced by people with physical disabilities. As a result, RISE is better equipped to understand and empathize with the needs of the disabled community.Â
By having a leadership team entirely composed of individuals with physical disabilities, RISE is able to provide a higher level of service and support to the disabled community. The board and staff at RISE draw on their personal experiences and expertise to create programs and services tailored to the needs of the disabled community. This approach has been incredibly successful, and RISE has become a trusted resource for people with physical disabilities looking for support and assistance.Â
Testimonial:
"My husband and both of my children have a rare genetic condition that makes mobility difficult for them. My husband uses a wheelchair, my son uses a walker, and my daughter uses ankle braces and struggles to walk long distances. RISE provides an atmosphere where our family does not have to think about barriers. We can just participate in fun activities and enjoy time together as a family. Whether it's tubing on the lake, rolling down ramps at the skate park in specially designed wheelchairs, or participating in team sports like Wheelchair Football or Wheelchair Rugby, my family can just jump in and play without hesitation. Not only does RISE provide barrier-free opportunities for my husband and children, but RISE also allows me to shut off my always-thinking-ten-steps-ahead mom brain and just enjoy the time with my family. With RISE, no participant or family member has to stress about possible roadblocks. RISE does that for them, and then removes them. Athletes can just show up and be athletes, regardless of disability. Kids can just show up and be kids, regardless of assistive devices. And together, a wonderful community is built.Â
We are so thankful for RISE Adaptive Sports and the fun experiences and community we have gained through this organization." -Sarah
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At R.I.S.E., our mission is to assist individuals with physical disabilities in their journey to Recover, Inspire, Succeed, and Empower themselves by providing inclusive, adaptive recreational sports programs. Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in sports and activities, regardless of their physical abilities. RISE offers diverse programs, including camping, boating, tubing, water skiing, parasailing, wake surfing, wakeboarding, fishing, kayaking, handcycling, wheelchair football, and wheelchair rugby. Remarkably, all these activities are provided at no cost. We are equipped with a wide range of gear tailored to meet the needs of individuals with physical challenges.
We aim to provide individuals with disabilities and their families with a supportive community and the chance to build relationships with others who are living with a physical disability. We strive to promote self-worth and self-efficacy by showing that physical activity is possible for everyone, regardless of physical limitations.
We are at a pivotal moment to significantly enhance and expand our adaptive sports programming. To achieve this, we are seeking funding to procure vital equipment and resources that will empower wheelchair users to participate in sports and recreational activities, thereby fostering inclusivity, health, and community engagement.
New Adaptive Equipment: Our immediate priority is to purchase sports wheelchairs. These aren't just any wheelchairs; they are engineered for sports, offering the mobility and versatility essential for athletes to excel in physical activities.
Essential Wheelchair Supplies: To complement our new sports wheelchairs, we also require an array of wheelchair supplies, including hand rims, tires, tubes, casters, axles, and upholstery. These supplies are crucial for regularly maintaining and repairing our equipment, ensuring its durability and optimal performance.
Expansion of Water Sports Programs: We are poised to broaden our water sports offerings, requiring equipment such as life jackets, skis, tubes, and ropes. These tools will enable our participants to safely enjoy diverse water-based activities, further enriching their experience and engagement.
Replacing Floating Dock with a Permanent Dock: The heart of our water sports program lies in our floating dock, which requires replacement with a permanent dock. Upgrading this infrastructure is essential not only for the program's success but also to guarantee the safety and well-being of our participants.
Supporting Team Travel and Hosting Tournaments: We seek to cover our team's travel expenses to four wheelchair football tournaments and organize a wheelchair football tournament locally. This event will host 8-9 teams from across the nation, celebrating the spirit, determination, and talent of wheelchair athletes in a highly competitive and inspiring environment.
Additionally, a portion of the funds will be allocated to reasonably compensate our dedicated staff, whose expertise and commitment are instrumental in executing our programs and ensuring a safe, enriching experience for all participants.
Finally, we plan to renew our insurance policies to safeguard our operations, ensuring that we continue to provide a safe and secure environment for all our activities and participants.
Adaptive sports create invaluable opportunities for individuals with disabilities to forge social connections with their peers. Moreover, the participation of able-bodied volunteers, sponsors, and spectators plays a crucial role in narrowing the gap in comprehension and fostering an inclusive mindset towards people with disabilities. This collaborative environment not only promotes mutual understanding but also cultivates a community where everyone is recognized for their abilities and contributions.
Our efforts to enhance adaptive sports have significantly transformed the landscape of opportunities for our underserved population. We have introduced a wide array of adaptive programs tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with physical disabilities. RISE programs, encompassing sports, recreation, education, and social activities, have been instrumental in not only fostering physical well-being but also in nurturing mental health and emotional resilience.
We have witnessed the blossoming of a strong, unified community spirit. Our programs have become a beacon of hope and solidarity, offering a shared space where individuals can connect, share experiences, and support each other. This sense of belonging has been crucial in combating the social isolation that often shadows physical disability. Participants have reported feeling more connected, valued, and understood, contributing to an overall enhancement of their quality of life.
Moreover, our initiative has sparked a wider community engagement, drawing volunteers, families, and local organizations into our mission. This collaborative effort has not only amplified our impact but has also raised awareness about the challenges and triumphs of living with a physical disability. Together, we are not just addressing immediate needs but are also paving the way for a more inclusive and empathetic society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, irrespective of physical limitations.
Organization name
RISE Adaptive Sports
Causes
Intellectual, Developmental, and Physical Differences, Youth & Children, Health Care
Operating Budget
$500,000 - $999,999
Counties Served
Dallas, Denton, Tarrant
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latinx, Native American, Other
BIPOC Leadership
Neither/None
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
3000 Meadowmere Ln