Ascendigo Autism Services, Inc., 818 Industry Way, Carbondale, CO 81623, US

The ASC was founded in 1987 when President and Mrs. Carter joined a group of local residents to form the Physically Challenged Ski Program of Crested Butte. Since then, the program has evolved into the year-round, nationally recognized Adaptive Sports Center. Thanks to the support of volunteers, dedicated instructors and staff, as well as the local community, the ASC has thrived and grown from providing 33 alpine ski lessons during its first winter to becoming one of the premiere outdoor adaptive recreation programs in the world, offering more than 4, 000 activities annually. According to the 2000 census, 56.3 million Americans have disabilities, and the ASC is proud to offer its services to everyone within this community. We provide recreational instruction for people with physical disabilities such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, amputations, traumatic brain injury, and visual and hearing impairments. We also provide services for individuals with cognitive-related disabilities such as mental retardation, Down Syndrome, autism, ADD, ADHD, and other emotional and behavioral disorders, as well as at-risk-youth. Much to the credit of ASC instructors as well as strides in adaptive technology, the ASC has been able to assist every person who has come through its doors. The ASC welcomes anyone with a desire to participate.