So, just what are the "little things?" What may, to some, seem like "a little thing" at the time -- just might serve to motivate and have a lasting impact on the person who is the recipient of our actions.

Over the past twenty years, teaching special education, working in the field of rehabilitation, as well as directing therapeutic camps and adaptive outdoor recreation programs, I have been fortunate to meet and interact with hundreds and hundreds of people who have influenced my beliefs and shaped my values. And, for that, I am most grateful! It has been a blessing for me to get to know these people -- many of whom I am honored to call my good friends.

On a daily basis, I have observed these individuals ranging from 4 to 76 years of age as they achieve functional independence. It is not uncommon for them to overcome one or more physical or developmental disabilities, psycho-social or mental health disorders, chronic medical problems and/or other special health needs.

Spending time together, and having fun as they confront new challenges has taught me more than I could ever have hoped. Most important, I've learned to never underestimate the powers of God's influence. I have experienced first hand, the awesome abilities of persons' who seem to have spiritual guidance, a higher calling -- the unimaginable motivation, the will and the strength that comes to those who believe in God. Hopefully, you will only make the mistake one time to misjudge a person's capabilities in the face of adversity.

Some of my most meaningful education has taken place during therapeutic activities such as adaptive -- snow sports, water sports and wilderness sports. It is there that I have learned to pay particular attention to the "little things." I can't emphasize enough how it is the "little things" that often get overlooked in our quest to be better teachers. As you find yourself questioning the importance of the sacrifices you must make and the decisions that guide your interactions with students, keep the following in mind. A partial list of the "little things" that have guided me is as follows:

• Offer scholarship support for those who cannot afford an adaptive outdoor recreation experience;
• Structure safety protocols and back-up procedures t address the specific needs of individual participants;
• Provide gift certificates as a prize to be awarded for disabled competitors who participate in children's wheelchair sports competitions;
• Provide donations for free adaptive instruction to be awarded as a raffle prize at professional conferences;
• Work through lunch or until the mountain closes to provide extra adaptive ski instruction;
• Design and make custom adaptive equipment to meet the specific needs of physically disabled persons;
• Organize special adaptive outdoor skills training clinics such as kayaking, sailing, backpacking/camping, fishing, x-country and alpine skiing;
• Provide special recognition to students for hard work, and development of new skills;
• Volunteer to teach at special clinics or camps;
• Structure a learning experience to actively involve family members or loved ones;
• Provide speaking engagements to educate groups and other professionals about the importance and rehabilitative value adaptive outdoor recreational activities for disabled persons of all ages;
• Host training sessions for volunteers and special recognition cookouts and events;
• Work to get awards and prizes donated to provide recognition for staff volunteers and disabled participants;
• Rearrange your schedule to accommodate private lessons--then drive 100 miles to make it happen;
• Send special notes to students to acknowledge hard work and effort;

These acts are all just "little things" in the grand scheme of life, and they may not seem like much when taken on an individual basis. But then, that's what makes them --"little things" in the first place. However, when you string all the little things together, you'll discover the singer of the song was right -- "Little Things Mean A Lot!"
Take the time to make sure that you do "the little things."

THE BLESSINGS WILL FOLLOW!!!