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Thoughout the course of the season, fifteen
youth ranging in age from 4-12 , participated in
the unique Tiny Tracker instructional program.
A wide variety of assistive technology and
instructional methods were used to introduce
these youths to skiing. The numbers and types of
adaptive skiing methods introduced were:
bi-skiing (4), 3-track skiing (2),4-track skiing
(2), 2-track skiing (5), and blind/guiding (2).
Each of the skiers made great progress
improving their skiing skills. By the end of the
season, skeirs were making more runs down the
slopes; skiing more vertical feet on more
difficult terrain; and using less assistive
technology and physicl assistance from the
instructor.
Conversations with the parents and physical
therapists of the skiers revealed that the kids
showed improvements in their strength,
endurance, balance and gross motor control. the
adults also reported improvements in their
child's functional independence off the slopes.
The most significant contribution of the Tiny
Tracker program may, in fact be increased
self-esteem. According to Crystal, an ten-year
old girl with cerebral palsy (4-tracker): "When I
grow up I want to be a professional skier."
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