LINEUP PRO FILE: TERRI HENDERSON
LEVEL II ADAPTIVE, LEVEL II ALPINE; SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN ADAPTIVE SKI PROGRAM (SEWASP)
How did you get into snowsports? I grew up in the mountains of northern Idaho and was surrounded by snow every winter. I purchased my first pair of nordic skis while in high school and would cross country ski out of my parent’s back door. It was at a time when I was probably the only person in town to have skinny skis. I was also introduced to alpine skiing in high school and became hooked.
In the early 1980s, I worked for a group
of orthopedic surgeons in Lakewood, Colorado. Many of the surgeons were involved with Te Children’s Hospital (TCH) in Denver, working with children who had cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and a variety of other disabilities. One of the surgeons, Dr. Duane Messner, was instrumental in the development of the adaptive ski program at TCH, so I was surrounded by the kids and physical
of knowledge and experience that they have brought to our table has been remarkable.
:KDW DUH \RXU KRSHV IRU WKH fiQDO product? To provide a detailed resource for members and volunteers at large, promoting a greater understanding of the adaptive discipline and offering clearer guidance for instruction. Tere is an incredible amount of knowledge and energy required to teach an adaptive lesson. Yes, we are teaching alpine skiing (or riding), but it is so much more.
$IWHU VXFK D KXJH SURMHFW ZKDW do your new goals look like? I think a nap will be in order. My passion for adaptive snowsports will hopefully lead to another path for me to follow. A few years ago, my daughters and I created “Operation Heart Stone” and we glean surplus vegetables and fruit from a local vegetable farm and orchard to provide for those who are less fortunate. I look forward to increasing my participation with this cause.
When winter gives way to warm weather, Henderson and her daughters work with Operation Heart 6WRQH D VXUSOXV IRRG SURJUDP WKH\ FUHDWHG
And instruction? Learning to teach adaptive skiing was my conduit to share my love for the sport with students who have never felt the wind in their hair. It also allowed them to accomplish something that might have been unimaginable.
Why did you gravitate to teaching adaptive? When I was in 5th
grade, my elementary
school visited a facility for children with disabilities. I met a young man who was non-verbal and wore a helmet. He wanted to play on the swings. Many of my classmates shied away from him, but I spent the remainder of the afternoon swinging with him. I remember his happiness because I suspected he didn’t get to experience that joy very often. Te seed was planted.
20 | 32 DEGREES • FALL 2016
therapists who were participating. One of the PTs extended an invitation to get involved with the program, and the rest is history.
You worked a LOT on the new Alpine Adaptive Manual that’s coming out later this winter, and are credited as an author. What’s been the hardest part? Harnessing the magnitude of information. I have added machete training to my editing repertoire! It has been challenging to maintain the content while reducing the minimal “fluff.”
What’s been the most rewarding aspect? Working with a wonderful team, without whom I could not have done this! Te depth
$Q\ WLSV IRU RWKHU 36Ζ$ $$6Ζ members who would like to take a bigger role in their adaptive program? Plant the seeds! Tere are not enough instructors to fill the requests for lessons as this sport continues to grow. I have often talked about providing opportunities for future instructors – planting the seed - so when the time is right, you just add water. Frozen water that is! For those already teaching adaptive, thank you! Become a mentor for new adaptive instructors, help with training, and keep learning. Engage in safe and effective pathways for teaching people with disabilities to use their abilities to ski or ride and feel the wind in their hair!
Editor’s note: The production wheels are churning on the Adaptive Alpine Technical Manual, slated for release later this winter. Stay tuned for details from PSIA-AASI on its availability.
TERRI HENDERSON
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