Written by Lanae Mass and Elisa Banyard at the National Ability Center
MIB Agents is thrilled to partner with the incredible team at the National Ability Center for FACTOR 2025! The NAC is known for its empowering, inclusive programs that open the door to adventure, confidence, and connection for individuals of all abilities. This year, they’ll be bringing a special experience to our OsteoWarriors, many of whom live with limb loss, limb differences, or have undergone limb salvage surgeries- by offering adapted activities that promote strength, independence, and joy. Their mission aligns beautifully with ours, and we can’t wait for our community to experience all they have to offer. This month, we proudly spotlight the National Ability Center and all they provide for individuals and families in the disability community.
Can you share a little about the National Ability Center and its mission?
The National Ability Center empowers individuals of all abilities by building self-esteem, confidence, and lifetime skills through sport, recreation, and educational programs. The NAC is a non-profit organization that specializes in adaptive recreation. We are located in Park City, Utah, and facilitate programming from our 26-acre ranch in Quinn's Junction and McGrath Mountain Center, located at the base of Park City Mountain Resort. We also offer rafting trips on the Green River from our southern Utah location in Moab. The NAC is dedicated to serving those of all abilities and their families through over 20 different adaptive recreational activities.
What types of adaptive sports and recreation programs does the NAC offer? Are all programs based onsite in Park City, UT?
We offer a wide array of programs at our 26-acre ranch located in Park City, Utah, including Archery, Indoor Climbing, Cycling, Mountain Biking, Challenge Course, Teambuilding, Pickleball, Equestrian (Adaptive Horse Back Riding, Equine Assisted Learning), and Summer Camps.
At our McGrath Mountain Center at the base of Park City Mountain Resort, we offer Skiing & Snowboarding programs.
At the Jordanelle Reservoir in Park City, Utah, we offer Watersports and Paddle Sports.
We also have a satellite location in Moab, Utah, that offers a Rafting program.
Lastly, we offer Overnight Adventure Programming at five locations:
- City of Rocks in Idaho
- Camp Oakley in Oakley, Utah
- North Fork Yurt in the Uinta Mountains
- White Rim Mountain Biking in Moab, Utah
- Hiking Trips in Moab, Utah
How do adaptive sports and recreation benefit childhood cancer survivors and amputees?
The benefits are life-changing! Improved physical and mental health, increased socialization, time for family bonding, improved confidence, and self-esteem! These benefits are something we feel everyone should have access to, especially cancer survivors and amputees.
What are some of the most popular activities for participants with limb loss or mobility challenges?
Activities are really individualized by each person’s interest, and it’s our responsibility at the NAC to support them to be successful in whatever sport they choose. With the amazing innovations in adaptive equipment, orthotics, and prosthetics, individuals with limb loss and mobility challenges have the opportunity to participate in any activity they want!
What advice would you give to osteosarcoma warriors who are interested in trying adaptive sports?
We would say, make the call to your local program, or call us! Check out our website and videos of others doing adaptive sports. Adaptive sports providers are here to partner with you and determine what will work best and help you find your next adventure. Equipment is a vital component to each person’s success. Be patient and willing to adapt and try new things. Together, we will help you find activities and sports you will love!
What is one of the most rewarding success stories you've seen at NAC?
We have been providing life-changing programs for 40 years, so it’s difficult to choose just one. Ultimately, we have received feedback that our programs have saved lives. Recreation brings families together, provides purpose, increases self-esteem, and truly provides people the opportunity to live their best lives. One of our favorite stories to hear is that someone thought they could never do something again because of their diagnosis, and after coming to our programs, they learn they CAN! The impact that it has on someone is something you never forget. We love it when someone learns to ride a bike for the first time, makes it to the top of the climbing wall, or accomplishes their goal of competing in the Paralympics. Each of these accomplishments is rewarding, and we are proud to be a part of each person’s journey and goal accomplishment.
How does NAC collaborate with medical professionals, physical therapists, or organizations like MIB Agents to support cancer survivors?
Collaboration is key to our success! We can be part of the continuum of care and therapy for people. Medical providers refer patients to us, and we can work together on individualized assessments or equipment setups to best support each person. Together, we can be innovative to meet each person where they are and provide them with the steps and support for their success. The most important way we can help is to make sure that each survivor knows that there are resources and programs like the National Ability Center ready to provide and support them on their next adventure.
