NORTHWEST ASSOCIATION FOR BLIND ATHLETES

FY18-19 Anticipated Outcomes:
• Deliver life-changing programs and services to more than 1,500 children, youth, adults and military veterans who are blind or visually impaired.
• Deliver 2,500+ hours of direct programming across all services.
• Provide sports adaptations to at least 250 participants through the Sports Adaptations program.
• Provide ongoing programming (repeated contacts throughout the year via organized teams or reoccurring programming) – building team camaraderie, muscular strength, physical fitness, increased confidence and self-esteem – to youth and adults who are blind and visually impaired.
• Execute two summer camps - one in Oregon, one in Washington. These camps are the only residential sports camp for youth who are blind or visually impaired on the west coast – addressing self-esteem, independence, physical activity and a building community for 80 children and youth within a residential sports camp setting.

Three-Year Strategic Intent: Establish best practices, including robust programs, volunteer support, and a sustained funding base, to begin scaling into key regions throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.

Survey program participants and partners to determine mission-impact and alter program offerings accordingly:
2017-18 Quality of Life Survey Results -
95% of participants said NWABA has encouraged them to be more independent in their everyday life.
94% of participants said NWABA has inspired them to advocate for themselves in their home, school and community.
96% of participants said NWABA has encouraged them to try new things out of their comfort zone.
95% of participants said NWABA has helped them build new friendships.

Northwest Association for Blind Athletes was founded by Billy Henry at age fifteen to help others with visual impairment experience sports and physical activity and have an improved quality of life. Through on-going strategic planning and sustainable growth, the organization has gone from serving six students the first year out of Billy’s garage to more than 1,500 individuals in FY17-18. NWABA has grown program by program, area by area, and sport by sport since the organization’s inception. We have been able to grow sustainably over the last decade to meet the needs of individuals with visual impairments. With a talented team of nine staff members, more than 350 dedicated volunteers, and an engaged Board of Directors, NWABA is well positioned to execute on our strategic plan to ensure that we are helping individuals with visual impairments gain the skills, tools, and resources they need to reach their greatest potential.

FY17-18 Accomplishments:

Our Sports Outreach program served 997 blind and visually impaired youth, adults and military veterans through Paralympic experiences, clinics, and camps. This programming encourages new experiences, foster friendships, and increases confidence and self-esteem.

52 individuals between the ages of 8 and 15 years old participated in NWABA's summer camp. Campers gained skills and forged new friendships. Camper families receive information at the end of the week helpful to continue to use the tools and resources gained at camp one they return home and go back to school.

Sports adaptations were provided to 425 participants, which included blind and visually impaired individuals, families, teachers, and community organizations. Adaptations make it possible for individuals with visual impairments to participate in sports with their peers. Common adaptations included bicycling, which is adapted through the use of tandem biking, and running. Equipment was also provided including beeping kickballs, Goalballs and running guide tethers.

16 scholarships were provided through our Scholarship Program for athletes to participate in local, regional, national and international competitions and to purchase equipment to help visually impaired people stay physically active.

NWABA's Public Awareness Program made more than 20,00 contacts with community members to showcase the abilities of the blind and visually impaired through awareness events, speaking engagements, and community outreach throughout our four-state region.