Dionisios
Miliani, Hawaii
No Barriers Festival 2009
A Spectacular Finish
The No Barriers team recently concluded Festival 2009 in Miami and it was a hit!
No Barriers Festival 2009 at Shake-A-Leg Miami was even more inspiring and exciting than anyone could have imagined. There were so many wonderful people with incredible stories, several of which we'll be sharing with you in the coming months. There was dolphin riding, an amputee pony with a prosthetic leg who enjoyed a relaxing pontoon ride, sailing lead by a blind man using talking GPS as his guide, SCUBA diving for people of all ages and abilities, a dog paddleboarding (standing beside him was his owner who had a prosthetic leg), and opportunities of a lifetime to cycle for people who thought they'd never ride again! In fact, one participant commented that it was great seeing her triple amputee son, James, ride a bike for the first time. We all enjoyed the sheer joy in the eyes of the children and adults cycling around Shake-A-Leg's hangar during Festival 2009!
More than 500 participants attended the four-day event, including a contingency of Iraq and Afghanistan service members as well as veterans from the Vietnam era. We've received great feedback regarding the numerous adaptive clinics offered at Festival 2009, including excellent suggestions for future No Barriers Festivals. We were excited about the innovative techniques for open water swimming, One Off cycling and windsurfing for paraplegics, and the adaptive yoga and Tai Chi that taught methods to increase flexibility and reduce pain, especially helpful to those with severe mobility issues.
The technology present at Festival 2009 was truly amazing. Dr. Hugh Herr (No Barriers Board Director) demonstrated his own pair of prosthetic legs with computerized ankle joints... wait...there's more... he controlled them using his cell phone! We also saw a video of a young boy who with the help of Cochlear Implants could finally hear the world around him.
In addition to showcasing adaptive technology, No Barriers USA strives to spark the human spirit. The goal is to ignite in people an attitude which leads them to confront formidable obstacles head-on, to believe they can solve their own challenges, to become their own advocates, and ultimately to determine their own futures. No Barriers USA promotes a universal message for all of us who, despite our backgrounds, circumstances, or abilities, wish to shatter barriers and pursue our dreams.
About Shake-A-Leg Miami
Shake-A-Leg Miami is a unique, community-based aquatic activities center that serves children and adults with physical, developmental and economic challenges. As one of the largest public facilities in Southern Florida, and one of the most inclusive community-based organizations in the nation, Shake-A-Leg Miami serves as the “Gateway to Biscayne Bay” and offers opportunities for visitors from around the world to enjoy water-based sports and recreation activities such as sailing, kayaking, paddling and fishing. Shake-A-Leg Miami uses the natural environment of the water as an organic classroom for educational programs that compliment water-based activities. The goal of Shake-A-Leg Miami is to empower and energize people by developing self-confidence and fostering a sense of independence that improves quality of life.
Through a partnership with the City of Miami, as well as with over 100 community based organizations, Shake-A-Leg Miami served more than 12,000 children and adults, including over 3,000 with physical or developmental challenges, in 2007.
For more information on Shake-A-Leg or for a virtual tour their facility visit their website at www.shakealegmiami.org
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