Freedom’s Wings Arizona, a non-profit organization operated by individuals with disabilities, whether physical or developmental, has the mission of introducing the exhilarating world of soaring to such individuals.
Their objectives include:
- Introducing individuals with disabilities to the soaring experience through Therapeutic Recreation, offering demonstration flights free of charge.
- Providing qualified individuals with disabilities the opportunity to learn soaring, with options including solo flights, attainment of a private glider license, and further progression.
- Offering training programs for instructors, ground crew, and flying students. Sharing the joy of soaring with many people throughout the State of Arizona.
- Advocating for the adaptation of sailplanes with hand controls in other glider clubs and commercial operations, thereby increasing access for individuals with disabilities to enjoy soaring.
Freedom’s Wings Arizona draws inspiration from the successful model of Freedom’s Wings International, a similar non-profit organization that has been serving our community for over 35 years.
Links: https://freedomswingsaz.org
#disabilityawareness #disability #glider #gliders #nonprofit
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Adaptive athlete and motivational speaker Robert Rodriguez, also known as Robert Anthony, joins Mike Bolland on We’re Not Stumped for a conversation about growing up with limb difference, finding confidence through sports, and supporting others through limb loss. Born with fibular hemimelia, Robert shares the physical and social challenges he faced as a child, including bullying and barriers in sports. He reflects on his family’s support and his path into amputee soccer, paratriathlon, and beach volleyball. Mike and Robert also challenge the assumption that experiencing limb loss early in life means someone automatically has it easier—or has less to offer a person navigating a recent amputation.
Does being born with a limb difference—or experiencing amputation as a child—mean you have it easier? In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland challenges an assumption that can leave people feeling dismissed within their own community. Born without a right hand, Mike shares why physical adaptation tells only part of the story. Through his podcast and community work, he’s met people whose experiences include bullying, employment barriers, relationship challenges, and depression. While these experiences don’t all reflect his own journey, they deserve acknowledgment. Acquiring a disability later in life brings its own challenges, including grief and adjustment. Recognizing those experiences doesn’t require minimizing the challenges of congenital limb difference or childhood limb loss. This episode invites us to listen more closely, question what we assume about others, and support one another without ranking whose journey is harder.
How can voiceover and adaptive sports create opportunities for people with disabilities? Phoenix-based voiceover artist Tony Jackson joins Mike Bolland on We’re Not Stumped to share his experiences behind the microphone and on the power soccer court. Tony serves as the Grant Coordinator and Power Soccer Coordinator at Ability360. We explore his path into voice acting, accessibility in casting, and how adaptive sports build teamwork, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Leave A Comment