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
What happens when childhood curiosity, global service, and cutting-edge tech come together? You get a conversation like this one. In the latest episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Chris Baschuk—Director of Clinical Services at Point Designs, board member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, and a passionate ambassador for the POP initiative (Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Pedorthics). Chris is not just shaping the future of upper limb prosthetics—he’s building it, one 3D-printed component at a time. From tinkering with tools in his youth to being inspired by mission work in Brazil, Chris’s journey into biomedical engineering and prosthetics is as meaningful as it is innovative. In this wide-ranging interview, he and Mike dive deep into the latest advances in prosthetic care—particularly for partial hand amputees—and how additive manufacturing is unlocking new levels of function, customization, and durability.
In this powerful episode, We’re Not Stumped host Mike Bolland introduces his personal “Triple A” philosophy—Alone, Advocacy, and Attitude—designed to support fellow amputees on their physical and emotional journey. Mike, who was born without a right hand and is a cancer survivor, explains how feeling alone is often the first stage after limb loss—but it doesn't have to be the final one. Through advocacy, both for yourself and others, and a resilient attitude, amputees can reclaim purpose, confidence, and joy. Whether you're newly navigating life after limb loss or supporting someone who is, Mike’s Triple A approach offers insight, comfort, and strength.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland chats with Ryan Wilson—founder of Team Trust Productions—for a conversation about how adaptive athletes are using the power of media to change the narrative around disability. Ryan shares his journey from discovering adaptive sports at the University of Illinois to launching a creative agency that centers disabled voices through authentic storytelling and inclusive marketing. He opens up about the challenges of building a business as a wheelchair user, the impact of his Disability Marketing Guide, and why empathy and representation are key to reshaping public perception. You’ll hear how Team Trust Productions is growing, how Ryan balances entrepreneurship with health, and why he believes adaptive athletes should be recognized not for their struggles, but for their strength, skill, and spirit.
Leave A Comment