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Cannonsburg Challenged Ski Association (CCSA), is a non-profit organization located in Ada, Michigan. As a chapter of Disabled Sports USA, CCSA provides volunteer training and ski instruction for individuals with disabilities. CCSA strives to serve all ages and disabilities in their programs. They strongly encourage family participation and the maximum independence possible for each individual. For individuals with mental and/or physical impairments and learning disabilities. Instructors are taught methods of obtaining and keeping their students' attention. For individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired and blind or visually impaired. Instructors will use more hands-on techniques and should have excellent communication skills. MONO-SKI: For individuals who have good upper body strength, balance and trunk motion. Specifically, paraplegics and high level amputees. Instructors must be strong, advanced level skiers with excellent lifting capabilities and will work in pairs. BI-SKI: For individuals who have less upper body strength, balance and trunk motion. Specifically individuals with quadriplegia, high level paraplegia and persons with more severe impairments. Instructors must be strong, advanced level skiers and capable of lifting. THREE-TRACK: For individuals with the use of only one leg, including those who have had a leg amputated or who have impairment of a leg due to polio, a neuromuscular disorder or other disability. Skiers use one ski and two devices called outriggers instead of ski poles. Outriggers are forearm crutches with ski tips attached to the bottom of the crutches. Instructors will learn the three-track technique and should be prepared for lots of lifting. FOUR-TRACK: For individuals who have partial impairment in their upper and/or lower extremities, but can balance in a standing position with outriggers. This would include persons whose leg impairment typically has been caused by cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or other disorders. Persons with double leg amputations may also use this method. Skiers use two skis, two outriggers and various adaptive devices. Instructors will often work in pairs and must be strong since there is much lifting involved.
