Volunteer Spotlight: Kelly Childs

Kelly Childs recently volunteered with the National Ability Center (NAC), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and uplifting environment for people with disabilities through a variety of adaptive recreation experiences for individuals, families, and groups of all ages and abilities.

As a digital accessibility expert, I spend most of my days at my desk providing consultation and remediation for increasing the accessibility of digital assets such as websites and electronic documents. The most rewarding part of my job is when I have had the opportunity to work with individuals with disabilities to see the independence they experienced by navigating internal and external websites and documents without assistance from others. 

Whenever possible, I take advantage of opportunities to get out in nature to explore and recharge my mind and body. Recently, while recharging, I was privileged to assist individuals with disabilities in another way. I took advantage of volunteer hours offered to LMI employees and used my time outside to volunteer as a ski assistant at the National Ability Center (NAC) at Park City Mountain in Park City, Utah.

I had the privilege to assist instructor Emma as she coached our friend, Jack, who was using a snow slider. After a few practice runs and a short race against other skiers, Jack was ready to put the snow slider away. We skied with Jack using a bamboo pole to assist with balance.

It was amazing to see Jack’s resilience and independence while skiing with us. The inclusivity experienced regardless of mental or physical ability was extremely special. The positive atmosphere created by the NAC was truly amazing. I look forward to many more days volunteering at NAC.

The inclusivity experienced regardless of mental or physical ability was extremely special. The positive atmosphere created by the NAC was truly amazing. I look forward to many more days volunteering at NAC.