Through adaptive sport, movement, and fitness, DASA empowers children, youth, and adults with physical disabilities to find their inner athlete.
Our donor-supported adaptive sports & fitness programs empower DASA athletes to set all kinds of big, audacious goals and train hard to achieve them. Since 1997, our comprehensive adaptive training and sports programs have enhanced our athletes’ abilities to gain strength, endurance, motor skills, confidence, and improved emotional well-being.
We support athlete empowerment by increasing their physical abilities to benefit from the positive impact of an active lifestyle. Many DASA athletes have gone on to become skilled recreational, competitive, and Paralympic athletes.
In 1997, physical therapist Kelly Behlmann had a simple but powerful idea: create a place where children with physical disabilities could experience the benefits of movement and sport, being seen for what they could do rather than defined by what they couldn't.
She wanted something different from a traditional therapy setting. She envisioned a place where children could be athletes, teammates, competitors, friends, and capable individuals, a place where ability came first.
That dream became DASA. What began as an effort to create affordable opportunities for a handful of children has grown into a comprehensive adaptive sport and fitness organization serving athletes throughout the Greater St. Louis area, Mid-Missouri, Missouri, and the Midwest.
Nearly 30 years later, DASA continues to grow, evolve, and create new possibilities. But the belief that started it all has never changed:
Through DASA adaptive sports programs, our athletes gain the highest level of independence and build camaraderie, self-esteem, a sense of belonging, and accomplishment that helps them grow into healthier, happier, and more independent people.
The positive results of participating in DASA’s programs are far-reaching — affecting physical health, emotional well-being, social engagement, economic status, and overall quality of life. Approximately 21 million Americans have a physical disability; research shows daily activity and the power of sport enhance self-esteem, achievement, and health. DASA sees these same results in thousands of athletes.
Athletes who participate in DASA programs report overall improved physical health, improved strength and endurance, and improved mobility skills. For example, ability gained on the court can make it easier to get out of bed, be active in the community, and be independent in daily living.
DASA emphasizes participation in sports to teach individuals to set personal goals, improve self-advocacy, and develop a stronger sense of purpose. Being successful in sport teaches parents that their child or loved one is ABLE rather than focusing on their challenges. DASA foundationally builds a sense of family and bonding through shared experiences.
Start here. Belong here. Succeed here.
Whether you’re looking for your child’s first opportunity to participate or you're an adult ready to take on a new challenge, DASA provides the programs, support, and community to help you move forward.
Together, we’re creating a community where disability doesn’t determine someone’s opportunity to play, move, compete, or pursue their goals.
Community support lets DASA expand programs, secure facilities, purchase equipment, and build an environment of strength, confidence, courage, independence, and belonging.
Support DASA Today