Bayfront Maritime Center

Erie Adaptive Sailing Program (EASE)

EASE: Erie Adaptive Sailing Experience

The vision of EASE is to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing them with sailing instruction and the opportunity to sail independently on Erie's Presque Isle Bay.

We're sharing some highlights from the summer season of the Erie Adaptive Sailing Experience. EASE is the only adaptive sailing program in the state of Pennsylvania and is run entirely by volunteers!

Check out the 2011 EASE sailing highlights! video

Click here for the 2010 video!

Adaptive Sailing

Thanks to an anonymous donation of $10,000, we were able to purchase another Access Dinghy this year.

REPLACE

A Hoyer Lift allows us to safely transport sailors from their wheelchairs in to the boats. We are fortunate to have Elizabeth Beckman, a Doctor of Physical Therapy for the Millcreek Township School District, on our staff.

Big Grin

The smile tells the story!


Specially designed Access Dinghies enable participants with a wide range of mobility issues to sail on their own. EASE participants enjoy the adventure and fun of sailing while experiencing enhanced independence, increased self-esteem and personal growth in a unique, therapeutic and recreational environment.

Volunteer coordinators work together with the kids and the families to give them an enjoyable experience. Each season is capped off with a family picnic on the BMC campus.

Kayaks

Volunteers, Shawn and Sarah Basile, kayak alongside the Access Dinghy, Zoya, named for their daughter. The couple not only donate their time each summer, they recently donated their kayaks to the center for all to enjoy.

Sailing is one of the only sports where a physically challenged individual can compete equally with an able-bodied competitor. Many students benefit from EASE. Organizations involved in EASE include:

  • Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute
  • Erie Homes for Children and Adults
  • Millcreek Township School District
  • Shriners Hospital
  • The Achievement Center
  • Three Rivers Center for Independent Living (TRCIL)
EASE Adaptive Sailing Program

Erie Adaptive Sailing Experience EASE

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