Adaptive skateboarding clinic at Birmingham’s City Walk inspires [Photos/Video]

Skateboarding is life changing. 

That is the message Askate Foundation Founder and Executive Director Crys Worley delivered today at an Adapted Skateboarding Clinic held at Birmingham’s City Walk Skatepark.

Conducted by Magic City-based Askate and Ability Skateboarding & Action Sports before the AT (Assistive Technology) Alabama Conference presented by United Ability and AP TAT, the clinic paired individuals with disabilities with adaptive equipment, professional athletes, and volunteer clinicians.

Making skateboarding accessible to all

Nearly two decades ago, Worley saw first hand how her son who has autism became a  part of the social world through skateboarding.

 

“I have seen him focus, smile and laugh. He couldn’t talk at five years old, and he basically beat his brother up all the time because he was super aggressive. This is what calmed him down.

To see parents realize that this unconventional sport that most people are not drawn to is actually accessible for everyone. It’s amazing.”

Crys Worley, A. Skate Foundation Founder and Executive Director

Assistive technology – can change lives

The clinic was one of three pre-conference events before the AT Alabama Conference which begins on Tuesday, September 16th. 

About a dozen children and young adults participated in the skateboarding clinic, including Lulu Gribbin, the inspirational Mountain Brook teenager who survived a shark attack in 2024.

According to Elizabeth Stewart, the AT Alabama Conference Coordinator, the pre-event shows how assistive technology can change lives.

“Assistive technology can truly change lives. What we want is for everyone, whether they are in the profession or just a community member, to understand the impact that these tools can make in a person’s life. We want to make sure that everybody has access to them at all stages of life. We feel  this conference really gives people the knowledge they need to be able to implement that in these people’s lives.”

Learn more at AT Alabama Conference

Whether its low-tech recreation sports adaptive technologies or high tech communication devices, the AT Alabama Conference is an invaluable resource for people with disabilities.

If you have not registered for the event, the public can attend a showcase of about 50 vendors for free at BJCC East Ballroom on Tuesday, September 16th between 4:30PM to 6:30PM. On Wednesday, September 17th, the vendor event is open between 8:00AM to 1:00PM.

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