About Us

As a mother of a child who uses a wheelchair, I have experienced firsthand the challenges of watching him feel isolated, excluded, and limited by the lack of opportunities available to him. Finding adaptive sports and truly inclusive activities for children with physical disabilities has been an ongoing struggle.

Time and time again, I reached dead ends. Many of the special needs programs and adaptive activities in our area primarily serve children with developmental or intellectual disabilities, such as autism or Down syndrome. While those programs are incredibly valuable and much needed, I realized there were very few spaces designed specifically for children like my son. Children who use wheelchairs and live with physical disabilities deserve opportunities to connect with peers who share similar experiences and understand the unique challenges that come with navigating life with a physical disability. To build confidence, and simply enjoy being kids.

I have made the commute, traveling to Raleigh and Charlotte so my son could participate in adaptive sports and activities that weren't available in our own community. Those experiences showed me the importance of community—a place where children who use wheelchairs or have mobility challenges can build friendships, gain confidence and discover their strengths. It highlighted the gap that existed close to home.

Whether a child is born with a physical disability or experiences a life-changing event that leads to a mobility challenge, the need remains the same: every child deserves the opportunity to thrive within their own communities. 

Recognizing this gap inspired us to take action. We are committed to creating an inclusive space where youth with physical disabilities can participate in adaptive sports, engage in activities, build lasting connections, meaningful friendships and realize that they are capable of so much more than merely surviving. Here, they will have every opportunity to thrive.

That is why I founded Built to Move JO Initiative—to help kids discover their full potential. My hope is that no family has to travel hours searching for opportunities that should exist in their own backyard.