There are 49 million disabled Children and Adults in the United States . Special Anglers - USA is making it possible for many disabled people to have an opportunity for self-image enhancement and a genuine feeling of accomplishment. Persons with disabilities cross all lines of age, race, educational and income levels. Regardless of their disabilities, mental or physical, our organization can usually get them out on the water.
Special Anglers U S A . Founded by M arvin Badler and co-director of the
International Game Fish Association (IGFA) S pecial Angler Tournaments. He has successfully accomplished fishing events and programs for the handicapped, in New York City , New Jersey and Florida for over 25 years.
In partnership with
JARC and the
Habilitation Center of Palm Beach , both non-profit organizations help to keep this program solvent, it requires donations, sponsors, memberships and grants.
S pecial Anglers - U S A cannot accomplish its goals without support. We hope to have a chapter in every state. We continue to seek new adaptive devices to create and provide access to the outdoors. We need volunteers that are interested in beginning a chapter in your area or supporting the chapters that are already in place. M aking dreams come true for a disabled person can become a reality through dedicated efforts and support. There is nothing so rewarding as seeing a disabled participant come down the pier with a fish and a smile. :)
If you wish to see this concept grow and create new chapters in other states or countries, we offer you an opportunity to participate through our membership program. This membership will keep you informed of happenings, national and international expansion, and other news through our web site... Regardless of your decision, plan to attend one of the S AU S A events. We guarantee that you will find it a most rewarding experience. If you need more information, call us at 561 742-2215 or E mail us at
specialanglers@comcast.net Open the world of fishing to all disabled persons by helping them realize their physical and mental abilities, educating them about the adaptive devices available for fishing and making the disabled individual aware of conservation of the waters and fisheries.
As a group who believes in promoting the fishery, who has many members experienced in fishing techniques, we believe we have the means in our organization to make the fishing experience a reality for all handicapped persons.
SAUSA is active in producing greater opportunities for mentally and physically disabled persons to fish by advocating features that enable the handicapped population to enjoy the use of local fishing piers, lakes, ponds, rivers and even on boats.
1. Develop a funding program aimed at sustaining the national organization.
2. Promote access to the outdoors on public lands.
3. Develop a national campaign through SAUSA aimed at creating public awareness of problems faced by persons with disabilities.
4. Increase physical and mental support for those with disabilities to achieve a better quality of life.
For our children the development of fishing skills is an important goal for S pecial Anglers. If you are teaching a child to fish, the development of fishing skills is a series of small successes that can help develop self-esteem. As the child develops simple fishing skills, he or she will soon begin to use decision-making skills to decide what kind of equipment to use, where to fish, what bait to use, and what to do with fish they catch. S ome fishing skills, and benefits, are subtler. At the end of a day, the child may remember how many fish were caught and how big they were. At the end of a lifetime, they will remember the time they spent with family, friends, teachers, and mentors. It does not take a lot of experience to teach someone how to fish. The most important part of teaching a child to fish is your willingness to take them fishing. If you are not an expert, do not worry. Learning to fish together is "quality time".
Long Term Goals 1. Open the world of fishing to all disabled children and adults by helping them maximize their physical and mental abilities, educate them about the adaptive devices available for fishing and making the disabled individual aware of conservation of the waters and fisheries.
2. Expansion to all 50 states.
3. Provide barrier free access to lakes, ponds, rivers, boating facilities and reservoirs in America .
4. Cooperate with local, state and federal government agencies to increase the use of public lands by those with disabilities.
5. M aintain ongoing research and development to create specialized fishing equipment for the disabled, and to fulfill the need for persons having limited or no use of extremities. This is complicated by the fact that no two disabilities are alike.
6. Expansion of
"Special Anglers - USA " to an international level.
