Our Mission
An organization of people with and without physical disabilities that provides opportunities for individuals to challenge themselves, develop responsibility and grow through interacting and working together.
Our Vision
A community where barriers between people with and without physical disabilities are transcended, limitations are overcome, new abilities are discovered and an increased awareness of self and others is developed.
Who We Serve
Association of Horizon is a community. It is a place where adults with and without physical disabilities empower and enrich the lives of one another through lifelong friendships and recreation. Horizon Summer Camp, the organization’s flagship program, is Horizon’s primary vehicle for bringing life changing experiences both to campers and volunteers. Horizon’s services are uniquely aimed at serving volunteers and adults with physical disabilities alike.
At camp, adults with physical disabilities (campers) are paired with able-bodied volunteers. Together, the pairs participate in a variety of recreational activities including: swimming, horseback riding, and boating. Campers and volunteers also enjoy performing arts, live entertainment, and educational workshops. Such activities have the necessary accommodations to ensure each camper’s safety while promoting the social and emotional enrichment of both campers and volunteers.
As one volunteer so accurately expressed, “You know that awkward moment when people do not know how to interact with someone with a disability? That disappears at Horizon Camp. People see [one another for] what they have in common, not their differences.”
Horizon strives to create a culture that fosters and celebrates the identity and uniqueness of every individual as well as the commonalities shared among all of humanity.
To learn more about Horizon’s work, visit What We Do.
Our History
In 1991, a group of individuals realized the lack of recreational and social/emotional opportunities for adults with disabilities and sought to meet this need. Thus Association of Horizon was born. Recognizing that adults with disabilities are often burdened with numerous expenses for medical treatment, medications, therapies, and equipment, the volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the year to raise funds to ensure that every camper was able to attend free of charge.
One year later, Horizon launched its very first camp with 65 campers. During the seven-day camp, adults with disabilities came together to safely participate in physical and recreational activities which were adapted to meet each camper’s individual needs. With a medical team and a trained volunteer for each participant, the week-long camp meant that primary caregivers were able to rest and recharge, knowing that the adult they care for throughout the year was well cared for at summer camp. Additionally, camp gave adults with disabilities the rare opportunity to come together to socialize and forge meaningful friendships that have lasted a lifetime.
Today, more than 30 years since its first camp, Horizon continues to improve the quality of life for adults with disabilities through the successful program model it has developed and refined which addresses the physical, social, and emotional needs of adults with disabilities. With more than 100 adults with disabilities attending summer camp, Timber Point Outdoor Center in Hudson, Illinois operates at full capacity.
Through summer camp and other events throughout the year, Horizon seeks to serve as many adults with disabilities as possible for many years to come.
Association of Horizon is a tax exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Association of Horizon Tax ID number is: 36-3814090.