Photo by Jenn Perry Photography
The Vermont 100 is a fundraiser for Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports 🙌!
In 2017, they became the first Ultra Trail race to offer disability divisions for athletes w/ Visual & Mobility impairments.
In 2025, they expanded that commitment by adding a Neurodiverse category 🌈🧠.
As someone diagnosed as Autistic/ADHD, I was excited when RD Amy Rusiecki shared the news w/ me last year!
It was very meaningful competing in the Vermont 100’s Neurodiverse category this yr- I felt seen, welcomed, & supported. 💚
Disability categories send a simple & powerful message ➡️ Disabled athletes belong in our sport! 💚
They’re about visibility, inclusion, & equity.
They recognize disabled athletes & create an environment where we feel comfortable asking for reasonable accommodations when needed.
Some of the ways the Vermont 100 supported Neurodiverse athletes included:
💚 Supporting athletes in managing sensory environments.
💚 Offering a smaller pre-race briefing for athletes who preferred a quieter setting.
💚 Using colored tape on race bibs so aid station volunteers knew an athlete might prefer quieter communication.
💚 Hosting a virtual discussion where disabled athletes shared experiences, coping strategies, & self-advocacy.
💚 Encouraging athletes to request additional accommodations before race day.
💚 Publishing disabled athlete rules in advance. Many accommodations were already built into the race rather than requiring athletes to ask individually.
Not every disabled athlete needs accommodations, & everyone’s needs are different.
Reasonable accommodations remove unnecessary barriers to achieve equity in sports— so athletes can participate & compete at their best 🕊️🌟!
I’m incredibly grateful to Amy, Vermont Adaptive, & the entire Vermont team for helping make our sport more welcoming & inclusive 💕✌️. I hope more races continue this conversation because disability is part of human diversity 🌈💃! Small, thoughtful changes can make a meaningful difference 🕊️. Thank you for setting an example that I hope others will follow. 💚
I appreciate your support of Vermont Adaptive at my fundraiser ⬇️💕!
📷: Jenn Perry
