Creating Rock Climbing Teams for Individuals with Different Abilities
United Rocks is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. Our mission is to promote physical, mental and social skills through the sport of rock climbing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
In just two years, our vision to make rock climbing accessible to individuals with IDD has blossomed into a vibrant reality. With teams meeting three to four times a month in four locations, lives are being changed. Beginning with just five climbers in February of 2022, United Rocks impacts over 800 individuals including their families, our coaches and volunteers who work closely with them. Our climbers demonstrate courage, perseverance, and joy at every practice.
Future goals
- Add the sport of rock-climbing into the Special Olympics.
- Create United Rocks climbing teams all over the U.S. and all over the world.
- Have structured recreational and competitive teams.
- Hold local, regional, national, and international competitions.
- Create a standard training program for volunteers and coaches.
- Open a resale store to offer jobs for people with disabilities.
We’d love to have you on this journey with us!
a dream come true
The inspiration for United Rocks came out of a need to create a legacy for Brian and Mariana Steelsmith’s son, Jake who has down syndrome, where he can excel in his life and be accepted, included, and respected. Envisioning a world where individuals with disabilities are given all the opportunities individuals without disabilities are given, they turned to what they knew: rock climbing. From supporting Jake’s brother, Gabriel in the climbing community, they decided to pursue the idea of creating rock climbing teams for kids and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, health challenges, and behavioral differences.
We are one of the first climbing teams in the country for individuals with IDD. We have grown from 5 climbers to 30 in just one year. And that is only in 3 locations in the Texas area! We plan to have United Rocks climbing teams throughout the U.S. and beyond!
A Dream Come True
The inspiration for United Rocks came out of a need to create a legacy for Brian and Mariana Steelsmith’s son, Jake who has down syndrome, where he can excel in his life and be accepted, included, and respected. Envisioning a world where individuals with disabilities are given all the opportunities individuals without disabilities are given, they turned to what they knew: rock climbing. From supporting Jake’s brother, Gabriel in the climbing community, they decided to pursue the idea of creating rock climbing teams for kids and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, health challenges, and behavioral differences.
We are the first climbing team in the country for individuals with IDD. We have grown from 5 climbers to 100 in just two years. And that is only in 4 locations in the Texas area! We plan to have United Rocks climbing teams throughout the U.S. and beyond!
Our Partners & Supporters
Unity with Community
MISSION
To promote physical, mental, and social skills through the sport of rock climbing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
VISION
To create a supportive community for people with disabilities to lead healthy and successful lives.
CORE VALUES
- Equity and Inclusion
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Training and Education
- Teamwork
