About

The Association of Horizon is an organization with over several hundred volunteers, that provides opportunities for adults with and without physical disabilities to socialize, interact and learn from one another. Although Horizon has existed for many years, the current organization was formed in 1992 in response to a cut in funding that kept adults with disabilities from attending the Muscular Dystrophy Association summer camp. Horizon has since successfully produced Summer Camp Programs for adults with a wide range of physical disabilities including Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy and Multiple Sclerosis.

Click the following link to see the video of Summer Camp

Over the years, as the organization has grown, so have the programs Horizon offers. Monthly planned outings are growing in popularity and include events like Fall Weekend Camp, the Chicago Wolves hockey game and Shop with a Friend. Horizon funds its activities primarily through fundraising events, private donations and grants. A few of our successful fundraising events include: The Golf Outing & Hawaiian Luau, A Spaghetti Dinner and Bowl for Horizon.

Horizon is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. The Board oversees the direction of Horizon and is in charge of all business related to the organization. The board works in conjunction with several committees.

Mission and Vision

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.

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.

History

Although the Association of Horizon, Inc. has existed for many years, the current organization was formed in 1992 in response to a cut in funding that kept adults with disabilities from attending the Muscular Dystrophy Association summer camp.  Several volunteers and disabled adults who were friends at this camp, decided to get together and continue this annual tradition.  There were 25 friends who had less than 9 months to organize and raise funding to hold the 1st Horizon Summer Camp.  The original founders came from a variety of backgrounds, with different affiliations but they all had one thing in common, the desire and determination to hold camp for adults with Muscular Dystrophy.

By working together there was nothing going to stop the tradition.  This group raised money however they could buy asking friends, family, coworkers to donate.  They even held a birthday party to raise money, they tried just about everything.  After several months of dedication and hard work in June of 1992, Horizon Summer Camp was started.

The first camp was a little smaller but the adults with Muscular Dystrophy were grateful to be able to attend summer camp.   Often times, this was the only vacation for the individuals.  This week long excursion is also an excellent opportunity to give the individuals caregivers a necessary and well deserved break.  Horizon has since grown and successfully produced yearly Summer Camp Programs for adults with a wide range of physical disabilities including Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy and Multiple Sclerosis.

For even more information, please visit our website at http://www.associationofhorizon.org