Being outside is freedom by another name.

"The outdoors, a lot of times, is about freedom," Ed Bronsdon, the executive director of Outdoors for All, said in a recent news article.

Begun in 1979 at Snoqualmie Pass in order to teach 15 children with disabilities to ski, the Seattle-based foundation is dedicated to bringing children and adults with disabilities into the outdoors.

"Any time I think I'm having a challenging day," continued Bronsdon, "I think of the challenges our folks are dealing with, and it makes me push on."

The organization is a national leader and one of the largest nonprofit organizations providing instruction in outdoor recreation for individuals with physical, developmental and sensory disabilities.

Outdoors for All's programming includes snowboarding, cycling, hiking, river rafting, canoeing and kayaking, day camps, water skiing, rock-climbing, camping and custom events.

"We are a customer-driven organization where each year more than 2,000 children and adults with disabilities exercise their abilities thanks to the training and support of more than 700 volunteers," the organization's website reports.

Approximately 10 percent of all participants are servicemembers and veterans.

For many who partake, the experience has been described as transforming.

"Outdoors for All's programs transform lives through outdoor recreation," wrote Jackie Molzhon, events and marketing manager, in an email.

"People who participate in our programs gain confidence, independence, and friendships by experiencing new activities in the outdoors."

Alicia Johnson agrees.

"I would like to say that Outdoors for All has changed my life through its adaptive sports program for veterans," the disabled Army veteran began.

"The ability to participate in their bicycling program has helped me lose weight, gain confidence, and become a better person through this interaction."

Donations to the Combined Federal Campaign, or CFC, help fund what Outdoors for All does.

"One hundred percent of funds from the CFC and other workplace giving programs go to support Outdoors for All's mission," explained Molzhon.

"With more support, we can provide more opportunities in the outdoors to children and adults with disabilities, including military veterans."

Outdoors for All's Combined Federal Campaign donation number is 92123.

"I want to thank you for your contributions to this organization," continued Johnson, "and hope that you will continue to do so in the future."

For more information about Outdoors for All, visit outdoorsforall.org or contact info@outdoorsforall.org.