Living Beyond Limits: David Sussman on Radical Acceptance and Adaptive Sports

The Independent Life

In this inspiring episode, David Sussman, board president of the Telluride Adaptive Ski Program, shares his remarkable journey through disability and adaptive sports. David reflects on his path to living life with radical acceptance and independence, highlighting how focusing on what he can control has allowed him to thrive. He discusses the pivotal people and moments that have shaped his story, and how adaptive sports pushed him beyond his comfort zone, facilitating personal growth and transformation. David’s enthusiasm for life and his dedication to sharing that with others will leave you motivated to embrace new challenges and live fully.

David Sussman’s journey began in 1977 when, at twelve years old, he contracted Transverse Myelitis, a rare virus that left him paralyzed from the waist down. With the support of his parents, he focused on his future, adapting to life as a paraplegic in Irvine, California. David earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from New Hampshire College and went on to have a successful career as a marketing executive.

In 1996, David discovered adaptive skiing during a trip to Telluride, Colorado, which reignited his sense of purpose. By 2009, he left the corporate world for a second career in hospitality and began teaching adaptive skiing with STRIDE Adaptive Sports in Albany, New York, allowing him to give back to others.

In 2015, David returned to Telluride to celebrate his 50th birthday and eventually made it his permanent home. Though forced into retirement in 2020 due to health concerns, David now dedicates himself full-time to the Telluride Adaptive Sports Program, where he serves as Board President, ski instructor, and Special Olympics coach.

Episode Resources:

• Telluride Adaptive Sports Program

David Sussman Contact:

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