Our Mission

Through adaptive sports and fitness, DASA empowers individuals with physical disabilities to find their inner athlete.

Founded in 1997, DASA’s comprehensive adaptive training and sports programs have enhanced our athletes abilities to gain strength, endurance, increased motor skills, confidence, and improved emotional well-being.

DASA supports athlete empowerment by creating an environment that maximizes our athlete’s physical abilities to experience the benefits and positive impact of living an active lifestyle.

Our Core Values

DASA’s Core Values represent how we translate our Mission of empowering individuals with physical disabilities through adaptive sports and fitness into ACTION.

We Are Scrappy

We work from the heart. We do whatever it takes. We are passionate about our mission, and care deeply about our impact. We are relentless in our determination to help our athletes and their families succeed. We show up for our athletes and challenge them to excel, no matter the circumstance. We are creative, strong, dedicated, and aligned in our purpose.

We Unleash Swagger

We empower our athletes to believe in themselves, and their abilities. We expect their best. We create experiences that challenge and empower our athletes to reach beyond any external or self-imposed limitations to discover their abilities are greater than they may have been told, or believe, Through adaptive sports and fitness, we build strength, self-confidence, courage, and independence.

We Connect Community

We connect our athletes and their families to a community of support. Through competition, recreation, and a supportive social network we provide intentional opportunities to learn from and support each other through whatever challenges we face. Through education and community building, we guide families and individuals to advocate for themselves and utilize their abilities, power, and greatness.

Our History

Prior to founding DASA in 1997, Kelly Behlmann was working as a physical therapist primarily serving children with disabilities. Kelly dreamed of providing an affordable service to her kiddos that emphasized the abilities each child had, rather than focusing on their disabilities. She wanted to create an environment where people were treated not as patients, but as empowered, capable, and active individuals leading fulfilling and successful lives. 

What began as a dream has gone far beyond anything Kelly could have EVER imagined. DASA has maintained its original mission, core values, and community centered approach, but the organization has expanded into an elite adaptive sports organization serving the Greater St. Louis Area and Mid-Missouri, in addition to athletes who live throughout the state of Missouri, and the entire Midwest!

DASA Athletes are encouraged to seek their highest level of independence for daily functioning and productivity and become involved to the fullest extent with their non-disabled peers and their community. Many DASA athletes have gone on to become skilled recreational, competitive, and Paralympic athletes.

DASA also offers community education programs, personal training, and provides community connections & support for our athletes and their families.

Contact DASA Today

Please contact us today to support our mission of empowering athletes through adaptive sports and fitness!