Apr 14, 2018 -

Home of the Barrier Breakers

The right coach can really inspire a team, no matter the sport; no matter the abilities.

“I actually started as a student here. I came when I was seven years old. I’ve been here teaching now for around seventeen years,” said Kyle Carlson, programs director at Break the Barriers.

Carlson oversees 26 of the programs offered at Break the Barriers, in addition to working hands- on with disabled youth and young adults in the Fresno community.

“What we do is we try to show that everybody has an ability, and that everybody has a disability and there shouldn’t be a barrier so it’s this special place they get to come and feel normal,” said Carlson.

Whether it is performing in another city, country or even at half – time during Fresno State basketball games, these superstars are spreading awareness wherever they go.

Gymnastics coach Aubrey Vonberg said, “People who’ve been told every day that they can’t, walk in these doors and it’s everything society says doesn’t matter you are home. Home of the barrier breakers.”

This facility is place where people  can come and feel comfortable free of judgement.

“I think the major goal is to get people to realize that everyone is the same, everyone’s people and so there should be no barrier everyone should just love each other and be friends to everybody and treat others how they want to be treated. I think we do a good job at that,” said Carlson.

Although they might be unaware of the impact they are making, nothing can or will stop these barrier breakers with the help of their coaches and peers.

If you want to find out more about Break the Barriers, donate or even just watch some of their performances then check out Breakthebarriers.org.

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