Though it is time to calm down and get ready for bed, Casey Adams challenges his younger brother, Danny, to a competition: Who can brush his teeth the fastest?

Casey was four when he was approached by Bob Szyeman, who ran the St. Louis Wheelchair Athletic Association (SLWAA).

“[Szyeman] saw Casey out and about and talked Casey into [wheelchair] racing,” Pat Adams, Casey’s mom, said. “Casey was always a competitive kid and [racing] gave him an outlet to compete.”

Casey, now 22 years old, continues to channel his competitive nature while playing wheelchair basketball for the University of Missouri–Columbia.

It was through SLWAA that Casey was introduced to Kelly Behlmann, the head track coach at the time.

“Kelly is very manipulating in a good way,” Casey said. “She’s extremely tough on you if she believes in you.”

Behlmann’s passion for bringing out the best in people is what led her to pursue her dream of founding the Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA) in 1997. Prior to that, Behlmann, a physical therapist, focused on children with disabilities. She wanted to switch that focus to the abilities each child has. Behlmann’s foundation involves visually impaired kids as well.

From June 20 through June 25, I had the opportunity to volunteer at Camp Wecandu, the first DASA overnight camp at Babler State Park. The children of DASA participated in kayaking, archery, dancing, swimming, scuba diving, martial arts and horseback riding. It was a chance to live independently for a week. It was an ordinary summer camp filled with extraordinary kids. There was one very important rule: never say the word “can’t.”

“She never wants to hear the word can’t. Can’t is never spoken,” Pat Adams said. Based on that one week, I saw Kelly’s ability to push people to their limits, to keep going when they feel they should give up. I was inspired by her determination to see everybody succeed. She taught me the importance of working hard despite the obstacles that may be in my way.

In addition to helping kids with  disabilities participate in sports, Behlmann makes presentations at schools and teaches other children to realize that, even if you have a disability, you have many more abilities to show off.

Today, Casey Adams also makes presentations at schools in his free time to share his personal experience.

“There are a lot of opportunities for people in wheelchairs. Ever since I was little, Kelly’s been able to bring out my athletic abilities and instilled a lot of self- confidence,” Casey Adams said. “Because of her, I’m able to talk to kids and explain a little bit about myself.”

Behlmann’s positive influence on children encourages whole families to do the best they can and help others.

“She has a way of challenging everyone around her to get involved,” Pat said. “A lot of people benefit from her and her dream.”