Rock Climbing Teams for Individuals with Different Abilities
United Rocks is a nonprofit organization built on one powerful belief: everyone deserves to feel strong, capable, and included. We empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the sport of climbing, creating spaces where ability is celebrated, confidence is built, and community comes first.
United Rocks brings athletes with IDD into climbing gyms where they are met with trained volunteers, patient coaches, and endless encouragement. On the wall, labels disappear. Fear turns into determination. Doubt turns into joy.
In just four years, our vision of making rock climbing accessible to individuals with IDD has grown into a thriving movement. With teams practicing weekly at multiple locations, we are changing lives—one climb at a time. What began with just five climbers in February 2022 has now impacted over 800 individuals, including their families and dedicated volunteers.
The impact is undeniable, and the need is growing. United Rocks is expanding to new gyms and new cities, creating more inclusive climbing spaces across the country. Our vision is a future where inclusive climbing is not the exception, but the norm.
Join us. Believe in them. Help us climb higher — together!
Included and Accepted
MISSION
To promote physical, mental, and social skills through the sport of rock climbing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
VISION
To create a supportive community for people with disabilities to lead healthy and successful lives.
CORE VALUES
• Equity, Inclusion & Acceptance
• Community & Teamwork
• Education & Innovation
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individuals impacted
Volunteer hours
Future Goals
At United Rocks, we believe in continuously pushing boundaries and expanding opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our vision for the future includes:
Expanding Nationwide
Growing our climbing teams across more states and communities, making the sport accessible to even more individuals with IDD.
International Growth
Taking United Rocks beyond the U.S., creating a global network of inclusive climbing teams.
Developing Competitive Opportunities
Establishing structured competitions with fair and equitable categories, ensuring athletes of all abilities can compete and thrive.
Enhancing Training & Coaching
Providing advanced training for coaches, volunteers, and athletes to maximize skill development and inclusion.
Building Stronger Partnerships
Collaborating with gyms, organizations, universities, and communities to expand resources and opportunities for our climbers.
Creating More Inclusive Spaces
Advocating for accessibility and inclusion in climbing gyms, competitions, and outdoor climbing environments.
Community Partners
Partner Gyms
United Rocks is proud to be the first organization in the U.S. to offer weekly climbing practices all year long for individuals with IDD. What started with just one gym in Plano, TX, has grown into a movement—expanding to twelve locations across seven states in just four years! We’ve gone from five climbers to 200, proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible. And this is just the beginning! Our mission is to keep growing, bringing the joy and empowerment of climbing to communities across the U.S. and beyond!
Our Gear Community
Certificates
