BOSTON -- A local charity that works to give those with disabilities a chance to play sports received some of the proceeds from a book that focuses on New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick.

NewsCenter 5's Dr. Timothy Johnson reported Friday that despite the fact that Bill Belichick and his wife, Debby, are separated they remained united in their effort to support AccesSportAmerica.

A portion of the sales from David Halberstam's new book, "The Education of a Coach," may help give some special athletes a sporting chance.

"When you play a sport, you get a feeling that you can do anything," Debby Belichick said.

Last year, AccesSportAmerica helped about 1,000 disabled people in three states stay active by providing specialized equipment and instruction in a variety of sports.

At the Brighton YMCA, participants worked on strength training.

"We find people with disabilities are often sent to therapy, then sent home to be couch potatoes, and the rest of the able-bodied population is told to work out three times a week and get their cardio level up," AccesSportAmerica's Ross Lilley said.

The organization was one with which Debby Belichick found an instant connection. Her brother, Stuart, who walked her down the isle at her wedding, was born with only half of his right arm.

"I never thought of my brother as disabled, handicapped or anything. He was my big brother. He was my hero," she said.

Debby Belichick said that it was her husband's idea to donate $1 from the sale of each copy of the book. The charity will use the money to set up summer internships for college students to pique their interest in careers working with the disabled.

They hope it will, in turn, help give the physically challenged the confidence to exceed their dreams.

"It can carry on to other parts of your life. 'Yeah, I can paddle this canoe, so now, maybe I can get a job and live by myself, and maybe I can have children and carry on like a normal person,'" Debby Belichick said.

More than $50,000 dollars has already gone to AccesSportAmerica.