People that have disabilities can play sports and other exercise events through adaptive recreation. This type of service is offered to both adults and children as a way to enjoy activities. This brief entry will describe the basics of adaptive recreation.
Who Is it For?
Image via Wikipedia
Anyone that has mental, physical or developmental impairment is included in the target group for adaptive recreation. People of all ages can participate. This includes individuals in wheelchairs, people with sensory loss and autistic persons.
The Process
Regular sport and other activities are altered so that people with disabilities can participate. Some instances include a variation in standard equipment or the use of assisted devices.
A popular alteration is wheelchair basketball, softball and tennis. All players on the court are using wheelchair; this type of sport lets able-bodied and disabled individuals play together.
Adapted aquatics programs may include machinery such as pool lifts and floating devices to allow persons with disabilities to enjoy recreational water exercises.
The provided examples are a small amount of the type of adjustments that can be made for people with different abilities to participate in sporting events.
Image via Wikipedia
Finding the Program
Many city and state park and recreation departments offer adaptive recreation activities. Some rehabilitation center, YMCAs and other community centers may offer these services. Many national agencies, like the Boy Scouts of America, provide opportunities to those with abilities.
Everyone can participate on a sports team including those with disabilities thanks to adaptive recreation. Many sports are available such as basketball, softball and swimming.



