Adaptive Sports for Children with Disabilities
By Khristian Morrell, Student Physical Therapist
Obesity across our nation has become an alarming health risk over the past generation. Unfortunately, individuals with disabilities are at a particularly higher risk for this, as they are less likely to participate in organized sports and activities. In addition to decreased participation, these individuals also generally have decreased muscle strength, higher Body Mass Index (BMI) and other obesity values when compared to their non-disabled peers. These health concerns often impede their participation in organized sports and activities, further increasing their risk for poor health, decreased community participation, and reduced quality of life. Current literature has aided those with disabilities in evaluating the benefits of adaptive sports, as well as providing them with resources to find the sports and activities that best suit their needs.
Adaptive sports refers to any modification of a given sport or recreation, designed to accommodate the varying ability levels of individuals with disabilities. In order to ensure that there is appropriate involvement of individuals with disabilities in team sports, there are essential elements of these sports that must be present. The games and activities should be challenging, safe and easily implemented while maintaining the integrity of the sports. Research shows that physiologic changes associated with regular training during sport and recreation are the same in disabled individuals as those without disabilities. This includes health measures such as oxygen consumption, cardiovascular fitness and body composition. There is also evidence that involvement in community-based therapeutic recreation and adaptive sport programs can play a significant role in influencing quality of life and athletic identity.
Previously, adaptive sports have focused on one disability population or more elite-level athletes. However more recently, there has been a push for locally based sports programs that include children with moderate to severe disabilities. These common sports programs include baseball (Challenger Baseball, Miracle League) and soccer (TOPSoccer, VIPSoccer). There are also numerous adaptive gyms located throughout big cities such as Phoenix that cater to the disabled population and provide a variety of options for recreational activities. These activities include weight lifting, swimming, rocking climbing, and more.
Below is a partial list of adaptive sports, gyms and recreational programs throughout the Greater Phoenix area that include children with all levels of disabilities:
Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center, Phoenix, AZ
- http://ability360.org
- 45,000 square feet adapted gym featuring wheelchair accessible weight machines, aquatic center, indoor courts, climbing wall and indoor jogging track
- Membership fees per month: $25 for youth (up to 18 yrs), $35 for adults
Arizona Disabled Sports, Mesa, AZ
- http://arizonadisabledsports.com/Physically_Challenged.html
- Sports currently offered: archery, bowling, cycling, kayaking, soccer, swimming, track & field and wheelchair basketball
- Seasons range from 1 month – 1year
City of Goodyear Special Olympics
- http://www.goodyearaz.gov/residents/recreational-programs/special-olympics
- Currently offered: soccer and softball
- 1x/week from 6:30-8:30pm, 3 month season
- $20 fee includes uniform
Goodyear Little League Baseball – Challenger Division
- http://www.goodyearll.org/challenger
- Full spring baseball season for mentally and physically disabled youth ages 4 – 18
City of Glendale Adaptive Programs
- http://www.glendaleaz.com/parksandrecreation/adaptive.cfm
- Adaptive bowling- $23 for residents and $30 for non-residents
- Theatre Kidz- $25 for residents and $30 for non-residents, includes final live performance
City of Surprise Adaptive Recreation
- https://www.surpriseaz.gov/1459/Adaptive-Recreation
- Intro to cooking, arts and crafts, buddy basketball, buddy bowling, buddy baseball, Special Olympics bocce ball, buddy bocce ball
TOPSoccer, Phoenix, AZ
- http://www.azyouthsoccer.org/community/topsoccer
- Games 1x/week, 2 month long season
- Geared toward player development rather than competition
The Miracle League of Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ
- http://www.mlaz.org
- Baseball stadium designed specifically for children with special needs
- Designed with rubberized turf and painted on bases for easy maneuvering of wheelchairs, walkers or unsteady gaits
- Registration: $20 optional donation
