Tag Archives: adaptive baseball

Easy Ways to Adapt Sports for Kids with Disabilities

Step up to the plate, take the game-winning shot, leap across the finish line – the thrill of sports is nearly impossible to compare or match to that of another activity. For kids with a disAbility or other mobility limitations, sports can seem intimidating, as if they were a task too difficult to complete. With adaptive sports on the rise and more and more athletes with disAbilities making waves with their skill, kids of all ages and abilities should be encouraged to participate in these exciting activities. With a few modifications, even the most demanding sports can be completely accessible.

Basketball
Wider and lower hoops make this fast paced game a simpler competition. Use buckets, hula-hoops or even boxes can provide a larger targeted area, making it easier for kids to make those winning shots. Lower the “hoops” to a manageable height to boost your child’s confidence in their game.

Baseball
Tees aren’t just useful in golf; they are an excellent way to allow kids to take better aim when hitting a baseball. This sport, amongst others, can improve a child’s hand-eye coordination and focus, as well as instill a sense of teamwork in them.

Volleyball
Beach balls can quickly transform the sport of volleyball into a fully inclusive activity that’s sure to be a blast for everyone. The light beach balls are not only easier to hit, but they allow more time for players with disAbilities to react after the other team’s move. Balloons are another great alternative.

Whatever your sport of choice is, all it takes is a little ingenuity to adapt it to suit a child with a disAbility. Invite your kids’ friends over for backyard Olympics or stir up some friendly competition with your child – not only will sports allow kids to be more active, they’re a great way of improving social skills and abilities.

Easy Ways to Adapt Sports for Kids with Disabilities

Step up to the plate, take the game-winning shot, leap across the finish line – the thrill of sports is nearly impossible to compare or match to that of another activity. For kids with a disAbility or other mobility limitations, sports can seem intimidating, as if they were a task too difficult to complete. With adaptive sports on the rise and more and more athletes with disAbilities making waves with their skill, kids of all ages and abilities should be encouraged to participate in these exciting activities. With a few modifications, even the most demanding sports can be completely accessible.

Basketball
Wider and lower hoops make this fast paced game a simpler competition. Use buckets, hula-hoops or even boxes can provide a larger targeted area, making it easier for kids to make those winning shots. Lower the “hoops” to a manageable height to boost your child’s confidence in their game.

Baseball
Tees aren’t just useful in golf; they are an excellent way to allow kids to take better aim when hitting a baseball. This sport, amongst others, can improve a child’s hand-eye coordination and focus, as well as instill a sense of teamwork in them.

Volleyball
Beach balls can quickly transform the sport of volleyball into a fully inclusive activity that’s sure to be a blast for everyone. The light beach balls are not only easier to hit, but they allow more time for players with disAbilities to react after the other team’s move. Balloons are another great alternative.

Whatever your sport of choice is, all it takes is a little ingenuity to adapt it to suit a child with a disAbility. Invite your kids’ friends over for backyard Olympics or stir up some friendly competition with your child – not only will sports allow kids to be more active, they’re a great way of improving social skills and abilities.

Adaptive Sports for People With Disabilities

People with disabilities are capable of anything they set their minds to — and sports are no exception.

Adaptive sports, otherwise known as para-sports or sports for people with disabilities, are just that. These sports promote mobility, community and excitement while offering physical benefits for people with disabilities.

Adaptive sports span a broad spectrum, from mild modifications on traditional games to the invention of brand new sports as a whole. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking to jump into the action for the first time, there’s sure to be a sport for you.

Traditional Adaptive Sports
Many adaptive sports are a nod of the cap to mainstream sports, such as basketball, soccer, baseball, tennis and hockey. Not surprisingly, there are youth and adult leagues for both individual options (like fishing, bowling and Bocce) and team activities.

General formats typically remain the same and may serve as a great entry point for newcomers to pull from their familiarity of the sport and its strategy. Joining a team is also a great way to make new friends, establish workout partners, find a carpool buddy and build community. Not to mention, sports are a great excuse to burn calories, and maybe even get some fresh air.

Interestingly enough, adaptive sports and their athletes have inspired brilliant technology for participants with disabilities. Whether you are paraplegic, blind or have some other disability, if you use a wheelchair, wear a brace, drive a mobility vehicle or have other equipment to accommodate your needs, para-sports have options for you. Adaptive technology is available for a wide range of sports and includes a variety of equipment, such as:

Ringing soccer balls
Forearm fishing supports
Retractable-handle bowling balls

The goal of this type of equipment is to provide you more independence and freedom so you can focus on the fun.

Adventurous Outdoor Para-Sports
If traditional is a bit too tame for your liking, many adventurous outdoor sports are also out there.

From horseback riding and biskiing, kayaking and even downhill biking, adaptive sports are conquering the court, the slopes and everything in between. Not unlike their traditional counterparts, adventure sports are a great way to reclaim range of motion, build muscle, clear the head and get a healthy kick of adrenaline from time to time.

Some athletes, like Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham (born with Spina Bifida), have even broken into the extreme sports venue, proving sometimes a wheelchair ramp can be inspiration for larger ramps.

Where to Start
It’s easy to start a new sport or join a team. As long as you keep a few of the fundamentals in mind, you’ll be having a blast in no time.

Here are some basics to help you dive in:

Search your community for leagues and events
Join a team and/or find a mentor (someone who can show you the ropes)
Upgrade your equipment if you’re really serious
Practice makes perfect

Remember that everyone had to start somewhere and athletic skill is often the accumulation of effort. What’s most important is a willingness to learn and a desire to have fun.

And chances are, there is a team somewhere looking for a person just like you!