Adaptive sports are competitive or recreational sports for people with disabilities. Sometimes known as disability sports or parasports. These sports are played by persons with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Many disabled sports are based on existing able bodied sports, modified to meet the needs of persons with a disability, they are sometimes referred to as adapted sports. Not all disabled sports are adapted sports. Several disability specific sports created for persons with a particular type of disability have no equivalent in non-disabled sports.
Organized sports for athletes with a disability are generally divided into three broad disability groups: the deaf, people with physical disabilities, and people with intellectual disabilities. Each group has a distinct history, organization, competition program, and approach to sport.
Adaptive sports often allow modifications to rules or equipment necessary for people with disabilities to participate. Many sports use a classification system. Physical challenges that may seem similar, may in fact give certain disabled athletes an advantage. Classifications attempts even playing field.
Adaptive sports, including the Paralympic, are often confused with Special Olympics. Both provide wonderful opportunities for athletes with disabilities. The differences are significant.
The Special Olympics are dedicated to working with people who have intellectual disabilities. Their programs are typically not open to individuals who are not identified as having an intellectual disability. The Special Olympic Games are participatory by nature. This supports their concept, “Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success.”
Adaptive sports were originally created to encompass athletes with physical disabilities. Initially only including athletes who used wheelchairs. Gradually becoming more inclusive to ambulatory athletes with a disability, athletes with a visual impairment and in recent years many events now have classifications for intellectual impairment as well.
Most adaptive sports have become highly competitive. Athletes with a variety of disabilities are beginning to push the performance levels of non-disabled athletes.
[otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”Achilles International” opened=”closed”]
http://www.achillesinternational.org
In 1983, seeking to provide opportunities to people with disabilities the Achilles Track Club was created. Now called Achilles International, this non-profit organization has chapters and members in over 65 locations within the United States and abroad. Every day, in parks, gyms, and tracks all over the world, Achilles provides athletes with disabilities with a community of support. Able-bodied volunteers and disabled runners come together to train in an environment of support and community. Within this community, runners gain measurable physical strength and build confidence through their sense of accomplishment, which often transfers to other parts of their life.
Achilles has developed specialized programs for children, teens, adults and veterans.
- Achilles Kids provides training, racing opportunities, and an in-school program for children with disabilities;
- The Achilles Freedom Team brings running and marathon opportunities to veterans who suffered trauma while serving in a branch of the United States military, predominantly those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Central Park Achilles Kids Workouts seek to bridge the gap between Achilles Kids and our Adult Workouts. As children mature they naturally want to take the next step and focus on running as their sport of choice. Our Central Park Achilles Kids program focuses on running competitively while keeping its members engaged through positive reinforcement. Parents and guardians remain involved.
While our programs focus on running, the truth is, running is simply the tool for accomplishing our main objective: to bring hope, inspiration, and the joys of achievement to all.
Nothing illustrates this more than our signature event, the Hope & Possibility®. In these races take place in several cities worldwide. Able-bodied runners and athletes with disabilities participate side-by-side. Several disability award categories puts a first place win within the grasp of all runners.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”The American Association of Adapted Sports Programs – AAASP” opened=”closed”]The American Association of Adapted Sports Programs (AAASP) envisions a society where all children with physical disabilities can experience the rewards and satisfaction of competitive school-based sports. AAASP represents a standardized approach to interscholastic sports programming for students with physical disabilities.
We are a not-for-profit association dedicated to developing adapted interscholastic sport programs in partnership with national, state, and local educational agencies. This cooperative approach represents the most successful model for affording students with physical disabilities access to competitive sport.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”The American Wheelchair Bowling Association – AWBA” opened=”closed”]The American Wheelchair Bowling Association provides information, support and hosts tournaments to promote the adaptive sport of wheelchair bowling. Our organization supports the motto; “Ability not Disability Guides Our Life. ”
The AWBA organization was founded in 1962. Eight year we hosted our first National Wheelchair Bowling Tournament with Louisville, Kentucky. It was a pleasant surprise to receive 30 entries from thirteen states to compete in the inaugural outing in June 1962. The AWBA now has an average of 10 tournaments a year spread throughout the country with the National Championship now held in June of each year.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”BlazeSports” opened=”closed”]The spirit lives on in BlazeSports America, a non-profit organization, legacy of the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games. We are a member of the US Olympic Committee Multi-Sport Organizational Council. Participation in sport is the vehicle to improved health and quality of life. Sports increase self-esteem, promotes greater independence, improves school performance and employment readiness, and ultimately creates a more inclusive society.
Our training, education and camps provide opportunities for our youth, veteran and international programs. Changing the lives of children and youth, adults and veterans with physical disabilities through adaptive sport and recreation is our mission.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”The Challenged Athletes Foundation” opened=”closed”]http://www.challengedathletes.org
Challenged Athletes Foundation seeks to be a recognized movement leader. Proposing physically challenged athletes be accepted and respected at the same level as able-bodied athletes. Providing a great and significant impact on each physically challenged athlete served. Reaching out to the physically challenged community by providing inspiration, awareness and mentoring.
It is the mission of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) to provide opportunities and support to people with physical challenges. Helping them pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness, adaptive sports and competitive athletics. The Challenged Athletes Foundation believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.
No matter if they’re headed to the Paralympics, or playing tag with their grandkids. If an athlete has the desire to pursue an active lifestyle, we’re there to support them. Where others see obstacles, we see opportunities. This is the philosophy of every person on Team CAF, and it’s what inspires us to redefine what’s possible. We are athletes, we are partners, we are families, we are volunteers, and we are supporters. But above all, we are the ones bold enough to finish a challenge, and ask “what’s next?”
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”Disabled Sports USA” opened=”closed”]http://www.disabledsportsusa.org
Disabled Sports USA’s mission is to provide national leadership and opportunities. Providing individuals with disabilities developmental opportunities to gain independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports, recreation and educational programs. Every day, we work hard to pursue our vision. “Every person, regardless of ability, has an equal opportunity to participate in sports and recreation in their community.” These sports opportunities transform the people we serve, highlighting the potential in each of us, embodied in our motto: “If I can do this, I can do anything!”
Since 1967, Disabled Sports USA has focused on one goal. Improve the lives of wounded warriors, youth and adults with disabilities by providing adaptive sports and recreation opportunities. Disabilities include: visual impairments, amputations, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, head injury, cerebral palsy, other neuromuscular/orthopedic conditions, autism and related intellectual disabilities.
Each year our nationwide network of over 100 community-based chapters in 37 states nationwide serves over 60,000 youth, wounded warriors and adults. Offering over 40 different adaptive sports. Including: alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, biathlon, kayaking, water skiing, sailing, scuba, surfing, rafting, outrigger canoeing, fishing, hiking, golf, athletics, archery, cycling, running/wheeling, rock climbing, equestrian and others.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”Extremity Games – Amputee Extreme Sports” opened=”closed”]Extremity Games is organized by Athletes with Disabilities Network (ADN). Our mission is to promote a better quality of life by creating opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities. ADN organizes Extremity Games, as well as Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame, which recognizes and honors men and women who have overcome physical challenges to become elite athletes and superior role models.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”The Lakeshore Foundation” opened=”closed”]Our mission is to enable people with physical disability and chronic health conditions to lead healthy, active, and independent lifestyles. We utilize physical activity, sport, recreation, advocacy, policy, and research.
Our vision is to improve the lives of people with physical disability around the world. We actively work to create positive changes.
Our values are passion, creating opportunities, integrity, changing expectations.
The UAB/Lakeshore Research Collaborative, a joint effort between Lakeshore and UAB’s School of Health Professions. We are well on its way to becoming a world-class research program in rehabilitative science. The collaborative links Lakeshore’s extraordinary programs for people with physically disabling conditions with UAB’s research expertise.
Advocacy is all about:
Representation: speaking on behalf of others (for); Mobilization: encouraging others to speak with you (with); and Empowerment: supporting others to speak for themselves. By advocating we try to influence decision makers to change certain policy, to change public opinion or attitudes, and/or to mobilize resources for social change.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability” opened=”closed”]The National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) was founded in 1999. We are a public health practice and resource center on health promotion for people with disability. NCHPAD is the premier resource for information on physical activity, health promotion, and disability, serving persons with physical, sensory and cognitive disability across the lifespan.
NCHPAD’s features a variety of resources and services which can benefit all ages and populations. We seek to help achieve health benefits for people with disability and chronic health conditions through participation in physical and social activities. Our resources encourage including fitness and aquatic activities, recreational and sports programs, adaptive equipment usage, and more.
NCHPAD is creating healthy equity for people with disability by providing individualized information, referral and consultation services. We serve people with disability, families, caregivers, policymakers, community members, health care practitioners and public health professionals. We utilize web-based materials and health communication. Additionally, NCHPAD conducts national training initiatives to educate disability and non-disability service providers in community health inclusion.
NCHPAD’s strong belief is that strategic partnerships are necessary for successful development and sustainability of Community Health Inclusion. NCHPAD is creating local level sustainability through US Inclusive Health Coalitions. Our objective is to promote community and individual behavior changes, leadership and planning strategies to support community health inclusion. NCHPAD welcomes organizations who are working to decrease chronic disease and obesity to join in the inclusion efforts.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle title] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”National Sports Center for the Disabled – NSCD” opened=”closed”]The National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) is one of the largest therapeutic recreation agencies in the world. The NSCD offers a variety of year-round sports and recreational adventures.
The NSCD offers year-round rock climbing and kayak lessons.
In the winter participants enjoy alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, Nordic hut trips, snowshoeing and ski racing.
In the spring, summer and fall we offer sport ability clinics, rafting, canoeing, special camps, therapeutic horseback riding, mountain biking and camping.
All programs are designed for individuals, families and groups and are available for all disability, diagnosis, and all ages.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”Special Olympics” opened=”closed”]http://www.specialolympics.org/
Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community. A world where every single person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability.
Intellectual disabilities happen in all cultures, races and countries. The goal of Special Olympics is to reach out to the almost 200 million people in the world with ID. Our 4.7 million Special Olympics athletes – ages 8 years old and up — come from 169 countries. We also have a Young Athletes program for children ages 2 to 7.
We are making the world a better, healthier and more joyful place — one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time.
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports. Our athletes are children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This gives them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy. Each participates in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Through sports, our athletes are seeing themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. This acceptance and understanding expands their world.
They become confident and empowered by their accomplishments. They are also making new friends, as part of the most inclusive community on the planet. A global community that grows every day.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”SportsAbilities” opened=”closed”]http://www.sportsabilities.com
SportsAbilities is the premier recreational resource for people with physical disabilities. Providing recreational information, advocacy, support, and adaptive sporting activities in the nation. Our calendars list activities every state and 26 different activities ranging from Team Sports to Social Gatherings. We believe that having one online location for people to visit to see all that is happening will help increase program participation, promote awareness, and help improve people’s lives.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”United Foundation For Disabled Archers – UFFDA” opened=”closed”]The United Foundation For Disabled Archers seeks to promote and provide a means to practice all forms of archery for any physically challenged person. UFFDA has been in existence since 1994 and received its IRS non-profit status in November 1997. It currently has over 1400 members throughout the United States, with more folks joining every week.
The United Foundation For Disabled Archers wishes to open the doors of archery and bowhunting for any physically challenged person. Even if they have no desire to hunt, we wish to provide an opportunity for them to experience the therapeutic benefits that modern archery can provide. As our numbers of both physically challenged and able-bodied members grow, we will continue to strive to create new opportunities for our membership to experience and enjoy the benefits of modern archery.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”US Department of Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports Program” opened=”closed”]Your courage, your determination and your drive all led you to serve America proudly. Those same characteristics will also lead to satisfaction and success in adaptive sports. Disabled Veterans of all ages and abilities report better health, new friendships and a better quality of life when participating in adaptive sports. Disabled Veterans who are physically active simply have more fun!
Get started! Take some time to review the many sports opportunities available to you. Reach out to your VA clinical team. Checking out this website is a good first step.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”U.S. Paralympics Official Home Page” opened=”closed”]http://paralympics.teamusa.org
U.S. Paralympics has been inspiring Americans to achieve their dreams since its founding in 2001. We have relationships with hundreds of organizations across the country including National Governing Bodies/High Performance Management Organizations and Paralympic Sport Clubs. The U.S. Paralympics is making a difference in the lives of thousands of people with Paralympic-eligible impairments every day with educational opportunities and sports programming.
- Based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S. Paralympics, a division of the nonprofit United States Olympic Committee.
- Dedicated to becoming the world leader in the Paralympic Movement.
- Our goal is to promote excellence in the lives of people with Paralympic-eligible impairments, including physical disabilities and visual impairments.
http://wheelchairbodybuilding.com
Wheelchair Bodybuilding, Inc. has worked hard to build recognition and awareness for the sport which the largest online wheelchair bodybuilding community. WCBB hopes to attract even more wheelchair athletes to the sport of bodybuilding. Providing the training insights and motivational support necessary to help as many wheelchair warriors as possible to compete.
WCBB focuses on promoting, growing, and expanding the sport of wheelchair bodybuilding. We are associated with the IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilders). This makes wheelchair bodybuilding the only sport in the world for the disabled community that is recognized as a professional sport. The first IFBB Professional Wheelchair Championships took place at the 2011 IFBB Houston Pro Show on October 13, 2011.
There are now thousands of wheelchair bodybuilders who are working hard to meet their own goals. We set an example for others of what can be achieved with persistence and a positive mindset. The next step is to have the IFBB Pro Wheelchair Division added to the Arnold Classic and Olympia Stage. The ultimate dream for any athlete in the fitness industry is to compete on those two stages. To achieve this goal, there needs to be more amateur wheelchair bodybuilders competing. More IFBB Pro Wheelchair Bodybuilders participants in the four to five IFBB Professional Wheelchair Bodybuilding Shows a year. The sport of wheelchair bodybuilding needs to hold its own.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”World Wheelchair Sports” opened=”closed”]http://www.efn.org/~wwscoach/index.html
Founded by people with disabilities, World Wheelchair Sports still is organized and run by people with disabilities. Dedication to providing recreational fitness experiences and competitive athletic opportunities to people with mobility impairments remains the focus of our programs.
More specifically, the goals are:
- Advocating for the concept that physical fitness is essential for everyone;
- Facilitating independent movement for all people with disabilities;
- Providing outdoor fitness opportunities for people with disabilities;
- Promoting and improving the skills of athletes with disabilities;
- Utilizing local, national and international sports competitions such as the Paralympics;
- Integrating disabled athletes into able-bodied athletic activities
