Planning an

Adaptive Sports or Activity Program

Issue Date

Many chapters already run

successful adaptive sport/activity programs but for those that are interested and looking for information we’ve gathered tips and resources from chapters leaders with lots of experience to share.

Let’s start at the beginning…why to have a sports/activity program? Support groups are enormously important but can become stagnant when the meeting takes place indoors covering the same topics month after month. A sports/activity program can help foster relationships, expose individuals to new possibilities and combat the “wouldn’t it be cool if we could...” wishes.

Okay, what’s the best way to choose the sport/activity to start with? Ask! Find out what interests your group has – take informal polls during events or send out a survey. It is also important to consider what facilities and equipment is available in your area. Depending on the feedback from your group you may need to look outside of your immediate area for the activities or facilities.

So, what kind of positive impact can we expect from implementing this type of program in your chapter? A sports/activity program offers your members a unique opportunity to build friendships, increase activity, open communication, experience movement and fun in new ways, and create important connections. Bonding can occur in a manner that peer support groups can’t always facilitate, and individuals can prove to themselves that they can overcome challenges and regain a healthy sense of athletic competition. It is also quite possible that important and personal topics will arise and be discussed organically through participation in the activity. And hopefully all participants find joy in the journey.

F U N D I N G and P A R T N E R S

Funding will be a major factor in determining the type of sport or activity your chapter chooses to pursue. Is there equipment to buy or rent? Should the chapter cover the entire cost or set a participant fee? Are donations of equipment available? Have grants been researched? Could companies be approached for sponsorships? These are all important considerations in planning your activity.

Partnerships can be instrumental to the success of sports and activity programs. It is well worth your time to research community groups, city or park programs and college/professional sports programs in your area to discuss the possibility of sponsoring events, providing or sharing equipment and access to venues. There may be programs already in place that your chapter can participate in with little or no cost or purchased equipment. In fact, expressing interest in community programs may lead these groups to expanding their accessible options for everyone. These connections can also bring a greater understanding and appreciation of your chapter’s mission by individuals and groups which may naturally lead to new volunteers, supporters and friends.

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L O G I S T I C S

ADAPTIVE YOGA

Yoga might not be your first thought when planning a sports or activity program but here’s some great reasons to consider it:

~~Benefits include more flexibility, gaining strength, mindfulness, a positive way to deal with post-injury/diagnosis body issues, and an avenue for spirituality

~~Participants don’t necessarily need to get out of their chairs and the programming can be modified to any ability

~~Yoga can assist with pain management and help reduce spasticity

How to plan a yoga activity:

~~Wheelchair/adaptive yoga may already be offered in your area – do a little research to find out

~~If adaptive yoga isn’t currently offered most studio owners would be receptive to the community related aspect of adding this component to their programming

~~It is important to build relationships with instructors and start small without the pressure of a whole class of wheelchair users

~~Explore the possibility of holding a class at a rehab hospital with the help of clinicians

Learn more about adaptive yoga at www.mindbodysolutions.org

How do you determine the accessibility of the venue?

➢ Make up a checklist (be sure to always include bathrooms)

➢ Nominate a member to review

How do encourage participation?

➢ Promote within all chapter events, support groups

➢ Social media ➢ Website ➢ Newsletter ➢ Partner organizations ➢ Promotional material in

rehab hospitals ➢ PT groups ➢ Try to arrange media

coverage of the event or activity

How do you handle participants’ varying abilities?

➢ Have equipment available for a variety of ability levels

➢ Use a quadriplegic member to test equipment

➢ Consider having extra assistance available for transferring or other tasks

➢ May have a criteria determination per sport or level to determine eligibility

➢ Have mentors available to demonstrate activities

How do you recruit/ train volunteers for the program?

➢ Promote volunteer opportunity to chapter friends, family, local schools, churches, community groups, PT students

➢ Contact athletic programs in the community

➢ Boy Scouts now have a “disability” badge to earn

➢ Prepare short list for volunteers with areas that assistance might be needed by activity participants

What should you consider for a crisis protocol?

➢ Written procedures prior to the event

➢ First aid kit ➢ Liability waivers for

participants ➢ Inviting medical personnel

to volunteer

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What challenges might you face in starting a sports or activity program?

❖ Fundraising, fundraising, fundraising ❖ Finding and securing the proper equipment ❖ Gauging interest and having people actually participate after

showing interest in an activity ❖ Weather issues ❖ Having enough volunteers

What are easy first steps to starting a sports or activity program?

❖ Introduction to existing community programs ❖ Find and apply for grants ❖ Find someone with experience and expertise (rehab hospitals

are a good place to start) ❖ Determine interests of members ❖ Make a reasonable budget ❖ Find a venue

T A K E A W A Y S

And finally, what are the elements that will make a sports or activity program successful?

❖ Keeping it fun, not overthinking ❖ Community support from rehab facility, community groups ❖ Recruiting and engaging volunteers and supporters ❖ Make the activity as accommodating as possible ❖ Building relationships

Many thanks to wonderful

leaders from the Northeast

Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Kansas

City, Golden State and Kansas

City chapters for their valuable

input and tips!