NOT GONNA MISS HER SHOT: Samantha Fraser of the Gwinnett, GA County Public Schools' adapted basketball team practices her layup skills; Programs begin by teaching students the fundamentals of their sport and are designed to fit into a school's existing sports curriculum.

ADAPTIVE SPORTS AND RECREATION EMPOWERING LIVES THROUGH SPORTS DISABILITY TO ABILITY

BY GARIMA JAIN, N.D., C.N.C., CHW

Adaptive sports are competitive or recreational sports for people with disabilities. Adaptive sports often run parallel to typical sport activities. However, they allow modifications necessary for people with disabilities to participate, and many sports use a classification system that puts athletes with physical and other challenges on an even playing field with each other. 1

ADAPTIVE SPORTS AND RECREATION OPTIONS

There are many adaptive sports and recreational options to explore which include outdoor recreation activities (adaptive kayaking, fishing, or snow skiing), performing arts (adaptive dance group), individual sports (wheelchair racing or hand cycling) and team or competitive sports (wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, quad rugby, or sled hockey). There are many assessments that can be performed to select an appropriate sport option based on an individual’s strengths and unique challenges.