Healthy Kids Running Series, an inclusive program with running races. NCHPAD (National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability) has a directory of adapted, as well as inclusive sports. Finally, Special Olympics has Unified Sports which are inclusive programs at their facilities, as well as sports programs and physical education in school districts.
Children and adults with disabilities can stay healthier by participating in inclusive sports in their communities. •
References
1. cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/obesity.html
2. downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/Bright%20Futures/BF_HealthyWeight_Tipsheet.pdf
3. healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/fitness/Pages/Physical-Activity-for-Children- with-Disabilities-AAP-Policy-Explained.aspx
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lauren Agoratus, M.A. is the NJ Coordinator for Family Voices, NJ Regional Coordinator for the Family-to-Family Health Information Center, and Product Development Coordinator for RAISE (Resources for Advocacy, Independence, Self-Determination, and Employment). She also serves as NJ representative for the Caregiver Community Action Network as a volunteer. Nationally, Lauren has served on the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities transplant committee (antidiscrimination), Center for Health Care Strategies Medicaid Workgroup on Family Engagement, Family Advisor for Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs National Research Network, National Quality Forum-Pediatric Measures Steering Committee, and Population Health for Children with Medical Complexity Project-UCLA. She has written blogs and articles nationally, including publications in 2 academic journals ( pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=agoratus+l). Lauren was named a Hero Advocate by Exceptional Parent Magazine ( epmagazine.com Archives June 2022).
disabilities and then expanded. Challenger Little League is inclusive baseball with peer mentors. Miracle League is another accessible baseball program where children with disabilities play alongside nondisabled peers.
GAME CHANGER: The author's daughter Stephanie is cheered on by her best friend Kym at a Challenger Little League game (above) and at Miracle League game (below).