5 Amazing Adventures: Breaking Barriers for People With Disabilities

Photo Courtesy of  Challengeaspen.org

Many people with disabilities love sports, but often are unsure of how to participate in a world that may not take time to understand their specific needs. Adaptive sports can be a great solution!

Adaptive sports are activities that have been modified to allow those with physical and developmental disabilities to fully participate. This includes everything from “school sports” such as football, basketball, or baseball, to less common activities like rock climbing, rafting, and archery.

Adaptive sports have grown in popularity over the past several years as diversity and inclusion have become more widely valued in our world. Today, we take a look at five different outdoor sports and discuss how to get involved.

Photo Courtesy of  Challengeaspen.org

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is an exhilarating and challenging workout, but it can be difficult to know how to get involved. This is especially true if you have a disability. Luckily, there are many adaptive organizations that work to make climbing more accessible.

During sessions with these organizations, climbers with disabilities are often paired with “buddy climbers” to help them learn the ropes! One-on-one instruction gives adaptive climbers plenty of personalized attention to their specific needs. For those with mobility issues, there are specialized harnesses that look like seats, and specialized pulley systems to help climbers move their bodies up the wall.

These programs can be found across the United States, and there is usually a fee to sign up. This fee typically covers the cost of the program, the day pass to the rock-climbing gym, and any equipment that might be needed.

Photo Courtesy of  Challengeaspen.org

Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding can truly be for everyone with the proper modifications. It was created by injured veterans in Germany and Austria after World War II, and since that time, it has grown in popularity around the world.

Adaptive ski organizations also use the “buddy” method and at times even provide two-on-one instruction to help skiers and snowboarders master new skills. Sit-ski, pictured below, adapts the sport to those with spinal cord injuries and other mobility issues.

The best way to get connected with an adaptive organization is to call local ski resorts. Major resorts such as Aspen Snowmass, Winter Park, and Mammoth Lakes have adaptive ski groups, but often even smaller resorts will have some type of program. 

Photos Courtesy Adapt-Ablefoundation.org

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is an excellent summertime adaptive sport. Training for scuba diving will often take place in a pool, particularly for adaptive divers, but trips can be taken all around the world-from Hawaii to Malaysia to the Bahamas. 

There are numerous benefits to being underwater. Divers with conditions like ALS and spinal cord injury often say how wonderful it is to feel “weightless” while in the pool or ocean. There is often the chance to observe wildlife on diving trips, which can be absolutely magical for divers. 

Not everyone is in an area where it is easily accessible, but there are several vacation destinations that offer it. Two examples would be Ready, Set, Dive! based in Oahu, Hawaii, and Dive Paradise in Cozumel, Mexico. 

Photo Courtesy of  Challengeaspen.org

Hiking

Hiking is one of the simplest ways to get out into nature, with most communities having some sort of bike path, community park, or hiking trail. The challenge is making sure those trails are accessible to people who might not be able to navigate uneven terrain. 

Photo Courtesy of  Huckeleberry Hiker.com

There are many options for people with disabilities to get out on the trail. There are trails that are wheelchair accessible, parks that have specialized wheelchairs to navigate trails, and companies that now make outdoor mobility equipment. 

Photo Courtesy of  Challengeaspen.org

Rafting

Last but not least is another water sport, white water rafting. This sport is most safely experienced with trained guides who know how to navigate rough waters to find the safest path down a river.

Participants are usually in groups in a large raft, with their guides helping them navigate rocks, rapids, and the river itself. Life jackets are a must, and all adventurers need to be prepared to get wet

Disabled Sports USA has over twenty chapters that provide adaptive rafting experiences around the country. There are also often guiding services in places like the Grand Canyon and Moab, Utah that can provide adaptive raft guiding services. 

Adaptive sports are a fun and exciting way to try something new. Keep in mind that these experiences can be different for everybody, and always let guides or buddies know if an activity is too difficult or frightening. They are there to help. 

Make sure to research and prepare for the sport ahead of time. It is always a good idea to call the company or group organizing the sport to ask questions. Ask about any sport-specific items you might need to bring, and always bring extra clothes, water, snacks, personal medications, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen. 

MOM TIP: This bag is a game-changer! 

Last but not least, always follow the instructions of guides, buddies, and group leaders during activities. Take plenty of photos and have a great time adventuring!

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This post originally appeared on our May/June 2024 Magazine