Physical and Recreational Activities

Objectives

1. Develop tailored individualized strength and conditioning programs that each participant can carry out independently at home or at an accessible gym.
2. Participants will have the opportunity to practice and adjust these programs during the ‘work-out’ afternoons and are expected to continue their physical activities between sessions.

Activities

Activities during project sessions will be individualized and undertaken at a self-selected pace and will be supervised by a certified athletic trainer, exercise physiologist, or physical therapist to ensure the safety and well being of participants.

Site criteria

Sessions should take place at an accessible athletic complex with accessible exercise equipment including a rowing machine, stationary bicycles, free weights, and weight lifting systems that can be specially adapted for wheelchair users and specialized equipment such as arm ergometers.

Staff

Staff should include athletic and rehabilitation specialists such as physical therapists, exercise physiologists or certified athletic trainers.

Equipment and supplies

Useful links

NCPAD Strengthening Exercises

Self Defense will discuss practical strategies for decreasing vulnerability and increasing personal safety.

Objectives

1. Participant will be educated about faulty society perceptions of disability and vulnerability.
2. Participants will be instructed how to proactively identify, minimize or avoid possible attacks and dangerous situations.
3. Participant will learn the basic techniques of strong body language and verbal self defense: use of body and voice to surprise attackers, show strength, and lack of fear.
4. Participants will learn to identify vulnerable places to strike attackers.
5. Participant will be consider ways to use every-day objects for self defense purposes: wheelchairs (or pieces of wheelchairs), crutches or braces, keys etc.

Plan

1. Coordinate 2-hour self defense module with a self defense or martial arts expert.
2. Conduct the combination of lectures and exercises.
3. Adapt self defense strategies to the functional abilities of participants.
4. Ask participants if they have any questions or wish to learn specific techniques or responses to particular scenarios.
5. Provide supplemental information of where to go for additional information and services (police, hotlines, counseling, local self defense and martial arts classes).

Staff

Two to three staff for a group of twelve.

Site criteria

Accessible indoor or flat shaded outdoor space (like a basketball court or aerobics room) that is spacious and has accessible bathroom facilities.

Supplies and equipment

Mats (optional)
Self Defense Shields (optional)
Padded weapons (optional)
Focus Targets (optional)
Body Shields (optional)
Water
Spray bottles if outdoors
Comfortable loose-fitting clothing and shoes

Resources

Contact local self defense and martial arts instructors and assess their experience and willingness to teach disabled individuals. Often these contacts are willing to run a workshop for free or at a low cost.

International Disabled Self-Defense Association, Asheville, NC, 828-638-5528.

American Women’s Self Defense Association, Lindenhurst, NY, 1-888-STOP RAPE or 631-225-6262.

National Women’s Martial Arts Federation, Austin, TX, nwmaf.org

Workshops on the topic of Meditation, Tai Chi & Yoga follow similar formats, introducing strategies for relaxation, stress reduction, and increased flexibility.

Objectives

1. Participant will be educated about and instructed on techniques for meditation, tai chi, or yoga.
2. Participants will learn how to adapt meditation, tai chi or yoga movements to accommodate their functional abilities.

Plan

1. Coordinate 2-hour meditation, tai chi or module with an expert practitioner.
2. Conduct the combination of lectures and exercises.
3. Adapt techniques to the functional abilities of participants.
4. Ask participants if they have any questions or wish to learn specific techniques.
5. Provide supplemental information of where to go for additional information and how to find local classes.

Staff

Two to three staff for a group of twelve.

Site criteria

Accessible indoor or flat shaded outdoor space (like a basketball court or aerobics room) that is spacious and has accessible bathroom facilities.

Supplies and equipment

Mats (optional)
Water
Spray bottles (if outdoors)
Comfortable loose-fitting clothing and shoes

Resources

Contact local meditation, tai chi and yoga instructors and assess their experience and willingness to teach disabled individuals. Often these contacts are willing to run a workshop for free or at a low cost.

Center for Mindfulness, Boston, MA www.umassmed.edu/cfm 508-856-2656.

National Qigong Association, Lakeland, MN www.nqa.org 1-888-815-1893.

Sailing will provide a learning and recreational opportunity for participants. Five adaptive Freedom Twenty or other adaptive sailboat will be used.

Objectives

1. Participant will be exposed to a sailboat adapted for people with disabilities.
2. Participant will learn the basic techniques of sailing.
3. Participant will be introduced to a sailing program which promotes recreational, instructional and/or a competitive sailing for people with disabilities.

Plan

1. Coordinate 2-hour sailing module with Sailing Administrator.
2. Devise boat assignments with participants and staff who will be sailing.
3. Participants with little or no trunk stability sit in harnessed seats.
4. Equip participant with PFD (personal floating device) prior to entering dock.
5. Staff needed to transfer participants on boats.

Staff

Five to six staff for a group of twelve. Two staff for each participant for boat transfers.

Site criteria

Accessible sailing center with accessible bathroom facilities.

Supplies and equipment

Water
Spray bottles
Sunscreen
Slide Board
Bug spray

Participants should bring

White soled shoes
Jacket/sailing weather gear
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water bottle

Resources

Piers Park Sailing Center, Boston, MA piersparksailing.org 617-561-6677

Sail To Prevail, Newport, RI www.sailtoprevail.org 401-849-8898

Shake-A-Leg Miami FL www.shakealegmiami.org 305-858-5550

Lake Champlain Yacht Sales, Inc., VT - Sailboat sales 800-311-7245

Kite flying will provide participants the opportunity to fly a variety of stunt kites using proper adaptations. Adaptations such as wrist straps and mouthpieces are used for individuals who have limited or no upper arm/hand functioning.

Objectives:

1. Participants will learn the basic fundamentals of stunt kite flying.
2. Participants will learn how to use adaptations for kite flying.
3. Participants will be introduced to different styles of stunt kites.

Plan

1. Coordinate kite-flying module with adaptive kite flying organization.
2. Notify kite-flying organization of participants who need special adaptations, including mouthpieces, wrist straps or sticks for one-hand users.
3. Plan date when temperature is cool and conditions are windy.

Staff

Two staff needed to assist each participant with set-up and re-launching of kite.

Contact

Kite flying organization equipped with adaptations.

Site criteria

Accessible park near bathroom facilities. Open site, preferably near water resulting in windier conditions. Find shady area nearby or bring tent for cover. Picnic tables on-site for lunch.

Supplies and equipment

Kites and adaptive modifications
Water
Spray bottles with water
Sunscreen
Blankets
Bug spray
Windbreaker
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Personal items

Resources

Dynakite, MA 978-365-6823 (If you are living outside the New England area, contact Dynkite and they may connect you with other organizations who specialize in stunt kite flying.)

Handcycling will introduce participants to the sport of handcycling. Participants will see a variety of models of handcycles. Participants will experience riding different handcycles that are appropriate to their functional level.

Objectives:

1. Participant will be introduced to the sport of handcycling.
2. Participant will be exposed to various models of handcycles.
3. Participants will learn the physical benefits of handcycling: increased range of motion, increased endurance, increased upper body strength.
4. Participant will learn that handcycling is an integrated, recreational group sport.
5. Participants will receive information on where to purchase a handcycle and learn where handcycles may be available free of charge from state parks.

Plan

1. Coordinate handcycling dates with handcycling organization.
2. Schedule a training day for staff so they may familiarize themselves with a handcycle, learn how to transfer participants and make modifications on the bike.
3. Once participant is transferred to a bike, 1 staff should provide safety for the rider and make appropriate adjustments if needed.

Staff

One volunteer or staff member per participant.

Contact

Adaptive handcycling organization that will be available to provide a handcycling module.

Site criteria

Any open, smooth, paved lot, state park or gym area with accessible bathrooms. If outdoors, be near a shady site or bring a large tent for cover.

Equipment and supplies

Handcycles provided by organization
Helmets
Ace wraps
Duct tape
Scissors
Gait belts
Allen wrenches
First Aid Kit
Water
Spray bottles
Sunscreen
Slide board
Bug spray
Gloves
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water bottle

Resources

Angletech 800-793-3038

Bike-On.com www.bike-on.com 401-943-5040 (ext 411)

Brike Int.Ltd. www.freedomryder.com 800-800-5828

Lightning Handcycles 888-426-3292

Northeast Passage, Durham, NH www.nepassage.org 603-862-0070

One Off Titanium 413-634-5591

US Handcycling Federation 303-670-8290

Adult Performance Trikes

The kayaking module provides participants the opportunity to experience sea kayaking. Participants learn about the fundamentals of kayaking, basic paddling techniques, water safety and adaptations.

Objectives

1. Participants will learn about the basics of kayaking: the single and tandem kayak, paddle, hand adaptations for paddling, sponsons, safety equipment and safety signals.
2. Participants will demonstrate kayaking in a tandem or single kayak.
3. Participants will learn that kayaking is an integrative recreation sport that increases range of motion, endurance and upper body strength.
4. Participant will receive information about the American Canoe Association (ACA) and its adaptive paddling workshops.

Plan

1. Coordinate kayaking date with kayaking organization.
2. Recruit volunteers who are knowledgeable and avid kayakers.
3. Rent open pit touring kayaks if needed (or ask if outfitter will donate rental kayaks).

Staff

Ten to twelve staff for a group of twelve. One or two staff serve as a safety in kayaks for each participant.

Tandem requires one staff in back of tandem, with participant seated in front of tandem with one extra kayaker as safety. Participant in single kayak requires sponsons with one or two safety kayakers. Three or four staff remain on land to survey scene and to transfer participants in and out of kayaks and work on kayak adaptations. No more than four participants out on the water at a time. The more safety staff on the water, the better. A small inflatable powerboat works as an additional safety for all kayakers.

Site criteria

Accessible cove of harbor or lake that is not populated by boat traffic. Look for shaded area near kayak site or bring tent for cover. Find an area with accessible bathrooms.

Equipment and supplies

Open pit, touring kayaks
Paddles
Sponsons
Crazy Creeks
Personal flotation devices
Whistles
Pump
Bike tubing
Foam (for cushioning/padding)
Duct tape
Scissors
Handgrips/gloves
First Aid Kits
Water
Spray bottles
Sunscreen
Slide board
Tarp/tent for cover
Bug spray
Swimsuit
Towel
Gloves
Slide board
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water bottle

Resources

• Adaptive Kayaking
• Kayaking with SCI BC

The SCUBA module provides a SCUBA experience for participants in a pool environment. Participants are introduced to the equipment needed for SCUBA diving as they experience diving underwater with an adaptive, certified SCUBA instructor.

Objectives

1. Participant will be introduced to a SCUBA organization certified in disabled diving.
2. Organization will demonstrate what SCUBA equipment is used for diving.
3. Participants will demonstrate SCUBA diving in a pool environment with the aid of an instructor.

Plan

1. Coordinate SCUBA date with certified organization.
2. Recruit certified SCUBA divers/volunteers if needed.

Staff

Six to seven staff for a group of twelve. Staff needed for assistance with undressing and transferring participant in the pool. Staff in pool will assist participant with SCUBA gear and flotation.

Site criteria

Accessible pool or beach area and bathroom.

Equipment and supplies

SCUBA organization will provide face masks, snorkels, air tanks, etc.
First Aid Kit
Water
Spray bottles (if it's an open, outdoor pool)
Sunscreen
Swimsuit
Towels
Change of clothes
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Personal items

Resources

Eels on Wheels, Austin, TX www.eels.org 361-777-3683

Handicapped Scuba Association International, San Clemente, CA 949-498-4540

International Association for Handicapped Divers www.iahd.org

Participants will be exposed to adaptive water-skiing equipment and will experience water-skiing in a sit ski on a lake or ocean.

Pre-requisite

Participants must show the ability to roll body independently from prone to supine position in water with a personal flotation device and without assistance.

Objectives

1. Participant will be introduced to adaptive waterskiing equipment and fitted to a ski.
2. Participant will demonstrate appropriate safety signals before waterskiing.
3. Participant will demonstrate independently rolling in the water prior to waterskiing.
4. Participant will demonstrate water-skiing with a sit ski.
5. Participant will be introduced to an adaptive recreation outfitter that specializes in water-skiing.

Plan

1. Coordinate water-skiing dates with certified, adaptive water-skiing organization.
2. Provide organization with a number of participants listing their disability (make sure participants can demonstrate rolling prior to waterskiing.)

Staff

Staff needed to help with transferring participants in and out of skis and assistance with dressing; assistance on boat if needed.

Site criteria

Large, accessible lake/beach area for skiing. Accessible bathrooms and shade.

Equipment and supplies

Organization provides water-skiing equipment, instruction, boats, drivers, and staff
First aid kits
Water
Spray bottles
Sunscreen
Tent
Swimsuit
Towels
Change of clothes
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Camera

Resources

• Adaptive Aquatics, 205-807-7519 www.adaptiveaquatics.org
• Adaptive - USA Adaptive Water Ski & Wake Sports

The goal of this activity is to introduce participants to fishing in the outdoors at an accessible fishing site.

Objectives

1. Participants will demonstrate how to safely and effectively cast the rod and reel.
2. Participants will learn the types of fishing equipment used such as bait, spinners, bobbers, rod and reel.
3. Participants will be introduced to adaptive power reels for those with limited hand functioning.

Plan

1. Coordinate fishing date with the organization promoting adaptive fishing.
2. Advise participants to bring cooler if they decide to keep fish for cooking purposes.
3. Recruit volunteers needed to bait hooks and provide basic set-up for participants.

Staff

Five to six staff for a group of twelve.

Site criteria

Open, accessible fishing site (pond, river or ocean) with accessible bathrooms and shade for cover.

Supplies and equipment

Adaptive rods/reels and equipment provided by organization
Water
Spray bottles with water
Cooler, to keep fish (optional)
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Personal items

Resources

Your State Department of Environmental Management (Fish & Wildlife)

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Fishing Has No Boundaries, Hayward, WI 1-800-243-3462

Participants will be introduced to the sport of sled hockey. This sport is similar to ice hockey but players check each other with the sled.

Objectives

1. Participant will be introduced to sled hockey equipment: aluminum sled, stick and protective gear required to play hockey.
2. Participant will learn the basic techniques of ice hockey in an enclosed ice rink.
3. Participant may learn how to join an adaptive hockey program in their area.

Plan

1. Coordinate ice time with an accessible hockey rink.
2. Contact sled hockey organization to arrange a sled hockey module.
3. Staff needed to transfer participants on sleds and assist with gear.

Staff

Six to eight staff for a group of twelve.

Site criteria

Accessible hockey rink with accessible bathrooms.

Supplies and equipment

Jacket/warm gear for rink
Hat
Water bottle

Resources

Sled Hockey, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sledge_hockey

The goal of court sports is to introduce the group to a variety of wheelchair sports that may be played in an outdoor/indoor court.

Objectives

1. Participant will be introduced to the rules of volleyball, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair football.
2. Participant will experience playing a variety of group court sports.
3. Participant will receive information about joining local basketball and rugby teams.

Plan

1. Coordinate court time with school or community gym.
2. Staff needed to referee, retrieve balls, set-up goals.

Staff

Four staff for group of twelve.

Site criteria

Accessible indoor/outdoor court; shaded area if outdoors, accessible bathrooms.

Supplies and equipment

Football
Volleyball
Cones
Whistles
First aid kit
Water bottle

Resources

Quad Rugby Association

New England Paralyzed Veterans Association, Brockton, MA

National Wheelchair Association, www.nwba.org