According to a recent survey, the biggest barrier to participation in sports and leisure activities by children and youth with disabilities is a lack of knowledge regarding what is available. Other common barriers include time, money and lack of accessibility.
Thanks to a grant from the Community Health Endowment (CHE) of Lincoln and a gift from CVS Pharmacy, children and youth with physical disabilities are now able to experience a variety of sports activities, such as sled ice hockey, power soccer, integrative dance, horseback riding, fishing and others.
Eligibility requirements vary for each activity. For many of the team sports, such as sled hockey and power soccer, all participants are required to use a wheelchair, thereby leveling the playing field and addressing issues relating to accessibility. All workshops are free for participants. Registration in advance is required.
At each workshop, specially trained Therapeutic Recreation Therapists, Physical and/or Occupational Therapists, and adult athletes with disabilities are there to provide instruction and encouragement. For some sports, such as seld ice hockey, power wheeelchair soccer and fishing, instruction in use of adaptive equipment is included.
The following workshops are scheduled for 2009:
- Adaptive Aquatics, February 28 at Madonna ProActiveThis workshop is intended for children with disabilities who have difficulty with traditional swimming lessons. The aim of the workshop is to introduce participants to different activities and beginning strokes to increase their comfort and skills ncessary to maneuver in the water. Parents are required to attend and be in the water with thei rchildren for handling purposes and to learn techniques that may be beneficial for future aquatic experiences.
- Sled Hockey, February 7 at the Ice BoxThe Sled Ice Hockey workshop is an exciting way to learn the basics of the sport. This sport allows individuals with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy hockey. It is very similar to "stand-up hockey" in terms of concept and rules. The main difference is that, instead of standing up to skate, participants sit on their skates using an adaptive device known as a sled. The sled is affixed with two skate blades and a runner in the front to form a tripod. Participants also use two shortened hockey sticks with the blade on one end and a pick (similar to the front end of a figure skate) on the other end, enabling them to propel themselves across the ice.
- Fishing, June 13 at Holmes LakeThis workshop affords an opportunity to fish, spend time outdoors, and interact with peers. The fishing workshop is held at Holmes Lake, which has an accessible wheelchair fishing dock located in the southeast part of the park. Fishing poles, bait, and adaptive fishing rods are provided for those with limited arm movement or grasp. A fishing permit is provided by the Nebraska Games and Parks Commission for youth with physcial disabilities 16 years or older. Youth 15 years or younger do not require a permit. This workshop is co-sponsored by the Sportsman Assisting Nebraska Disabled Sportsmen/Sportswomen ("SANDS). Sunscreen and water is also provided.
- Power Soccer, January 24 and March 14 at Madonna ProActivePower soccer allows individuals with a variety of disabilities who use power wheelchairs to participate in a fun, recreational game of soccer. Power soccer uses the same rules as traditional soccer, with five players and a goalie on the court at one time. They players use guards which are temporarily attached to their wheelchairs to push a bigger ball.
- Horseback Riding, April 18 and May 16 at Windsong EquitherapyParticipants learn about horse care through hands-on experiences including riding on a horse with specialized assistance and guidance from therapeutic riding instructors.
Eligibility criteria varies by workshop. For more information about the criteria or to register, please go to the Madonna Event Calendar.
