Children and adults with acquired physical disabilities as a result of traumatic injury or illness often are not aware of the availability and benefits of recreation and adaptive sports activities. Just as with able-bodied individuals, participation in recreational activities promotes physical health and wellness by increasing heart and respiration rates, facilitating muscle tone, maintaining optimal weight, and honing agility skills. These activities can also impact social and emotional well-being by providing interaction with peers, offering distraction from the stress of daily life and providing individuals with a sense of personal accomplishment and satisfaction.
Omaha: 1.844.403.3131 | 402.401.3000
Lincoln: 1.800.676.5448 | 402.413.3000
Adaptive Sports and Recreation
Madonna's Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program enhances one's life through participation in sports and recreation by leveling the playing field. A wide range of adaptive sports opportunities are offered for children and adults of all abilities to participate and/or compete in as varied activities as the rest of the community. Participants try new sports and recreation opportunities at their comfort level and explore new ways of doing previous activities.
Integration of adaptive sports and recreation activities into rehabilitation provides a unique and fun context for working on specific therapeutic activities and skills such as balance, coordination, advanced gait training, fine motor control, and even cognition (thinking skills) and communication. Madonna is one of the only hospitals in the region that offers a structured Adaptive Sports & Recreation Program with multiple opportunities for inpatients, outpatients and community members to participate in various sports.
The program is lead by staff from multiple disciplines including therapeutic recreation, physical therapy and occupational therapy.
Areas of Focus
Madonna's Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program has three basic areas of focus: Open recreation, workshops and competition.
Equipment Loan Program
Adaptive equipment is available for loan to any Nebraska resident with disabilities. Active individuals can experience a decrease in the severity of their disability and an increase in community involvement. People with a disability can gain numerous mental & physical benefits from being physically active on a regular basis. These benefits include:
- A reduced risk of developing a secondary condition related to the primary disability
- Increased fitness & strength
- Improved self esteem
- Gaining the ability to maintain a higher level of independence
Rental fee: $10 per month for up to six months.
Current available rentals include:
Sports chairs
Sizes: Pediatric and adult sizes available. Call for details.
Hand cycles
Sizes: 1 Pediatric, 1 Adult
For more information about adaptive sports opportunities or equipment rental call Adaptive Sports and Recreation at 402.413.3722.