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Adapted Athletic Programs
Adapted Athletic Programs
Recreation and exercise is extremely important for all individuals including children with disability. Leisure athletic activity
enhances psychological health. As individuals with disability age, a large decline in gross motor function is observed in
part due to de-conditioning. Individuals with disability often are dependent on family for leisure due to limited community
outlets. Adapted athletic programs are available in many areas. Information about these programs can be accessed in the resource
section of this module.
Inclusion within community-based athletic programs is an option for many children if the family, child, and program are given
adequate supports. The results of one study indicated that when inclusion of a child with special needs into a community
Little League program with modifications to the rules and equipment was suggested, the typically developing children in the
program thought it was a great idea. The parents of the typically developing children had some concerns but were generally
accepting. The coaches were the barrier to such an inclusion program. These coaches expressed that it would not be fair to the typically developing
children and that the child's inclusion would lead to disadvantages for the team. If a child or family desires to have their
child participate in community sports, support and guidance must be offered particularly to the coach.
Many children with a disability want to learn independent leisure athletic skills but require adapted equipment or assistance
choosing activities. In some cases, a physical therapy consultation might be obtained specifically to address this issue (e.g.,
the child who wants a bike or trike for a present but family doesn't know what to purchase, the selection of a sporting wheelchair.)
Physical education (PE) and recess activities at school are also important. The need for adapted PE and/or supports or social
structuring on the playground should be addressed in the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Resources
Services
All families of children with special health care needs less than 3 years of age should be referred to their local Early Intervention
program for evaluation and initiation of services to optimize development. Early Intervention programs are federally mandated
to evaluate and provide services for children with or at risk for development delays based upon diagnosis or risk factors.
Not all families will choose to use these services and in some cases (when their there is an associated fee) private services
funded through private health insurance may actually be lower cost for an individual family.
Children with special health care needs older than 3 years may qualify for services to optimize their function and societal inclusion through the special education program at their local school district. Physical Therapy (PT) services are provided as needed to support mobility within the classroom and educationally related goals but are not provided within the educational system for specific medical goals (e.g., enhancing range of motion).
Children with special health care needs older than 3 years may qualify for services to optimize their function and societal inclusion through the special education program at their local school district. Physical Therapy (PT) services are provided as needed to support mobility within the classroom and educationally related goals but are not provided within the educational system for specific medical goals (e.g., enhancing range of motion).
Early Intervention Programs
See all Early Intervention Programs services providers (36) in our database.
For other services related to this condition, browse our Services categories or search our database.