Recreation activities give people with disabilities fun without limits

Through outdoor recreation activities, people with disabilities can exercise, discover their abilities, and mingle with others in an inclusive and safe environment.

By Krittiya Wongtavavimarn
4/21/10

While many people are enjoying outdoor activities, those with disabilities are no longer limited to sitting on the sidelines.

The Universal Access Program (UAP), which is run through the state's Department of Conservation and Recreation, has provided a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities year-round since 1995, for people of all abilities to enjoy the rich resources of state and urban parks in Massachusetts.

"People with disabilities seem to have more barriers to sports and recreation," said Tom McCarthy, director of the UAP, who uses a wheelchair himself. "Although all the parks are accessible, in the past people couldn't get into kayaks because of their disabilities. So we wanted to open the experience for them in a much more meaningful way than just providing them accessible routes in state parks."

From cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter to biking and kayaking in summer, the UAP uses fun activities and adaptive equipment to help people with disabilities overcome challenges and gain personal fulfillment, independence and confidence.

Jennifer Price participated in a cross-country skiing event with the UAP for the second time at the Leo J. Martin Gold Course in Weston. Despite her developmental delay, the 16-year-old discovered her fondness for skiing and made new friends.

"Going up the hill and down the hill is so much fun. Skiing is so much fun," she said. "I like skiing with the volunteers and I want to come back again."

Click below to learn more about adaptive equipment.

The UAP also enhances community integration for people with and without disabilities, says Gigi Ranno, outreach coordinator of the UAP. Experienced staff and volunteers have been trained in disability awareness and equipment adaptations. They ensure that all participants exercise, have fun together, and feel accepted in a safe environment.

Inclusion is the heart of every activity, Ranno said.

"As human beings, we like to be a part of something. When you are included, your self-esteem increases," she said. "When family members do the activity together, they can realize that 'wow' they can do this again even though they have these challenges, and that also opens up a new world of possibilities."

While many parents see outdoor activities as dangerous and "impossible," Jennifer's father, David Price, said it is crucial for children with special needs to explore the outdoors and be active.

"It's a great experience for her [Jennifer] to be able to get outside, get some exercise, and do something she wouldn't have done before," he said. "It's difficult for us to spend time or to do outdoor activities together. But with the volunteers, she is so thrilled to go out with them, and that makes it more enjoyable for her."

Patti Moor, a mother of two sons with autism, said it is vital for parents to take their children with disabilities out and mingle with other people in an inclusive environment.

"Sometimes it's easier to let kids with autism sit in front of the TV all day than coming outside. It's difficult at first but you should stay with it. They have less behavioral issues. They are much calmer and happier. It just changes your life," Moor said.

"People are afraid that other people will stare at them when their kids make noise. But you don't have to be afraid because here's the place where people are accepting and very helpful," she added.

Adaptive recreation activities also provide opportunities for people of all abilities to develop greater understanding. Kelly Scott, who has volunteered with the UAP for two years, said helping people with disabilities is a great source of joy.

Volunteering is giving back to people. And it's a good feeling to see kids who have disabilities smiling, laughing, and having a good time with you. We don't just make them feel good, but they make us feel good, too," Scott said.

Erin Schlossman, a medical student at Tufts University, also said volunteering gives her a whole new perspective on the notion of "people with disabilities."

"I went out doing sit skiing with a 23-year-old girl. When we went up and down the hill, we talked about the kind of music we like. It's amazing to realize that we can really connect and enjoy each other's company while doing something new and fun," Schlossman said.

When people use canes or wheelchairs, others normally focus on the drama surrounding their disabilities rather than what they are capable of, Ranno of the UAP said. Adaptive recreation activities, she added, are one of the positive ways to break down such negative perceptions toward people with disabilities.

"It's not good for a spirit if you make people think they are disabled or handicapped. They may lose some types of abilities. But they have a new ability to do something in a new way," she said.

"They may not be able to stand or run while playing tennis. But they can sit in their wheelchairs and do the same thing. If there's a will, there's a way."

Activities provided by the UAP

The UAP offers more than 120 indoor and outdoor recreation activities. Most programs are free, while participants may be required to pay a small fee for some equipment.

The program recently received a grant from the state's Department of Education to create a new project, Rec Connect, to add more activities for people with severe disabilities such as those with spinal cord injuries.

The Power Chairs on Ice activity, for example, was introduced at the Cronin Rink in Revere this past winter where people with disabilities could slide and kick a fitness ball on ice while sitting in their power chairs. This summer, the UAP is also developing a kayaking activity where people with physical disabilities can get access to kayaks without being transferred in and out of their wheelchairs.

Usually it's not so comfortable for them to be transferred. Now they can participate without being moved from their wheelchairs, making the experience easy, fun and convenient for them," said Tom McCarthy, director of the UAP. "We don't want people to go out there and have more difficulty in their lives."

Apart from the UAP, many organizations provide outdoor recreation activities to people of all abilities:

CAPEable Adventures: a nonprofit chapter of Disabled Sports USA, providing recreation activities for people with disabilities.

Piers Park Sailing Center: a sailing program taught by Maureen McKinnon-Tucker, Gold Medalist in sailing at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Wachusett Mountain Adaptive Programs: a skiing program for people with disabilities.