The Adaptive Sports Academy organizes local, regional and national adaptive programs for kids and teens facing a range of disabilities. These events help patients realize new skills and interests, reinforce therapy goals and allow patients to socialize with other patients. Examples of past Academy events include skiing, surfing and indoor rock climbing. These experiences encourage mobility and independence and often result in increased self-esteem, self-confidence and motivation to live fuller, more active lives.
The Adaptive Sports Academy gives our patients an opportunity to develop skills and interests while promoting mobility and activity. The events reinforce therapy goals by engaging participants in new activities and requiring them to use their bodies in different ways. In addition to the physical benefits of participation, patients also experience increased self-confidence and independence following Academy trips. Often, once participants realize they are capable of and enjoy the sports and activities, they are encouraged to continue their involvement long after the initial event. The outings also serve as a unique opportunity for kids to socialize with other patients, and connections are often cultivated between families who stay in contact long after the event ends.
Patients who are eligible for these experiences are those who require adaptations to equipment to participate and often need support of a trained guide to safely engage. Patients with diagnoses of cerebral palsy, limb amputation and significant limb length discrepancy make up the majority of our referrals. Participants must be active HSS patients who are cleared to participate by their HSS physician.
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