Jan 12 2009 0 Comments  

Quality of Life Resources for Paraplegia, Quadriplegia, Spinal Cord Injury, Amputation, and Brain Injury

Beth Klein

Beth Klein

Paraplegia, quadriplegia, spinal cord injury, amputation, and brain injury no longer have to be absolute barriers to participation in sports activities. Children and adults who suffer paraplegia, quadriplegia, spinal cord injury, amputation and brain injury often experience loss of self-esteem and confidence; some are also afflicted by depression. Many children and adults feel excluded from family activities as a result of their physical limitations. Studies have shown that participation in sports can be used for rehabilitation purposes. Children and adults who participate in sports programs are able to regain their sense of accomplishment. Through sports programs, children and adults are able to reunite with friends and family. Children and adults share the bonds of camaraderie while engaged in activities with other differently-abled and able-bodied athletes. Sports and recreational activities allow children and adults to experience the exhilaration of competition as well as the lessons learned from defeat. With advancements in equipment and training of instructors, ability or adaptive programs are found in many cities across the country. Programs can be found through Disabled Sports USA. Colorado has several ability or adaptive programs including a chapter of the National Sports Center for the Disabled (www.nscd.org) located in Winter Park. The National Sports Center for the Disabled is one of the largest outdoor therapeutic recreation agencies in the world. Thousands of children and adults with disabilities including paraplegia, quadriplegia, spinal cord injury, amputees, and brain injured individuals can participate in such activities as skiing (single or tandem), ski racing, snowboarding, horseback riding, mountain biking (handcrank/handcycle or tandem), fishing, golfing, or rock climbing in order become educated about physical activities and learn more about themselves. Programs offered reach all levels of ability. People suffing from paraplegia, quadriplegia, spinal cord injury, amputation, and brain injury should have as much access to sports programs and social activities so that they can become and remain productive members of the community. We are here to help those individuals access those resources.
Please feel free to ask a question or leave a comment below.

Popular Posts

Posts by Author

Categories

Archives