Many adaptive sports programs are offered in Philadelphia and surrounding areas, and some
are available worldwide. Take a look at the list of recreation and sports. Be sure to ask your
child’s physician to get permission. 
Each child can enjoy the joy of participating in sports. Children can benefit from physical
activities if they are part of a team sport or engaging in an exercise designed for the individual.
There are a variety of programs designed to help disabled kids participate in playing. 
Sports Programs for Kids with Disabilities

  1. Multi-Sport Programs
    These programs offer the structure and guidance needed for various athletic pursuits. The
    benefit of joining such programs is that your kid can pick from multiple activities.
  2. Paralympics
    Paralympics offers an opportunity for athletes with physical impairments. The association
    oversees 28 sports, including team sports like wheelchair basketball and individual sports like
    archery.
  3. Special Olympics
    Special Olympics offer the opportunity to participate in various sports for athletes with
    intellectual disabilities. It has over 30 Olympic-style individual and team sports. Special
    Olympics is a worldwide organization that is widely acclaimed.
  4. Unified Sports
    The Unified Sports program allows athletes who have disabilities and those without. This is a
    part of the Special Olympics. There are programs like the Rivalry Series in which well-known
    college rivals compete with teams composed of students from universities and local Special
    Olympics athletes.
  5. KEEN (Kids Get Active Now) 
    KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now)  is an entirely volunteer-run, non-profit– 501(c)(3) organization
    located within the Washington, DC area. KEEN America’s Board of Directors oversees affiliate
    operations and oversees national programs. 

Each affiliate has its Board of Directors made up of volunteers, parents, and other members of
the community who manage every local activity in line with KEEN’s goal of providing free
programs to children who have disabilities regardless of the type or severity of the handicap.

  1. Blaze Blaze 
    Blaze America is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that is the legacy organization of the 1996
    Games held in Atlanta, Ga. The games, the first ever held on American land, fulfilled the desires
    of many Americans engaged in the growth and development of sports that cater to people with
    physical disabilities within the United States.
  2. Jokes for Kids Foundation 
    The Sports for Kids Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for children with
    special needs and their families across the United States.
  3. The AAPM&R Directory of Sports Organizations
    This directory offers information for athletes with disabilities who want to participate in
    sporting events and other activities and the general public and physiatrists who wish to
    volunteer for these organizations.
  4. Cheerleading
    My daughter’s inclusive cheerleading team in Mississauga, Ont., comprises girls and boys aged
    10-24 with physical and intellectual impairments. Their team was the first adaptive cheer team
    to compete for Canada during the World Cheer Competition in 2019. 
  5. Dance
    A lot of studios have peer groups to assist dancers who have disabilities. It’s a fun method for
    young people to have fun and be social and active. Some studios may require dancers to have a
    parent assist in the event of a need. Here are some options across Canada:
  6. Halifax Dance
    Dance Ability Movement classes are co-created with the host studio to provide accessible and
    inclusive opportunities within the current dance studio. You can also contact dance studios in
    your area to see whether they offer adapted classes. If they don’t, inquire why they don’t.
  7. Martial arts
    Judo, Taekwondo, and karate can help improve coordination, balance, and concentration. They
    also develop body awareness, strength, and self-confidence. Furthermore, martial arts can
    make a significant impact on children with autism. 
  8. Swimming

Swimming is not just enjoyable and a great way to exercise, but it’s a vital life skill that can be
used to protect you. Many community centers, public pools, and private water centers offer
special swimming programs for people with disabilities, such as swimming abilities. Swim
abilities program in the western region of Canada. Some collections have even warmer water
temperatures to give swimmers more comfort.
Conclusion
All children can become athletes and gain from playing sports. For kids with disabilities, the
challenge is to choose a program that matches their interests and needs. There are a variety of
options for sports that can accommodate all kinds of minds and bodies.
If you cannot discover a program that aligns with your child’s interests and requirements, you
might want to consider contacting local sports clubs to find out whether they have any ideas or
create one on your own.

Originally Published on https://grampsjeffrey.com/

Gramps Jeffrey Professional Author

Gramps Jeffrey’s children’s book, “I Don’t Want to Turn 3”, explores what goes through a toddler’s mind that parents are so desperate to understand. It is based on the true experiences he has had with his 6 grandchildren that were born 2 each to his 3 Millennial daughters.

Gramps Jeffrey is the pen name for Marc Joseph whose first book “The Secrets of Retailing…How to Beat Wal-Mart” was written to help entrepreneurs and small businesses compete against the big guys. Arianna Huffington read his book and asked him to contribute to the Huffington Post. He has written over 100 articles about small businesses, education, the homeless and several other nonprofit topics dear to all of us.

Gramps and his lovely wife Cathy live in Scottsdale, Arizona where 2 of his grandchildren live. 2 more live in Austin, Texas and 2 in Orlando, Florida.

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