UK HDI Technical Assistance Coordinator

Adaptive recreation

Presenter

Ryan Creech picture

Ryan Creech
Technical Assistance Coordinator
University of Kentucky Human Development Institute

ryan.creech@uky.edu

Introduction to adaptive sports

What is adaptive recreation?

Adaptive recreation means modifying activities or equipment so that everyone can join in and have fun. The goal is to ensure that no one is excluded from using or enjoying something because of their abilities. A big part of adaptive recreation is assistive technology, which includes anything you can buy, build, or make to help accommodate a person’s impairments.

Featured adaptive sports

The adaptive sports we’re highlighting are just a sample of what’s out there. Search the internet for tons more that might be related to your own disability or to those of your clients. You can visit the Team USA website to learn more about the US Paralympics team and their Winter 2026 plans. Click on each sport below to learn more about the rules and equipment and see videos of pro athletes in action!

Wheelchair basketball

Wheelchair basketball originated in the United States with disabled WW2 veterans. Players don’t have to be disabled, but they must remain seated in their chairs at all times. Wheelchair basketball is governed by the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation. The video below (Highlights of Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Final – Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, 2:11) shows highlights of the 2008 Paralympics match between Canada and the US. A second video(🏀💥 Amazing Wheelchair Basketball Skills in Action!, 0:22) shows an exciting moment from the match between the US and Spain at the 2014 games.

Wheelchair basketball rules
  • No lifting or raising up
  • Can’t use legs to propel
  • Legs/feet cannot touch floor while you have the ball
  • Wheelchair is part of your body for the purpose of fouls, blocking, out of bounds, charging, etc
  • If you fall and are in danger, ref may pause the game; otherwise, you are likely on your own to get back up
  • Dribbling is required. More than 2 pushes without dribbling is a double dribble
Wheelchair basketball equipment

Wheelchair basketball players use specialized chairs like the one on the right, the ELITE chair from RGK. These chairs have increased camber. Camber means the rear wheels are angled instead of straight up and down. This makes the chairs much more stable. Most manual wheelchairs have casters, the small wheel wheels at the front near the footrest. Basketball wheelchairs have added rear casters which help them keep from flipping over during play. Basketball chairs have “wings” that surround the caster wheels and footrest area. This keeps players from getting tangled together on the court!

Wheelchair basketball photo gallery

Quad (wheelchair) rugby

Wheelchair rugby is often called quad rugby in the US. This is because all players must have and impairment that affects 3 or more limbs in order to play. The game was created by a group of athletes from Manitoba, Canada. They wanted to play wheelchair basketball but quickly realized that dribbling and shooting the ball was difficult or impossible form many quadriplegics. Wheelchair rugby is an extremely high-impact sport. When it was created, the team simply referred to the game as Murderball. USA Wheelchair Rugby sets standards and readies athletes to represent America at the Paralympic Games.

In wheelchair rugby, athletes carry a round ball, similar to a volleyball, around in their laps. To score, they must carry the ball to the other end of the court. To score a goal, 2 wheels of the players’ wheelchair have to cross the goal line. The video below (Murderball – Wheelchair Rugby Demo, 2:36) shows just how violent and hard-hitting players can get on the court!

Murderball Wheelchair rugby rules

Wheelchair rugby was added to the Paralympic Games in 2000. Players form teams, and each fields 4 players at a time. The goal is to score the most points for your team. You score by carrying the ball across the finish line; two of your wheelchair’s wheels must cross the goal line. A game is made up of 4 quarters, each lasting 8 minutes. Quad rugby is a mixed-gender sport, meaning that male and female athletes play on the same team.

Wheelchair rugby photo gallery

Blind soccer

Soccer is the most popular sport worldwide. The FIFA World Cup is the most watched sporting event globally. Blind soccer traces its roots to the playground. It was seen as a new and exciting way to get kids with blindness and other visual impairments moving outside. The sport was organized by the International Blind Sports Federation in 1996 after decades of play.

Blind soccer is a fast-moving game that is every bit as demanding as the traditional sport. Teams have 5 players on the field as well as 2 guides per team. The 5 players includes a partially sighted goalkeeper. The goalkeeper and guides shout instructions to the players, who wear eye patches and blindfolds to ensure they can’t see what’s happening. Each match is made up of 2 20-minute halves.

Soccer fans are known for being loud and proud while supporting their teams. With blind soccer, though, fans must be completely silent during play. That way, players can hear instructions from the guides and goalie and can listen for the bell ringing inside the ball. This video ( Blind Football Highlights | Paris 2024 Paralympic Games ❤️💙💚, 3:06) shows some of the most exciting moments from the 2024 Paralympic Games.

Blind soccer photo gallery

Adaptive sports equipment

Adaptive sports equipment can unlock a new world of participation and inclusion for those with disabilities. Below, you’ll find some featured pieces of equipment that can accommodate people with a variety of needs. Knowing more about what’s out there means you know what you need to make this stuff possible. Click on an equipment type to get started.

Water sports

AlphaCool Circulatory Cooling Vest

Lots of diseases, impairments, and medications can make it hard for people to regulate their own body temperature. AlphaCool has an answer in their Circulatory Cooling Vest! This vest includes a freezable bladder that gets filled with ice and water. When it’s time to head outside, the wearer simply puts this thing on! With a flip of a switch, the AlphaCool begins pumping the ice water through tubing sewn into the vest. The wearer stays cool no matter how hot it gets outside. Depending on the weather, the battery charge and the starting temperature of the water, you can expect 2-4 hours of use between refills.

Link: AlphaCool 7V Circulatory Cooling Vest System | AlphaCoolProducts

Price: $400

Zebco Bite Alert 808 Spincast fishing reel

This Zebco Bite Alert 808 spincasting reel has flashing lights and vibrations that are triggered when a fish is on the line.

Link: Zebco Bite Alert 808 Combo | Zebco Fishing

Price: $100

Active Hands Strong Arm 2 fishing aid

The Active Hands Strong Arm 2 is a hands-free fishing rod holder. The user doesn’t have to grip the pole, they just slip it into the pocket of this forearm band.

Link: Strong Arm 2 fishing aid | The Active Hands Company

Price: $70

Adaptive kayak from Creating Ability

This kayak is equipped with accessories from Creating Ability. It’s got wheels and an axle (the Chariot), outriggers at the back for extra stability, and a transfer bench to make it easier to get in and out of a wheelchair. This one has a custom seating system with a headrest and lateral supports.

Link: Outfilled Kayaks – Creating Ability

Price as equipped: $2,585

Outdoor mobility

Wheeleez™ All-Terrain Wheelchair Conversion Kit

The Wheeleez™ All-Terrain Wheelchair Conversion Kit lets you convert your old manual wheelchair to the perfect offroad vehicle. After the conversion, you’ll be able to travel through grass, mud, gravel and sand. This model includes the TZ Chair Frame supplied by Wheeleez.

Link: Wheeleez™ All-Terrain Wheelchair Conversion Kit, 1x 30cm & 2x 49cm wheels | Wheeleez™

Price: $1,500

Wheeleez™ Sandcruiser All-Terrain / Beach Wheelchair

The WheeleezTM Sandcruiser All-Terrain Wheelchair glides smoothly over sand, grass/turf, mud, gravel, and small rocks. You can take it apart easily and transport it in the trunk of your car.

Link: Wheeleez™ Sandcruiser All-Terrain / Beach Wheelchair

Price: $2,850

FreeWheel manual wheelchair accessory

The FreeWheel® attaches to the footrest of your manual wheelchair. It transforms it into a three-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. It can be stored on the back of your chair when not in use.

Link: FreeWheel Wheelchair Attachment – Official Site

Price: $650

SUMO All-terrain wheels

These extreme offroad tires can’t be beat! SUMO All-terrain wheels are available with heavy-duty rims installed. These tires can be fitted to most manual wheelchairs. They offer mobility in grass, sand, snow, and ice. The wheels absorb shock and reduce vibrations, making for a more stable and comfortable ride.

Link: SUMO All Terrain Outdoor Wheelchair Wheels | Living Spinal

Price: $400 per pair

Quickie Projection Wheelchair Handrims

Quickie is one of the top suppliers of manual wheelchairs. They are committed to not leaving anyone behind. These Quickie Projection Wheelchair Handrims make it easier for people with limited hand an arm function to push a manual wheelchair on their own. They are available in a couple of different configurations. Some people with upper body impairments prefer to use a manual wheelchair since it’s lightweight, not dependent on a battery charger, and much easier to transport than a powered device.

Link: Quickie Projection Wheelchair Hand Rims – 24″ / 8 Projection | Wheelchair Hand Rims

Price: $208 each

XCR Cross-country recumbent handcycle

The XCR recumbent handcycle was designed for bikers who are ready for gravel roads and intermediate trail rides. The cycle is available with foot pedals, arm pedals, or both. You can order variants with power assist for the really tough climbs. Switch out the offroad tires for street treads and this becomes a great way to cruise around town! There is even a wheelchair mount available so that you can take your manual chair along for the ride.

Link: XCR Cross Country Handcycle | JPM PRO Sales

Price: starts at $6,399

Outdoor powered mobility

Trackmaster S1 Series

The Trackmaster S1 Series is a tracked wheelchair that gives the user access to any terrain. It uses lithium batteries and is just 28.5″ wide. This makes it easier to transport when compared to other tracked wheelchairs.

Link: TrackMaster S1 series | All-Terrain Tracked WheelChair

Price: from $29,500

Action Trackchair ST

The Action Trackchair® ST is a tracked wheelchair built for outdoor sports. It has the ability to tackle any terrain. At 400lbs and with a width of 37″+, this chair was created with stability in mind. Check this out, hunters: the chair is advertised to be able to drag a 150lb deer out of the woods! The ST uses standard and easy-to-find AGM batteries.

Link: Trackchair® ST | Trackchair

Price: from $13,775

Freedom Trax Extreme

The FTX – Freedom Trax Extreme – is the company’s most stable and adaptable model. It features tracks mounted on the outside of the rear wheels for increased balance and traction. It’s designed for uneven terrain, complex seating systems, and pediatric or tilt-in-space wheelchairs.

This model includes a forward roll-on design with a four-point connection and disassembles into three parts for easier transport and storage.

Link: FTX – Freedom Trax Extreme Model | Freedom Trax

Price: $6,995

Eagle 736 Golf Car

The Eagle 736 electric golf car was designed to give players with disabilities their independence back. The player’s clubs are mounted to the front for easy access. The accelerator is hand-controlled by squeezing a bar on the steering wheel. It’s designed for the golfer to drive right up to the ball. They can pivot the seat and use the tilt function to get to a supported standing position for their swing.

The 736 reduces the risk of golfers getting injured or tired making dozens of transfers between the cart and wheelchair each game.

Link: Motorvation: Accessible Golf Carts | New Mobility

Price: starting at $8,000
NOTE: The Eagle 736 is available by custom order only.

Gripping and holding aids

Be Adaptive Compound Bow Mount

Be Adaptive Equipment makes a variety of wheelchair mounts to allow users with mobility impairments to enjoy shooting sports. Their Compound Bow Mount has a flat plate that can be placed between the archer’s wheelchair and cushion. It frees both hands for shooting and makes it easier to line up a shot. The bow is attached with a wing nut and can be removed easily between shooting rounds or matches.

Link: Product Categories | Be Adaptive Equipment Inc.

Price: $900

Similar products from Be Adaptive
High Quad Shooting Mount $2,750
Limited Mobility Shooting Mount $1,000
Limited Mobility Fishing Mount $885

GRIP Solutions Mini-Grip

The GRIP Solutions Mini-Grip is made of a special PVC material. Originally designed for military use, GRIP fabric has a very high friction coefficient. In other words, it holds on tightly without being sticky or tacky. These Mini-Grips were built for opening jars, bottles, and prescription containers easily, but they also have a bunch of uses in your favorite recreation activity. They are pocket-sized, lightweight, easy to clean, and inexpensive.

Link: Grip Solutions Mini Grip | The Wright Stuff

Price: $9.95

Dycem Super-Grip Tape

Dycem has been a staple of therapy gyms for decades. If you want something to stay where you put it, or you want to make sure you can hang on to it, Dycem is a great product to try. This Dycem Super-Grip Tape is also padded. That makes it great for building up handles and controls.

Link: Super Grip Tape | Dycem US

Price: $14 for a 3′ roll

Active Hands General Purpose Gripping Aid

These General Purpose Gripping Aids by Active Hands are a lifesaver in the gym for folks with limited hand function. They can also be used for all sorts of daily living tasks. They gently but firmly hold your hand around an object like a broom handle, pool cue, paddle, or glass. The grips feature super strong hook-and-loop straps that are easy to operate with your teeth.

Link: General Purpose Gripping Aid | The Active Hands Company

Price: $99.95 each

Adaptive sports opportunities in Kentucky

Are you interested in trying some adaptive sports? Are you looking for communities of other people for fun and adventure? These adaptive sports organizations might be able to connect you with what you need to succeed! Got more to add? Email Ryan Creech and he’ll add them to this list…

Easterseals

Easterseals is a non-profit organization that helps kids and adults with disabilities be part of their communities. Kentucky is proud to host three affiliate programs: Redwood in the northern part of the state, Bluegrass in Lexington, and Easterseals Western Kentucky, based in Paducah.

Easterseals Bluegrass has a nationally recognized adaptive recreation program, and the others post regularly when events are held locally. Be sure to follow the social media pages of the one that serves your area!

Action Trackchair at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary

Lexington Parks and Recreation rolled out their new accessible hiking program in 2025. The first of its kind program lets users with disabilities borrow an Action Trackchair to explore the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. The offroad chair lets visitors explore more than 5 miles of unpaved trails throughout the sanctuary. Parks provides an attendant to help park visitors learn to operate the chair. It’s a great way to share the outdoors and see how capable a treaded mobility device can be.

Details and a link to reserve the chair are available online on the city’s Raven Run Nature Sanctuary page.

Adaptive Water Sports program

Warren County Parks and Recreation created its Adaptive Water Sports program with grant funds in 2021. The program offers free equipment rentals for users with physical or intellectual disabilities. They currently have 4 adapted kayaks with accessories (see the info about adaptive kayaking on this page for examples), 2 water wheels, and 2 bellyaks.

See the Warren County Adaptive Water Sports Program webpage for contact information and the liability agreement renters have to sign.

Wheelable Wilderness

Wheelable Wilderness is driven to create an environment where individuals of all abilities can experience the joys of nature and camping. Founder Kent Madison is working to bring a fully accessible campground to Bowling Green. He also has Action Trackchairs that are available for people with disabilities across the state to experience the outdoors. Wheelable Wilderness will deliver the offroad chairs and other mobility equipment within a 200-mile radius of Bowling Green.

You can learn more about Wheelable Wilderness equipment rental & inclusive campground on their website.

Other organizations in Kentucky

Funding your adaptive sports equipment

Now that you’ve become an expert on the adaptive sports opportunities in Kentucky, we come to the big question: You’d like to get involved in an adaptive sport, but how can you afford the specialized equipment? Some of the items we’ve seen can fit nearly any budget. Others, like the outdoor power mobility devices, can cost more than a new car! Here are a few possibilities if you are a Kentuckian looking for AT funds.

Appalachian Assistive Technology Loan Fund (AATLF)

AATLF provides fee-free, zero interest loans of up to $7,000 for people who want to purchase assistive technology devices or services. They understand disabilities and the expenses that come along with them. They also consider each applicant’s history beyond their credit. It makes them a lot more likely to say “yes “Yes” than traditional banks!

You can learn more about this non-profit or start your loan application on the AATLF website.

Kentucky Assistive Technology Services (KATS) Network

The KATS Network is a federally funded organization serving Kentuckians. It’s our state’s AT resource. Each state and territory receives a grant as part of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998. The KATS Network partners with 5 AT Resource Centers across the commonwealth. Services include:

  • Hands-on exploration, when clients can come in and work with center staff to learn what works (and what doesn’t).
  • A lending library for short term needs or users who want to try something before they buy it.
  • Working with early intervention programs like KEIS and Head Start to support students with special needs
  • AT reuse programs. They take donations of assistive devices and medical equipment, clean and repair them, and then get them to folks who need them.
  • Publication of The Buck Starts Here: A Guide To Assistive Technology Funding In Kentucky. It’s a fantastic resource that helps Kentucky’s disability population connect with grants, loans, and waiver programs.

The KATS Network operates an AT inventory site called AT4ALL. There, you can find all of the equipment available for loan across the state as well as reuse equipment looking for a new owner. You can also visit your local ATRC. A list of Assistive Technology Resource Centers is available on the KATS Network’s website.

Non-sports recreation options

Sports aren’t the only type of recreation that can be adapted for people with disabilities. I wanted to include a few resources for other interests as well. Some of this equipment is available from the KATS Network so that you can try it out! Check out their AT inventory site, AT4ALL, to see what’s currently available.

An image of a young woman, she is smiling and using several adaptive gaming devices to play a video game. Credit: AbleGamers.org

Adaptive gaming

Video and arcade games can be hard to master for able-bodied folks, so it’s no surprise that those with disabilities face challenges as well. Did you know that nearly all modern pinball machines can be operated from the player’s phone via Bluetooth? Check out these adaptive controllers and game experiences designed with accessibility in mind!

You also shouldn’t miss AbleGamers! Their mission is to combat social isolation by giving everyone an opportunity to play. They help hardware designers and software programmers create universally designed experiences.

Sewing and crafting

Sewing, crocheting and paper crafting are low-impact recreational activities that can be done indoors. This can make them a good option for those who are sensitive to heat or take medicines that require them to avoid sun exposure.

Making Of: A Tudor Gown!

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Talking about disability

When it comes to talking about people with disabilities, we want to recognize that they are more than their limitations. Every person feels differently about their identity but there are two main ways to talk about the subject, and each has a different focus.

Person-first language

  • Person before disability
  • Not defined by their condition or limitations
  • Person “has” or “experiences” disability

Identity-first language

  • Disability as community or culture
  • Show pride in being a part of it
  • Common in the autistic and Deaf communities

The most respectful thing you can do is to ask the person or family directly what language they prefer. Apart from that, use person-first language as your default. Whether you use person-first or identity-first, make sure that you keep it positive. For example, you wouldn’t refer to someone as “handicapped”, “wheelchair bound”, “wheelchair dependent”, or “crippled”. For that person, a wheelchair is actually a tool that enriches their life and allows them to be part of the world around them! Instead, try “someone who uses a wheelchair” or “people using mobility devices” instead.

Person-first examples

  • a child with Down syndrome
  • someone who has difficulty climbing stairs
  • students with learning disabilities
  • Tomithy has a hearing impairment