Adaptive Surfing

Adaptive Surfing

Cities in California, Hawaii, and New York have programs to make a wish a reality. What wish you ask? A wish to surf! They serve all people with disabilities.

 The unique thing about adaptive surfing is that it is not that much different than "regular" surfing.  The key is having a patient, skilled, coach assisting the individual.  Someone who is able to clearly communicate.  Verbally, the coach must be loud and articulate clearly. Nonverbally, the coach must be able to make strong signals using the water or by creating cues on the surf board itself.

 As for equipment, it's all about size.  The instructor will help the individual find his/her perfect board.  However, if the individual is in need of a unique surfboard, due to physical circumstances, an adaptive surfboard is necessary.

There are also a ton of organizations that people can become a part of and can lead you to even more resources for surfing. One of the top organizations is the Adaptive Surfing Foundation.  Check out the website: http://www.adaptivesurfingfoundation.org/foundation.html

These organizations are great ways to meet friends, learn the newest information about adaptive skiing, and network.

I think that everyone who wants surf should be given the opportunity to do so.  I suggest this activity to all!

Ai Chi

Ai Chai        

"Ai Chi is the sigh we give when we're at peace," says Jun Konno, founder of Ai Chi.

Konno started the group in the mid 80's because he saw a need for the relaxing benefits of water message without the intimacy of touching. These movements are not based off of Tai Chi exclusively, but do reflect many of the graceful movements that are typical of eastern physical disciplines.

Ai Chi came from the Japanese word aisuru meaning "to love". Best used in warm, swallow, chest-deep water.

The program involves deep breathing with slow broad movements. There are a total of 16 postures. There are 3 major elements of the program 1. The significance of breathing and the autonomic nervous system 2. The mind-body relationship and 3. Eastern concept that "How it turns out is the way it's meant to be.

The benefits of Ai Chi are improved physical health, stress and anger reduction, and better sleep also improved circulation and oxygen consumption.

Appropriate for all age groups and levels, people of older age and with chronic conditions see the importance of practicing everyday. It is beneficial for healthy adults also. The people who seem to benefit most are those with some physical condition.

Body awareness and body control seem to improve in all who practicing Ai Chi. I found this to be really fascinating! 

Water is a very important tool for health professions, and this is just another type of therapy that could be beneficial for clients. I would suggest Tai Chi to all!

YouTube Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wje4Y4E1CXA

Hand Cycling

Hand Cycling

 Hand cycling was first developed in the 80’s not specifically for people with disabilities but as an alternative hand powered vehicle.

Today, it gives people with disabilities the freedom to experience the fun of cycling.

This sport is great for a person who is unable to use his/her legs, has poor balance, or anyone who wants a new challenge.

Hand cycling can be used for competitive racing, recreational leisure, and it also allows people with disabilities to do something with family and friends.

In 2004, hand cycling was added to the Paralympics and can be seen in a number of other competitions as well. It also helps to improve cardiovascular health and increase upper body strength. 

There are many types of hand cycles that can be customized to meet many people’s needs. The upright cycle is for people who just want to do things such as exercise and recreation. A recumbent hand cycling comes with many different variations and is used more for competition.

Hand cycles can be quite expensive anywhere from $1,500.00 to $4,000.00, which makes it unable to be used by everyone, if money is a problem. There are many clinics available that are recommended if interested in buying one. These clinics give instructions on how to use the equipment and safety precautions so you are less likely to risk injury.

This is a great adaptive tool to have because many people enjoy cycling; it is a very relaxing experience that gives you freedom and confidence. I highly suggest trying one of these hand cycles.

More info: 

http://www.dsusa.org/ChallMagarchive/Spring05/challmag-spring05-handcycling.html

Beep Baseball

Beep Baseball

Beep baseball is a sport that is made for people who are blind or have a visual impairment. It is a very fascinating game that resembles baseball in many ways with a few modifications. 

First the ball is a 16 in softball with an implanted beeping device so the players can detect where it is. There are only 3 bases, instead of 4, and each one is made of rubber padding, standing three feet high with a speaker facing home plate. 

Everyone wears blindfolds no matter what their seeing ability is. This makes it fair for everyone. 

When the batter hits the ball they will either have to run to 1st or 3rd base which ever one is activated. Players never know which one they will have to run to; they do not go to all bases.  

There are only 6 innings unless more are needed for a tie and each player gets four outs. 

Each team does have a sighted pitcher and catcher; the pitcher has to say two things, one just before the pitch they say "ready" and as the ball is released they say "pitch" or "ball". 

The most difficult part of beep baseball is defense, there are only 6 players instead of 9. Most of the time the ball is not caught in the air (only 5 documented cases of this happening since beginning of beep baseball), but the players use their bodies to stop the ball and then display it to the umpire. They do not have to throw it to get a player out. 

I think Beep Baseball would be a great experience for people with visual impairments to gain confidence and have a great time.

For more information visit the following websites:

American Association of Adaptive Sports Programs: http://www.adaptedsports.org/adaptedsports/athletics/athletics_beep_baseball.html

National Beep Baseball Association: http://www.nbba.org/about_game.htm

Youtube video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNXqN_QVmpk

Axis Dance Company

Dancing at the Axis Dance Company  

Mission:

To create and perform contemporary dance that is developed through the collaboration of dancers with and without disabilities.

To teach dance and educate about collaboration and disability through community education and outreach programs.

To promote and support physically integrated dance locally, nationally and internationally.

Axis Dance Company was started by Thias Mazur who had the idea in 1987 to have dancers with and without disabilities to come together to make a collaborative performance. Mazur used dance to teach and educate about physically integrated dance. Over the decades, changes have been made to the company, new directors, and philosophy ideas, but the main focus has always been on challenging the definitions of "dance", "dancer" and "ability".

I think that this is a great program. I had never heard of this program. I was involved in dance for four years and know the importance it can have in people's lives. Dance is a great form of self-expression that I think many people can benefit from. Based on what I have researched about this company, I would suggest it to many.

For more information:  

Axis Dance Company

Youtube video:

amazing

Swimming with the Dolphins

Swimming with dolphins in an awarding recreational activity.

DOLPHIN ASSISTED THERAPY is a form of animal assisted therapy that uses dolphins! All types of animals, even mice help people through some type of suffering or illness, but the use of wild animals for therapeutic benefit is rare, one exception is swimming with dolphins. Dolphins are highly intelligent animals that offer many benefits to swimmers who get the opportunity to work with them.

Dolphins provide unconditional acceptance, something that cannot always be found in humans. Swimming with dolphins is a source of emotional release. Can dolphin therapy help to encourage positive growth, or speed up learning processes? YES, it sure can!

There are many different populations that can benefit from dolphin-assisted therapy. People with non-verbal or communicative disorders have found positive results in working with dolphins. Children with special needs including asd’s, pdd’s, autism, cerebral palsy, etc. are a unique focus to many programs. There has also been recent research for people experiencing depression or anxiety. Some programs also provide more of a self-directed approach for anyone looking for healing in their lives. This spans young and old, and a variety of illnesses, sicknesses, or diagnoses.

Check out the link below to see more!

J

http://www.dolphin-inspirations.com/dolphin-therapy.html

Entry 6 (group presentations)

Today's class dealt with groups sharing an innovative activity that can be done with all populations.
Group 1:  Horseback Riding  Therapeutic Horseback Riding is beneficial for children and adults who present with any of a wide range of cognitive, physical, and emotional conditions. Goals:  To advance to an ability to operate through touch and feel.  To improve posture and gain greater coordination and muscle control.  To increase self-confidence.
Group 2:  Painting and Sculpting  Therapeutic Painting and Sculpting is very beneficial for all people and allows emotions to come out of one's mind and onto something physical.  I knew that art supplies came in different shapes and sizes for different people, but I didn't know that easels were made to fit on one's wheelchair.  I find that to be a true invention.  The group showed a youtube video about a guy who is blind and made amazing pottery on a potter's wheel.  I find this to be outstanding!  Watching that video helps believe that anything is possible.
Group 3:  High Elements Rope Course  It is hard to imagine that a ropes course is suitable for people who are wheelchair bound or blind or any other physical disability, but it is real. Watching the youtube video shared in class was an eye opener for me. I learned that with teamwork and determination, anything in this world is possible.  All you have to do is believe.
Group 4 (my group):  Kayaking/Sailing  Our group rocked our presentation.  The Pocahontas idea really brought some laughs, which is what we wanted.  We wanted the class to learn that anything on the water can be transformed to greaten the horizon for someone with a disability.  I found it difficult to find motor boats with adaptations and techniques that would enable inclusion for participants with a disability.  However, there was a great deal of information available for kayaking and sailing.  This activity is a great way to get kids and adults interested in the outdoors, rather than sitting on the computer or sitting in front of the television.