The Disabled Athlete Sports Association, or DASA, is an organization that provides a way for people with a hearing, physical, or visual disability to engage in sports and physical activities which help improve self esteem, strength, as well as psychological growth. DASA believes that activities such as wheelchair basketball, swimming, and track can build independence and encourage healthy living, discipline, and motor processing. People who participate in DASA can partake in sports that demonstrate their strengths. DASA offers sport programs at a minimal cost and hopes to reduce the need for families to get direct therapy.
For more information you can visit the DASA website by clicking on the find out more button below.
Dance Ability is an organization which allows for people with different abilities to learn dance. Started by physical therapists and Missouri Contemporary Ballet instructors, the program creates a positive and safe space for the dancers to expand their skills. The classes are led by occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, dance instructors, and special educators. Jennifer Highbarger, the founder of Dance Ability in Columbia says “One thing that I love about it, is that it isn't just a benefit for the dancers, it really benefits our whole community- from the social aspect of dancers making friends, to parents getting to socialize with other parents of dancers with disabilities, to educating and training volunteers, to the fundraisers that we have that involve local businesses and artists.”
For more information, you can visit the Dance Ability website by clicking on the find out more button below.
Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports, or PCAS, has been a leader in providing adapted sports to persons with disabilities. The organization currently operates 13 sport-and-wellness programs year-round including, skiing, cycling, climbing, kayaking, rowing, sitting volleyball, yoga, swimming, hockey, triathlon, and track and field. PCAS helps people living with disabilities have a place to have fun, to exercise, to compete, and to socialize. Their programs focus on building communities and supportive settings.
For more information, you can visit the PCAS website by clicking on the find out more button below.
The adapted sports program at the YMCA in Edwardsville, Illinois is a program which modifies sports in a way that people with different needs have the opportunity to play sports, by offering both swimming and gymnastic classes. With their small student to teacher ratio, they hope to help kids feel more comfortable. Debbie Gaughan from Adaptive programming says, “Help from generous community members and organizations is needed and very much appreciated. Our Adapted Programs for kids and adults are a fantastic way to support the Y's cause: Strengthening Community.”
For more information about Adapted Programming, click the find out more button below.
Central Florida Dreamplex is a therapy, fitness, sports, and recreation center designed specifically for people with physical and/or mental disabilities. They run recreational therapy and fitness classes, and adaptive sports programs. Dreamplex provides a great place for people with disabilities to exercise and participate in fun programs, all while celebrating children’s abilities and assist in the improvement of emotional, cognitive, physical, and social aspects of those with disabilities.
For more information about Central Florida Dreamplex, click the find out more button below.
Special Olympics West Virginia is a part of the Special Olympics global movement that promotes inclusivity by creating competition between those with and without disabilities. Their goal is to tackle the stigma and injustice that those with disabilities may face by driving lasting social change. Special Olympics West Virginia provides a variety of sports programs, including alpine skiing, basketball, bowling, cheerleading, golf, and softball. They strive to “unleash the human spirit everyday around the world through the transformative power and joy of sport”.
For more information about Special Olympics West Virginia, click the find out more button below
The Arc of Bergen and Passaic Counties is a private not for profit organization that strives to provide enhanced opportunities for citizens with intellectual and other disabilities through advocacy, community education, direct services, and customized supports. They also help these individuals be independent in their community, and help to prevent the occurrence of more disability.
For more information about The Arc of Bergen and Passaic, click the find out more button below