Many thanks to Richard Wright for this helpful article.

Between the numerous sports movies, motivational quotes painted on walls, and passionate halftime speeches, one thing is clear. Sports hold a special place in many people’s hearts. There are not many arenas where fierce competition can be waged without inhibition. We often find ourselves acting competitively or cooperatively during our daily lives, but sports allow us to do both. And this holds true for adults as well as children.

This is one of the many reasons sports have remained an integral part of human society.

All sports are largely inclusive, even for those who have a physical or mental disability. The rules and parameters can always be shifted to fit the needs of others so that many people can participate. Even better, sports are a fun and spirited way for children to learn the value of teamwork and physical fitness, and they help children understand the importance of good choices. If you’re child has a disability but wants to participate, here are some tips to consider.

• Know Their Limits: Visit the doctor first. She can give you certain parameters your child will need to stay within. If at all possible, consult with a trained therapist or exercise professional about the types of sports that are right for your child based on their disability.
• Be Flexible: Trying to engage your child in a sport they don’t like is a waste of your time and money, and, most importantly, doesn’t help them. If an activity turns out to be a miss, opt for something else. The idea is to get your kid active and having fun.
• Find Support: It might help if your child has a friend who can join them. A friend can help your child feel less anxious as the new kid, especially if other children on the team don’t have a disability.

Visually Impaired Individuals

You might think difficulty seeing would hamper one’s ability to play basketball, ski, swim, or run. That doesn’t have to be the case. Modifications to many sports and their equipment make it so other senses can be more prominent, which can make the sport more accessible to those with vision issues. Audible basketballs and guides on runs are things that can help your child participate. All that’s needed is an open mind.

Using a guide can be very helpful in many sports. For example, using a guide to walk/run can help with avoiding obstacles and keeping safe. Sports like cross-country running, swimming, and hiking are better off with a guide to help with navigation. This person can also offer positioning assistance with sports involving accuracy like golf and bowling.

Rails can also be a benefit in maintaining balance and direction with sports like skiing, skating, and snowboarding. It may also be helpful for your child to bring along a cane or walking stick while doing sports that involve long distances and movement. Using canes and walking sticks not only aid in walking, but can help maintain balance. There are many types of canes including those that can be decorated, folded up and placed into a bag, or used for hiking.

According to the United States Association for Blind Athletes, there are an enormous array of sports available to those without full eyesight. From powerlifting to judo to cycling, the amount of opportunities is truly vast. Many of these events require dedicated amounts of skill and practice as well as the proper equipment. If your child would like to participate, make sure they have the correct equipment and they are surrounded by those who can offer support.

A disability doesn’t mean your child needs to stay sidelined. By thinking outside of the box and looking for opportunities to let them explore sports, you’re giving them more than the gift of an activity. You’re giving them a chance to boost their independence and self-esteem.

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