Endless capABILITIES - A blog from NCHPAD.ORG

Coaches need practice too

Oct 08, 2013

“Most people get excited about games, but I’ve got to be excited about practice, because that’s my classroom.”
– Pat Summitt

Funding your sports/recreation habit

Oct 04, 2013

In my first blog I wrote about sit-water skiing and I mentioned how expensive it is to do. It’s not just water skiing that is expensive; most sports/recreation equipment and/or training for people with disabilities are expensive. I didn’t own my hand cycle until I was 25 years old. It wasn’t like I could run down to Kmart and buy an $80 dollar bike. I had to spend $1200 for a hand cycle (it was 50% off). As daunting as the cost of equipment or training may be, it should not

Changing paths

Oct 03, 2013

So the phone call came that changed my path forever along with my family’s life. I was asked to try this sport called Goalball. I thought to myself what

Rock, Paper, Scissors….RUN!

Oct 02, 2013

As we have found out before, finding group games for youth that are wheelchair friendly can be difficult. Here is an example of one that we use at Lakeshore in our F.R.E.S.H. (Fitness, Recreation, Exercise, Sports, and Health) program. This is one we like to call “Extreme Rock, Paper, Scissors”. The kids seem to love this game, as well as our staff members. It requires no

Exercise Your Right To Exercise

Oct 01, 2013

Today should be like any other day in which we as Americans (317 million in which 56 are Americans with disabilities) should look to engage in some form of exercise activity. Remember in our land of freedom we do have choices. Your choices of exercise should be vast and numerous. Although quality is just as important as quantity. If you choose to view today as another day of exercising then great! However, for those who don’t always look to these opportunities, well today is that day. As we celebrated National Health and Fitness day on Monday, please look at this day as an opportunity to

What a Summer!

Sep 30, 2013

I haven’t blogged in a while, but to be honest, I’ve been busy. I have a new job working full time to promote adapted sports on campus and in the community, and I just got married!!!! That’s right, Kelley and I tied the knot on August 10. It was the most surreal day of my life. I will never be able to explain the joy and excitement of that day, and the days since.

Where my path began to change: An Introduction

Sep 26, 2013

I was on the softball field with my family taking batting practice. My sister was up to bat, my father was pitching and my Mom and I were out in the field shagging balls. I told my Mom I was having some pain in my right eye and when I closed my left eye I really couldn’t see Dad pitching. We finished up practice and headed home. I rinsed out my eye thinking maybe I got dirt under my contact or something. After removing my contact and flushing my eye there was no change. My parents got me into my optometrist that day then

Pilates For People with Disabilities

Sep 24, 2013

“Pilates cannot be performed by a person with physical disability or injury” is a widespread myth. The reality is quite the opposite. Pilates is implemented as a physical alternative therapy in various rehabilitation centers. Most people picture aerobics or high intensity movements when Pilates is discussed. There are more than 500 Pilates exercises and most of them have smooth movements and can be performed without standing or sitting.

Volunteer for Knowledge!

Sep 23, 2013

Warning: this blog post is 100% biased. I love research (nerd alert!), I’m in the process of making a career out of it, and I think you should get involved.