ADAPTIVE SPORTS AND RECREATION
The quadriplegic community often advises: Go where the passion of your heart pulls you. Let that drive you and motivate you. Think big. This disability did not make you smaller.
Ian Mackay's heart pulled him toward nature. The C4 quad from Washington State has a motto he shares on social media: “Get outside!”
Ian was paralyzed in 2008 in a bicycle accident. Now he rides the bike trails using a sip and puff power chair. Founder of Ian’s Ride (iansride.com) Ian goes on a long roll every year to help spread awareness for outdoor accessibility. Ian’s chair uses two lithium batteries and it can reach 7.5 mph.
“Four years of not missing a single day getting outside for at least a mile. That is 1460 consecutive days of rides, more than 11,200 miles. That is an average of more than 7 miles a day. I’ve been out in blistering heat, heavy snow, the pouring rain, and bone chilling winds. I’ve had to push through the flu, high fevers, a broken leg, and even after bladder surgery. Some days it’s tough, but I always feel better once I’m out there. Nature is the best medicine.” Ian, C4
Nature really is a great medicine. It has an incredible capacity to improve our mood. People evolved alongside plants. If you can't get outside, get some in your room. Don't forget sunlight.
As disabled Americans we qualify for an Access Pass, a free, lifetime pass that can be used at over 2,000 Federal recreation sites across the nation, including National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many National Forest.
You can also find wheelchair accessible hiking trails. The AllTrails app allows users to filter for "wheelchair-friendly" options. Check out community-driven Wheelmap and use general mapping tools like Google Maps for accessible routes. These apps offer detailed trail information, user reviews, and navigation features.
The U.S. has numerous accessible beaches too. Some beaches offer free beach wheelchair rentals. Many beaches also have access mats which are accessible for your own wheelchair or power chair. Some offer floating chair rentals so you can even get in the water. You can purchase your own beach wheelchair but they come with quite a price tag.
Whether it’s a pool with a lift or a raft at the lake with some assistance, many quads still enjoy the water. The buoyancy of water allows for movement and exercise without the weight of the body. It is frequently used in rehabilitation settings.
ADAPTIVE SPORTS
Some quadriplegics with arm and hand function may participate in adaptive sports. Search for opportunities by State/Region: Use terms like "adaptive kayaking [Your State]" or "accessible kayaking [Your City]".
Wheelchair Rugby (Murderball) is a high-contact team sport played on a basketball court. It is one of the most popular Paralympic sports for those with limited hand and arm function. Use the United States Wheelchair Rugby Association (USWRA) "Join a Team" page to search for a club near you.
Power Soccer is a competitive team sport specifically for users of power wheelchairs. It is ideal for individuals with very limited upper body mobility, as the chair does all the work of moving the ball. To join a power soccer team in the US, check out local teams listed by the United States Power Soccer Association (USPSA).
In Boccia, similar to bowling, high-level quadriplegics can use a ramp and a mouth-stick or pointer to release the ball. Find opportunities on the national website USAboccia.org
Adaptive Skiing involves sitting in a bucket seat atop two skis. This typically requires "hands-on" assistance from a trained guide to navigate the slopes. Many ski resorts across the United States offer adaptive skiing programs. Call around to ask.
Wheelchair tennis allows players with limited grip to have the racquet taped to their wrist to maintain control. In this version, the ball is allowed to bounce twice. To learn more and find opportunities for playing, go to USTA.com
Adaptive kayaking uses reinforced seats with high back support and splints to secure the paddle for quadriplegics with some shoulder or bicep control.
Then there's golf. The National Alliance for Accessible Golf maintains a national database of golf facilities and instructional programs that provide adaptive golf cars and programs for golfers with disabilities. AdapTee Golf utilizes several specialized devices to enable play for high level complete quads. A Swingless PowerGolf Driver serves as the primary "driver" and a slingshot mechanism is used. The player directs their caddy on the desired line, height, and power for the shot.