Importance of Recreation & Role of Supporter
Research shows that recreation plays an important role in quality of life, life satisfaction and community participation following a spinal cord injury.
Sports and outdoor recreation can have a positive impact on physical, mental and emotional health and create a greater sense of autonomy and independence.
A strong support system from friends, family and adaptive sports professionals is vital to help reduce the challenges and barriers of participating in adaptive sports.
All individuals within the spinal cord injury community have different abilities, experiences, and goals, this community page is intended to be a starting place to help you in the role of supporter.
Adaptation Toolkit
Personal Considerations
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) 101
Safety Considerations
There is inherent risk in all sports and outdoor recreation. With all recreation, the goal is to promote safety and minimize risk when possible. However, we are not able to mitigate all risk without modifying the experience. When recreating with individuals with spinal cord injuries, it is important to be aware of the secondary health conditions and additional safety concerns to maximize both experience and safety.
Autonomic Dysreflexia
Orthostatic Hypotension
Body Temperature
Bowel Management
Bladder Management
Skin Protection & Management
Nutrition
Hydration
Spasticity
Lived Experiences
Explore what recreation means, who they enjoy recreating with, and how you can engage and support their recreational goals in the interviews below.
Athlete Interviews
7 Videos
Get Involved
Reach Out
Explore the interactive map to find sports and recreation in your area. You can be the first connection with a team or organization for your loved one.
Participate in Adaptive Sports Programming & Lessons
Most adaptive sports programs allow friends and family to participate even if they don’t broadcast it on their website (so be sure to ask!). Take advantage of these opportunities to learn more about how to assist in transfers, the different equipment and some tips and tricks of the sport.
Ask Questions
Ask adaptive sport professionals, ask other athletes or ask the Active Project Community. Explore the sport specific forums to see what others are working on or engage with others to find a solution to your questions.
Downloadable Resource Guides
Reference Guide
Intended as a starting place for those supporting individuals with spinal cord injuries