Easter Seals Abilities Program: Development Through Recreation

Introduction

The Easter Seals Abilities program is a Youth Recreation Program, created to introduce youth with disabilities to a variety of recreational activities. For participants, the program will build a sense of team work, cooperation and accomplishment along with providing an opportunity to exercise and socialize with peers. They will be exposed to a wide range of activities that will challenge them in different ways. The program will concentrate on developing independence while promoting good physical and mental health.

Description

Starting in the fall and running into late spring, the participants will begin the first week by going through a “getting to know you” exercise and discussions around the types of activities they would like to try. The Abilities program is designed to provide a safe environment to explore new activities with others who have similar challenges and abilities.

All endeavors will have a demonstration component wherein each youth will watch and learn and then take part. The participants are expected to engage in the activity three times so they can truly decide if they would like to undertake the activity again through the program, or with family and friends. Each youth is encouraged to try every activity that is introduced, taking on the challenge and overcoming fears. How do you know if you are an Olympic skier if you have never tried to ski?

Goals

For youth to experience a variety of accessible recreational activities
Encourage the participants to discover abilities within themselves
Develop leadership skills
Develop independence through accomplishment
Introduce participants to several sports and/or activities
Create a team environment where the participants support each other to try new things and work hard
Develop enough ground work that the participants will go on to continue the activities on their own time

Participants

Open to pre-teens and teens and young adults
Those living with a physical disability (encouraged to bring a friend or family member.)
Start Date: contact Easter Seals toll-free at 1 (888) 280-8155
Join our mailing list by emailing: info@easterseals.nb.ca

Activities

Sledge Hockey

Sledge hockey, also known as Para Ice Hockey, is an sport adapted for participants with a physical disability. With two blades underneath the bucket, players will skate by pushing themselves with two sticks equipped with picks on the ends. During the winter season, there are weekly ice-times in Moncton and Fredericton.

Curling

Players slide stones along a sheet of ice towards a target area. The sport is easily adapted with a specialized pole (delivery stick) that helps players with limited mobility if needed. The pole has a bracket that fits over the rock handle, allowing the rock to be pushed while applying correct rotation.

Boccia

Players throw larger balls as close as possible to the “jack” or “pallino” which is a smaller ball. The player or team with the closest balls to the jack win points for each round. The sport can be easily adapted with a ramp for athletes with limited mobility to assist in delivering the ball.

Para-skiing

Para-alpine skiing is an adaptation of alpine skiing, but athletes use sit-skis or mono-skis to descend the hill. Participants commonly use out-rigger skis to help steer and maneuver through obstacles. Para-nordic skiing includes a variation of the sit-ski but participants use ski poles to propel themselves forward. Para-nordic skiing is over a more level terrain while para-alpine skiing is down hills or mountains.

Sitting Volleyball

The goal is to hit the volleyball into the opposing teams court. The sport is adapted with a shorter net, smaller court, and players are required to have one buttock on the floor while making contact with the ball.

Game Nights

Hang out for an afternoon or evening of laughs, socializing, and fun games. Meet other participants while competing in some classic board game fun. Events are typically held at Board Game Cafes, such as Unplugged in Moncton and Fredericton, or Offline in Saint John.

Rock Climbing

Participants climb rock formations. The goal is to the reach the summit of the wall. Harnesses and pulley systems ensure participants are secure while climbing.