Get into the Swim!
Many people with disabilities find a new kind of freedom in water because of water's buoyancy. Water reduces a person's weight by 10 percent and it's low-impact. Thanks to a boon in adapted sports technology, almost any sport can be adapted and water sports are often the easiest. One may use a sports wheelchair designed for sailing, swimming, and even adapted water-skiing. Enthusiasts may glide over blue waters on a mono-ski or saucer.
Disabled sports organizations offer training and a lot of fun. However, mainstream sports and recreation facilities are not always fully-accessible. So make sure you tour a facility, including the locker room, before joining.
If the management wants to accommodate you, help them problem-solve. It's not obvious to non-disabled athletic staff. For instance, I found a very nice, accessible facility but the soap and shampoo in the locker-room was positioned too high in the shower for a seated bather. I asked for it to be lowered and the conscientious health club moved it that day! Another time, after moving, I joined what appeared to be a nice, new facility, but the owner was unwilling to change a thing, so he refunded my membership costs. It's just bad business, so remember, if management isn't open to making the facility work for you, go to the competition!
Click a section on the left for information about a water sport that interests you and learn about corresponding organizations.
