Learning

Learning

Adaptive Exercise Programs

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Did You Know?

adaptive kayaking

According to the CDC, just over 20% of Massachusetts and Rhode Island adults live with a disability.  Because of the unique challenges they face with regard to engaging in physical activity, people with disabilities are nearly twice as likely as an able-bodied person to be inactive.

People with disabilities tend to have poorer health than their non-disabled peers, including higher tobacco usage rates, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, obesity, cancer, and depression.

But, getting outside and being active will provide benefits to physical and mental health.

Top 5 Tips For Getting Active

  1. Choose Your Activity Wisely.  Choose an activity that you enjoy, that you will persist in, and that is challenging but not overwhelming. Just about any activity you would like to do can be adapted for a wide range of disabilities.
  2. Overcome the Barriers.  Everyone struggles to find the time and energy to be active. For people with disabilities, there are additional hurdles to clear, like transportation, access, and the proper adaptations for their disability.  Identify what your barriers to participation are, then decide how to overcome them.
  3. Accountability.  Find what you need to help you stay on track, whether that is an exercise buddy, a group class, a coach, or a cheerleader.  Having someone to hold you accountable helps with motivation.
  4. Rewards.  Set a goal, and when you reach it, reward yourself!  Be creative with both goals (sleep better, eat more vegetables, spend time outdoors every week) and rewards (new workout gear, a massage, a trip to somewhere new).
  5. Get the Resources You Need.  Different activities and different disabilities require different adaptations and different supports.  Once you know what your needs are, reach out to organizations like NCHPAD or online resources like MedlinePlus.gov to get the help you need.
Adaptive Cycling

Ride along with us on our accessible cycling events on the Blackstone River Greenway in Blackstone, MA, and the Blackstone River Bikeway in Lincoln, RI. This 2023 series was made possible with funding from the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Cooperative Agreement Number UG4LM012347 with the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA. These events were held in partnership with All Out Adventures of Northampton, MA, and with volunteer support from our Bikeway Ambassadors.

"Celebrate Trails Day - April 24, 2021

With funding from the Network of the National Library of Medicine, New England Region, we were able to host an adaptive cycling event to recognize Rails-To-Trails Conservancy's "Celebrate Trails Day" on April 24, 2021, at the Blackstone River Greenway in Blackstone, MA. The event was presented in partnership with All Out Adventures, Bike-On, and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation. Thank you to volunteers from the Volunteers-In-Parks program for providing event support and hospitality. The event was dedicated to the memory of volunteer Margaret Carroll who inspired bringing adaptive recreation to the Blackstone River Valley.

BHC supports programming for “Opening Doors to the Outdoors.” Five Adaptive cycling programs were held on the Blackstone River Bikeway in partnership with All Out Adventures and the MADCR Universal Access Program during National Bike Month in May 2019. Thank you to BHC Photography Ambassador Bob Evans for the wonderful video capturing the program in action.

Four Adaptive kayaking programs were held in September 2019, generously funded by the Network of the National Library of Medicine, New England Region. The programs were held at Regatta Point on Lake Quinsigamond, Worcester, MA, in partnership with All Out Adventures, Rhode Island Canoe & Kayak Association, Blackstone Valley Paddle Club, and supported by the volunteers of the Volunteers-In-Parks program. Thank you to BHC Photography Ambassador Bob Evans for once again capturing the program in action.

National Library of Medicine
ALL-OUT-ADVENTURES
Universal access program