Today we recognize that physical activity is a central tenet of good health. However, we often overlook the needs of people with disabilities when we promote physical activity for all Americans. Adding to this concern is the fact that six million of the disabled population are children.
The U.S. Surgeon General has noted that regular physical activity can be especially important for young people with disabilities:
Young people with disabilities are at extra high risk for many of the complicating diseases and conditions that can come with inactivity. It’s especially important for us to reach out and help these young people find ways to get active and develop good nutritional habits.
Communities can no longer ignore the plight of our children with disabilities — we must promote programs and facilities that allow them to participate in physical activities and improve their health. With accommodation, support, and access to activities, children with disabilities can lead healthy and productive lives. We need to be aware that qualities that make our communities friendlier to walking and biking also allow children with disabilities to be physically active. Environments and facilities should offer safe, accessible and attractive trails for bicycling, walking and wheelchair activity. People with disabilities should be involved in the planning and implementation stages of physical activity programs and in improvements made to local infrastructure.
Two well-established initiatives, operating at both the national and state levels, are highlighted in the following pages as outstanding examples of activity programs for disabled youth. The first, Special Olympics Young Athletes, helps children under eight years old get started in sports recreation. The other, Miracle Leagues® , allows mentally and physically disabled children to participate in youth baseball.
There are numerous other organizations that have adapted mainstream athletic programs to address the needs of children with disabilities. Examples include Little League® baseball, through its Challenger Division, and TOPSoccer®. Information and links to more of these programs can be found on the MWC website.
