ignite thoughts into action

in this issue on aug/sept 2013 Equal access in Sports for Andrew and volume 3 number 4 sports school sports all abilities Michael Peterson in this issue on sports

new mandate for schools brings equal “Game on!” access to sports 3 “Be a team player” go team! sports for all abilities 5 “Take one for the team” andrew and michael peterson’s “Play by the rules” winning spirit 8

win big by staying active 10 “Home-court advantage”

sports injuries – How often have we heard these expressions used in everyday life? Their origins know the risks, emanate from sports, and they’re also lessons to be learned. stay in the game 12

sports gadgets and tech Nelson Mandela understood the power of sports as an equalizer and a tool, not get you in the game 13 only to break down barriers, but to build confidence and raise the human spirit in times of adversity. “Sport,” Mandela stated, “has the power to change the SPORTS resources 15 world. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair.”

Sports are more than physical activities. They are gymnastics for the brain, training the mind and the body to function as a whole unit. Participating in sports – team, solo or non-competitive – has a wide array of lessons to teach us.

As a child, it can be our initial step to interacting with others, learning the art of give-and-take, making a contribution, following instructions and being strategic. Engaging in non-competitive or single sports and activities teaches us self- discipline, respect for our bodies, and contributes to our sense of self-worth as we work toward, and complete, a goal and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

We trust that this issue of Spark will inspire you to get your “game on” and get spark is a bi-monthly you moving toward living an active, fulfilling life. publication of the Indiana Governor’s Council for People Sincerely, with Disabilities, an independent state agency that facilitates change. Our mission is to promote the independence, productivity and inclusion Suellen Jackson-Boner of people with disabilities Executive Director in all aspects of society. This mission is accomplished through planning, evaluation, collaboration, education, research and advocacy.

Suellen Jackson-Boner Executive Director Christine Dahlberg Deputy Director

2 spark New mandate for schools brings equal access to sports Photo courtesy of Joe Kusumoto/U.S. Paralympics

an. 25, 2013, marked a historic Games in , Greece, (later in in 2008 that offered Jdate for student athletes with becoming a three-time gold in-depth rules on how to disabilities. A new mandate from medalist), her school would not provide equal opportunities the Department give her a uniform or allow her to in interscholastic sports. of Education (DOE) made clear compete alongside other runners. As the legislation was developed, to schools that children with Terri Lakowski, CEO of Active Lakowski’s team simultaneously disabilities should have equal Policy Solutions, helped bring commissioned the United States access to school athletics. McFadden’s case to court by suing Government Accountability Office According to NBC News, the federal the state of Maryland for sports (GAO) to research this gap at the government is requiring schools equality. After several legal battles, federal level. In the GAO’s 2010 nationwide to make “reasonable” it became clear there was a lack report, the number of students changes to sports programs so of structured guidance on athletic with disabilities participating in students with disabilities can programming and accessibility. sports was 56 percent lower than participate – or else, provide McFadden and her family were not students without disabilities. Most separate teams. The guidance, willing to give up, because they often, these students were excluded provided by the DOE’s Office of did not want others to feel the because of their disabilities. Civil Rights, was first prompted inequality she felt. “Sports is my Since these findings violate Section by well-known Paralympic athlete passion, paving access for others 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of Tatyana McFadden. is my purpose,” McFadden 1973 (regarding the provision states on her website, In high school, McFadden was of extracurricular activities tatyanamcfadden.com. denied the right to compete in for students with disabilities), events. Despite In an April 13, 2013, web the DOE was eager to “clarify being the youngest-ever athlete to conference, Lakowski and communicate schools’ compete at the Paralympics and described how her team responsibilities” to address this taking home a bronze and silver was able to successfully issue. U.S. Secretary of Education medal at the 2004 Paralympic pass first-of-its-kind legislation Arne Duncan introduced these

3 guidelines with a letter expressing the importance of providing an inclusive sporting environment in the same way academic programs are arranged.

“While it’s the coach’s job to pick the best team, students with disabilities must be judged based on their individual abilities, and not excluded because of generalizations, assumptions, prejudices or stereotypes,” he stated.

The guidelines highlight several instances where changes could be made. A laser could be used instead of a pistol to signal the start of a race to allow athletes with hearing impairments an equal start. Similarly, a swimmer with one arm should not be subjected to a two-hand touch rule to finish a swim trial. Photo courtesy of Joe Kusumoto/U.S. Paralympics Likewise, other adjustments should be made as long as they do not Tatyana McFadden, 10-time Paralympic medalist fundamentally change the sport or give anyone an advantage. order to provide competitive growth to sports programming for The report gave the example that experiences; students with disabilities, and she adding a fifth base in baseball to compares it to Title IX – women’s 2. Mix male and female students shorten the distance for runners equality in athletics. would be considered too much with disabilities on teams of an alteration. together; or “If you look at Title IX and you look at the Rehab Act, the language and 3. Offer ‘allied’ or ‘unified’ sports In addition to providing the statute itself are completely teams on which students with accessibility measures, the DOE identical. You interchange ‘sex’ disabilities participate with outlined that, if extracurricular with ‘disability,’ and you have the students without disabilities.” athletic programming cannot Rehab Act,” she said. effectively meet the needs of Quoted in Bloomberg, Kent Bauer the student, a school must make The DOE’s guidelines conclude of Disabled Sports USA asserts only other improvements to promote with a commitment to work 12 states – not including Indiana – involvement. The report states, with schools, families, communities have established athletic programs “When the number of students and athletic associations to ensure for students with disabilities. with disabilities at an individual equal opportunity in sports And at the NCAA level, Lakowski school is insufficient to field a activities is granted to all students. states there are fewer than 15 team, school districts can also: To connect with Indiana’s division colleges and universities offering of the DOE’s Office of Civil Rights, adapted programs for students 1. Develop district-wide or contact their Chicago office at with disabilities. Lakowski and regional teams for students [email protected]. ✴ with disabilities, as opposed many other advocates believe these to a school-based team, in new guidelines will bring positive

4 spark Go team! Sports for all abilities

o sport is off limits. There a total of 40 seconds to make a Like most adaptive sports, Nare a multitude of sporting goal. Fouls, such as direct physical wheelchair basketball contains the options for people with disabilities contact with a player or hitting traditional rules of the game. Core waiting to be played, and finding from the backside, result in loss of muscles are an important part of the right one shouldn’t be a possession or being sent to a one- play, especially as you shoot for challenge for anyone. minute penalty box. two- or three-pointers and free- throws. “Players should be able to For more information on quad Quad Rugby strap in and maneuver their chairs rugby, visit quadrugby.com. If you’ve seen the documentary without having to use their hands.” “Murderball,” you’ll know Wheelchair basketball There are also different types immediately how exciting it can Dribble, shoot, score . . . and don’t of defense strategies – usually a be to watch or play this sport. forget where to place your chair! zone defense instead of man-to- Quad rugby involves a four-person At any age level, competition is man. On offense, setting up picks, wheelchair team trying to move fierce as players maneuver their finding an open player who’s a volleyball across a goal line. wheelchairs around others to get ready to score and beating the It’s a fast-paced game involving the best position for a perfect shot clock are all part of play. “But bumping, stealing, hurdling and shot. That’s the advice from Jacob once you lose positioning on the making other jaw-dropping moves Patrick, sports program director court, it’s much more difficult to on a regulation basketball court. at Rehabilitation Hospital of gain it back like players can in the Players, who have quadriplegia, Indiana (RHI). Along with NBA,” Patrick said. maneuver around one another in his role overseeing sports their wheelchairs, helping to block The biggest question Patrick programming, he coaches young opponents, position themselves receives about the game is the children to learn fundamentals of for a pass or make a catch. Teams ruling on “traveling.” In wheelchair basketball and become “one” with have 12 seconds to advance the basketball, with every two pushes the wheelchair. ball to their side of the court and of a chair, players must dribble

5 And unlike the major league, only Power Soccer two “outs” are given during each After seeing one match of power of the team’s six innings. soccer, you might become hooked “It’s all about trust,” said Darnell – which was the case with Scott Booker, coach and player for the Kempf, Becky Newlin and Erin Indy Thunder, and part of the McAloon, Indiana power soccer Indiana team who won the game’s players and national competitors. 1990 World Series. He explained Power soccer is becoming one how critical it is for players to of the biggest adaptive sports in listen to each other during all Indiana and the nation. “It’s a aspects of the game. “Applause is really friendly atmosphere,” Kempf necessary, but silence is golden,” said. “And anyone can pick it up,” Booker said. Newlin added.

Indy Thunder player Zack Lee, According to Newlin, wheelchair who had never swung a baseball soccer is a big “dance,” and players Wheelchair basketball bat before joining the team, is have to learn the choreography. now ready to compete in the Players use chairs equipped with national tournament in Columbus, once or be called for traveling. modified speed settings that allow Ga., against a team from Taiwan. Players can hold the ball in their them to move and turn faster. Teammate Mike Dixon is also laps during play, but there’s Some players even use specialized looking forward to competition. always a risk that other players Strike Force chairs made just for “That’s why I do it,” Dixon said. will easily steal it away. the game. “I want to stay active and be During play, four teammates – a Beep baseball competitive.” center, two wingmen and a goalie A pitcher gives a verbal cadence, The Indy Thunder is always – use their power chairs to propel a batter who is blindfolded stands looking for volunteers and a soccer ball across a goal line. ready 20 feet away at home plate, fundraising. To learn more about To make a pass or drive the ball and quickly, a beeping softball is beep baseball, check out nbba.org. forward, players swing their chairs thrown, poised to make contact around and knock the ball toward with the bat. Anticipation is no less an intended direction. “You need dramatic than the major leagues as blindfolded players hit the ball into the field – sometimes hitting it more than 170 feet for a home run.

In beep baseball, players who are visually impaired are skilled at listening to their surroundings. After hitting the ball, they run toward one of two blaring base posts. Players in the field listen for verbal commands from spotters to know which of the six zones the ball is coming to and whether to dive right or left to try stopping the beeping ball. When a player makes it to the base before the outfield retrieves the ball, a run is scored. Beep baseball

6 spark to ramp up your speed to hit the ball hard,” McAloon said.

Perfecting aim can be a challenge, as both McAloon and Kempf are still working on theirs. Another important aspect is communication. “Players should always have an eye on the ball and tell each other where you are on the court,” McAloon said. Since players are not allowed to be within three meters of each other, they are challenged to focus on the ball and where teammates are at the same time.

“It’s an adrenaline rush,” Newlin said. “Your heart beats fast, and you get into it.” But all three Wheelchair tennis agree it’s much more of a mental exercise. “Three games into it, His experience at the national level Of course, these are not the only and I’m toast!” Newlin added. and his passion for the sport make team sport opportunities in the state. RHI and Turnstone, both McAloon recently returned from him a good resource for others Paralympic sports clubs, offer more a national competition in Arizona, learning the game. than 15 competitive sports teams while teammates Kempf and Wheelchair tennis players typically and numerous clinics for beginners Newlin just finished a tournament use a chair designed with a camber and advanced skill levels. Activities in Minnesota. Traveling and being (a slanted wheel which allows include waterskiing, rock climbing, able to compete with a variety sharper turning). The ball size, sailing, sled hockey, swimming, of different people – sometimes field and scoring system abide by cycling, horseback riding, fencing internationally – is one of the best standard regulations. The major and rowing. parts, according to Kempf. “It’s a difference in play is the two-bounce neat opportunity to be social with exception – a ball is allowed to If you’re interested in getting anyone across the world,” he said. bounce twice on the receiving side involved in a sport, both Hughes before executing a return hit. and Patrick encourage visiting Wheelchair tennis Paralympic.org, where you can Kevin Hughes, sports and When on the court, Hughes find a club offering a variety of recreation coordinator at Turnstone says players should always be adaptive sports in your area. in Fort Wayne, Ind., loves tennis. moving. Once players hit a ball Or, by connecting with your “Not only do I love the back-and- they should always head back to local parks department, you forth action, but I love that I can a center “hub.” This helps keep can see what sports are being play against anyone at any park. players from being vulnerable. But, offered and schedule lessons to I can go to any racquet club and constant moving, combined with learn how to play. If your local join a league,” he said. hand and eye coordination with parks department does not offer the ball, takes practice. accessible programming, bring Hughes, who has spina bifida and this to the attention of a parks uses a wheelchair, plays with the “The best thing to do is to make department program director to Turnstone Flyers tennis team and sure you pick up good habits from ensure accommodations are made oversees the sports activities and experienced people,” Hughes available. ✴ programs offered at Turnstone. pointed out. “Once you’re ready, you’ll be able to play with anyone.”

7

Andrew and Michael Peterson’s winning spirit

“Not only do we to stay active after middle school different talents. Their pride in the [athletes] compete ended. Not wanting to let Andrew’s organization is evident, and they abilities go untapped, his father have many cherished stories. to win in Special Craig signed him up to participate Prior to one meet, Andrew in a local 5K race. That training Olympics, we compete sprained his ankle. After not and experience boosted Andrew’s placing in several of his races, he to be included and running career – leading to four was determined not to give up. be accepted in our varsity high school letters – He wanted to leave the meet with and encouraged both brothers’ schools, our jobs and a gold medal, which he did in his involvement in Special Olympics. last race – the 1,500 meter run our neighborhoods.” Today, the brothers are members (roughly one mile). of the Washington Township ndrew Peterson, a talented Special Olympics in Marion runner, delivered this Michael’s love for singing and A County, Ind., and have earned memorable line in a speech to performing music became an their share of athletic success. more than 1,000 law enforcement additional outlet for him, and he officers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse was asked to sing the Star-Spangled Getting involved in Banner at the Special Olympics in Indianapolis. Andrew and his Special Olympics brother Michael – a shot putter and state summer games at Indiana runner – speak often to groups Special Olympics offers year- State University in June 2013. round sports training and athletic about their experiences competing Through their embodiment of competition in which the brothers in Special Olympics events around Special Olympics’ mission, the compete alongside other athletes Indiana because they know what brothers have been called upon with intellectual disabilities. The comprises a winning spirit – to showcase their spirit to others. organization became a haven motivation and support from others. Recently, they performed at a where both young men could “Respect Rally,” combining their More than eight years ago, the show their competitive spirit, motivational speaking and singing Petersons were looking for ways build camaraderie and express

8 spark talents for a crowd of 700 at Guerin About Special Catholic High School in Carmel, Ind. Olympics In total, Andrew has spoken at more than 25 events, and Michael has Special Olympics offers performed three times. more than 20 Olympic-type sports at a variety of levels For Michael, hanging out with peers or that accommodate a diverse attending social events organized by range of abilities. their Special Olympics chapter is very important to him. “People want to see Special Olympics wants its each other succeed,” Michael said. “It’s athletes to develop physical not a game where someone wins. It’s fitness, demonstrate about the team.” courage, experience joy, optimistic that students with special and participate in a sharing Equally, Andrew finds the competition needs will be more accepted in their of gifts, skills and friendship exciting. “I like the feeling when I cross schools and feel more motivated to with their families, other the finish line,” he said. His talent will get involved in sports through Special Special Olympics athletes allow him to compete nationally for Olympics.” and the community. This Indiana in the 2014 Special Olympics network expands to more USA competition in New Jersey. The Petersons hope to see this partnership grow and find support from than 3 million athletes in Special Olympics partners high schools statewide, and Special Special Olympics programs with IHSAA Olympics Indiana hopes this will increase throughout the country. participation in the program from 11,000 In December 2012, the Indiana High Special Olympics to 15,000 athletes with disabilities. School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Indiana announced a new partnership with Disability becomes secondary soindiana.org | (800) 742-0612 Special Olympics Indiana. The [email protected] partnership will encourage IHSAA’s 410 Throughout the summer, Andrew Special Olympics Indiana is member schools and more than 160,000 could be seen practicing with the divided into 10 geographic athletes and coaches to participate in Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School’s areas and offers competition Special Olympics events or create their cross-country team to ready himself and support for county own events to support the organization. for national competition. After gaining consent from the athletic director and programs located within Andrew helped engage IHSAA with coaches, Andrew began practicing in their regional boundaries. Special Olympics. He presented to the this inclusive setting that has pushed his More information about your 18-member student council making skills even further. Seeing Andrew in area can be found online the decision, and he spoke during the that environment, his brother Michael is at soindiana.org/programs/ official announcement. To see Andrew’s convinced that when you’re able to do area-directors. speech, visit youtu.be/YjUaJpxxy4I. something you enjoy and excel at, your disability becomes secondary. In a news release announcing the partnership, IHSAA Commissioner According to Craig Peterson, Brebeuf Bobby Cox commented on this exciting has become a model for other student opportunity. “[Partnering] with Special bodies to follow in its commitment to Olympics of Indiana may prove to be Special Olympics, and he has noticed one of the most profound decisions how well the student-athletes have made by the Association in the ongoing taken Andrew under their wings. development of student leaders in an Brebeuf also hosts several of the events education-based athletic setting.” at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Games, an annual competition organized by Mike Furnish, president and CEO of Special Olympics Indiana. ✴ Special Olympics Indiana, agreed. “By partnering with the IHSAA we’re

9

Win big by staying active

he World Health Organization serotonin – in the brain, which advancement can be linked to Trecommends all adults engage help to improve mood, manage involvement in sports. High school in a combination of 150 minutes of stress and boost energy. student-athletes were less likely moderate physical activity (such as to use drugs or smoke cigarettes In addition, regular physical walking briskly) and 75 minutes of and had higher grade-point activity helps maintain a healthy vigorous physical activity (such as averages, lower dropout rates body weight, and improves muscle playing wheelchair basketball or and a better chance of attending tone and the ability to complete running) per week. Why? To keep college than non student-athletes. daily life tasks. It also increases you healthy and to live a long, Additionally, sports promote cardiovascular fitness, strength, fulfilling life! Here’s a quick look at teamwork, leadership, hard work bone health and even sleep how sports positively benefit your and determination – all important quality. overall well-being. qualities for employment or work in the community. Health benefits of sports Lifestyle benefits of sports and physical activities and physical activity Jacob Patrick, sports program According to the U.S. Department director at Rehabilitation Hospital Whether you choose to participate of Health and Human Services, of Indiana (RHI), sees many in a team or an individual sport, social, academic and career people with disabilities experience social, mental and physical benefits abound. According to the President’s Council on Physical “Just keep at it. There always seems Fitness and Sports, active people report higher self-confidence and to be a way to get around any problems, self-esteem, and reduced levels of so don’t let anything keep you from anxiety and depression. Physical activity releases positive chemicals giving it a real chance.” – endorphins, adrenaline and –Kacie Weldy

10 spark these benefits first-hand, particularly Tips for when they engage in a team sport. getting and He pointed out that participating in staying active: team sports provides the chance to experience new environments and meet new people.

“The mental benefits are big,” Patrick said. “It’s an opportunity to get out of the house and connect with people who have been through similar SET GOALS experiences; friendships grow when Set physical activity goals people get involved.” you can reach.

Choosing activities that are right for you Trying new activities may feel intimidating at first, but reaching outside your comfort zone can open TRACK PROGRESS you up to fun experiences and help Track what you do. you accomplish new goals.

“I would encourage anyone who is unsure or uncertain about starting a Kacie Weldy and her assistance dog, Rei. new sport to just come and check it out,” Patrick said. “Most facilities or sports programs would be absolutely Engage in physical activity REWARD YOURSELF safely fine with people just coming to watch Reward yourself when you and ask questions.” If you plan to begin physical activity, meet your goals. remember to “start low and go slow.” Kacie Weldy, a married mother of three Steadily increase how often and how who has hearing and sight impairments, long activities are done over time. chose to run in Indianapolis’ 500 Remind yourself that some physical Festival Mini-Marathon in 2010 and activity is better than none. 2011. She was the first participant to ever use an assistance dog at the “Most of all, just keep at it,” Weldy said. event. Though she experienced ups “There always seems to be a way to SEEK SUPPORT and downs while working with race get around any problems, so don’t let Seek support from coordinators to make it possible – anything keep you from giving it a your friends and family and tested her physical limits during real chance.” ✴ members. Ask them to training – she ultimately crossed the join you in your activities. finish line with a smile.

“My encouragement to others would be to give [activity] a try, and to get hooked up with a support group,” Weldy said. “There are lots of options DON’T GIVE UP available, and getting plugged in with If you miss a day, don’t quit. other people makes a big difference Just start again. and keeps you motivated.”

Source: “Healthy Living.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov/ncbddd/ disabilityandhealth/healthyliving.html

11 Sports injuries – know the risks, stay in the game

njuries are a common the American Association of 51 injuries from moveable soccer Ioccurrence in sports and Neurological Surgeons found that goals according to NCCSIR. physical activity. According to the out of 447,000 sports-related head Athletes with disabilities also must Centers for Disease Control and injuries reported in 2009, 86,000 consider how injuries might impact Prevention (CDC), many athletes were attributed to cycling, 47,000 their daily lives. Athletes who don’t under age 14 were injured while were due to football and 38,394 have use of their legs should know playing sports, including: were acquired from baseball. the risks associated with arm • 28% of football players Knowing the risks injuries, and people experiencing • 25% of baseball players paralysis should be mindful their Athletes can’t avoid every injury, bones are easier to break because • 22% of soccer players and it’s important to be mindful of of their low bone density. • 15% of basketball players, and some of the risks when engaging • 12% of softball players in activity. Steps to injury prevention

In addition: While we might think most sports Stuart Willick, M.D., medical injuries are singular, traumatic offices of the International • More than 3.5 million kids events, the most common types Paralympic Committee, recommends under age 14 receive medical are actually overuse or overexertion viewing sports injury prevention in treatment for sports injuries caused by improper rapid a holistic manner. “There is no one each year – nearly 40% of all acceleration of intensity, duration factor that can prevent injuries; sports-related injuries treated or frequency. STOPsportsinjury.org they happen for different reasons.” in hospitals. explains our bodies have a To reduce risk, he recommends a • Injuries associated with tremendous capacity to adapt to prevention plan that includes: participation in sports and physical stress, but we can’t always • Increasing physical training recreation account for 21% of all tell if our bodies are reacting gradually traumatic brain injuries among positively or negatively. children in the United States. • Using proper, safe equipment Neglect of proper safety measures • Engaging in rule-abiding play • More than half of all sports is also a risk. According to the • Maintaining good nutrition injuries in children are CDC, one-third of parents do preventable. not have their children take STOPsportsinjuries.org provides a Gaining mainstream press in the same safety precautions at variety of resources covering ways recent years, football has a practice that they would during common injuries can be prevented reputation for causing a majority a game. The American College when playing popular sports. of serious and fatal injuries. of Sports Medicine states 85% of Using the expert insight, sport However, the National Center casual runners and athletes wear tips and guides for parents and for Catastrophic Sport Injury shoes that are too small. And, coaches on this website, you can Research (NCCSIR) has found the equipment-related injuries are also learn how to stay safe and keep injury rate per 100,000 athletes is unfortunately common. From 1979 yourself in the game. ✴ higher in both gymnastics and ice to 2008, there were 34 deaths and hockey than football. Moreover,

12 spark Photo courtesy of John Kropewnicki / Shutterstock.com

Sports gadgets and tech get you in the game

f you don’t think you’re able to with disabilities to participate in suited for people with disabilities. Iparticipate in sports because bowling. Releasing the ball down This partnership was spurred by a of your disability, think again! a ramp onto the lane is as simple letter Walzer wrote to Nike’s CEO Thanks to many new assistive as pressing a switch. in 2012. Read more from Walzer’s devices, equipment and other blog, 11championshipsandcounting. For those looking to enjoy ice technology, people with disabilities blogspot.com. skating, three models of adaptive can safely enjoy their favorite ice skates have been developed Silverts.com also offers adaptive sports and live an active and by skate manufacturer Riedell running shoe options for men healthier lifestyle. Shoe Company in conjunction and women. Sports equipment with Gliding Stars, an adaptive ice skating program (glidingstars.org). Accessibility in the Handcycles – bicycles that are great outdoors connected to a wheelchair and To view adaptive equipment If activity in the great outdoors operated using your hands – are available for many other sports is what you’re after, there are a popular among people with and leisure activities, visit variety of activities waiting for you. disabilities. Riomobility.com has a Abledata.com. Click the Products Indiana’s state parks have several selection of handcycles available. tab and search for a variety accessible elevated platforms for of products for sale under the Golfers can try the Sagamore Shaft use at archery ranges. Or, find Recreation category. from Sagamoregolfcompany.com to the perfect wheelchair-accessible stabilize forearms during swings. The right shoe for fishing pier at Clark State Forest, Or, try the ball and marker pick-up the right sport Dream Lake, Green-Sullivan State clamp from Northcroftgolf.com. Forest or Starve Hollow state Nike is currently working with recreation areas. But, don’t forget The Poss-I-Bowl (bowlingramps. 16-year-old Matthew Walzer, who your hunting or fishing license! com) is a switch-controlled has cerebral palsy, to develop a Veterans with disabilities in device that allows individuals basketball and running shoe better Indiana are eligible for discounted

13 licenses upon approval of an application. The cost for this license is $2.75 per year and covers the hunting of small game and fishing. People with developmental disabilities or who are blind do not need a fishing license.

People with disabilities may also obtain a special permit along with a standard hunting license that allows the use of a vehicle on state or federal land. Contact Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for more information at dnr. Accessible hunting platforms are available in some Indiana state parks. in.gov/fishwild or (317) 232-4200.

Hitting the trails on horseback at the park. If you’d like your own and ADA compliance for Indiana can also be an exciting activity horse-drawn cart, Long can help Department of Natural Resources, to consider. Trail enthusiast Rick custom make one for you. Contact at (317) 232-4145. Long custom built a wagon for his him at [email protected]. wheelchair (see below) and enjoys Don’t let a disability keep you taking it out to O’Bannon Woods For more information on away from sports and physical State Park to ride the horse-drawn assistive devices and features activity. Find out which assistive wagon trails. He gives high praise that can be used free of charge devices work best for you and to O’Bannon State Park’s staff who at Indiana state parks, contact get up and get active! ✴ work hard to ensure accessibility Ric Edwards, director of safety

Rick Long and his custom-built accessible wagon.

14 spark Sports Resources

Activeamp.org League of Miracles Special Outdoor Leisure activeamp.org leagueofmiracles.org Opportunities Sports and recreation resources (317) 840-2636 skisolomichiana.org [email protected] for people who are amputees. Conducts an adapted downhill Provides information on many An accessible baseball field and skiing program and a cross-country types of sports and adaptations, program for people with mobility and snowshoeing program for as well as types of prosthetic limbs limitations in Morgan County, Ind. St. Joseph County, Ind., residents modified for sports. with disabilities. National Center on Health, American Association of Physical Activity, and Turnstone Adapted Sports Programs Disability turnstone.org | (866) 483-1278 adaptedsports.org | (404) 294-0070 ncpad.org | (800) 900-8086 (toll free) [email protected] [email protected] Provides information and resources Paralympic sports club in Fort Assists school systems that want on inclusive or adapted activities Wayne, Ind., that provides co-ed to develop and offer adapted and sports, including state-specific adaptive sports and clinics for sports for their students with information. people with physical disabilities. physical disabilities. National Inclusive Martial The United States Power Blaze Sports America Arts Academy Soccer Association blazesports.org | (404) 270-2000 indstate.edu/nimaa | (812) 237-3210 powersoccerusa.net Offers information on how Part of Indiana State University in Promotes power soccer, providing to create adapted sports and Terre Haute, Ind., it assists Martial tournament play and contact recreation programs for children Arts programs and provides information for registered teams, and adults with physical information about programs including nine in Indiana. disabilities. that offer adaptive instruction. USA Paralympics Makoa Professional Association of findaclub.usparalympics.org makoa.org Therapeutic Horsemanship Supports athletes and connects Provides links to many resources. International organizations that provide sports Click on Travel and Recreation pathintl.org | (800) 369-7433 (toll free) opportunities for people with Resources as well as Sports Has a searchable database that physical and visual disabilities. Training and Athletic Competition. includes 23 different Indiana In addition, Warrior Games organizations that offer programs. (teamusa.org/warriorgames) is Disabled Sports USA a Paralympic-style competition disabledsportsusa.org Rehabilitation Hospital of for wounded, ill and injured (301) 217-0960 Indiana military service members and Chapters all over the U.S. provide rhin.com/rhi-sports-program veterans. Indiana currently has opportunities from mountain (317) 329-2000 six Paralympic clubs. climbing to scuba diving. Indiana Provides competitive and non- chapters include Special Outdoor competitive athletic programs for Leisure Opportunities in South people with physical disabilities. Bend, Ind., and Turnstone Center in Fort Wayne, Ind.

15 Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID 402 W. Washington St., Room E145 Permit #7374 Indianapolis, IN 46204 Indianapolis, IN Address Service Requested

ignite thoughts into action

We welcome your suggestions for newsletter content and ideas concerning the actions of the Council. phone: (317) 232-7770 email: [email protected] www.in.gov/gpcpd

Honor those who make our communities better

The Governor’s Council Community Spirit Awards To submit a nomination, visit www.in.gov/gpcpd program recognizes individuals and groups who and click on the “catch the community spirit” help make our communities more inclusive for logo. The entry deadline is October 4, 2013. people with disabilities. The Council is now Awards will be announced at the 2013 accepting nominations for the 2013 awards in Dream to Dare Conference. the Distinguished Leadership and Disability Awareness Month categories.

The deadline for entries is October 4, 2013