Guide to Adaptive Rowing (Updated: February 2015) 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS USRowing would like to thank the following people for their contribution to the production of this manual. Editor: Debbie Hoefler Arenberg Individual Contributors: Richard Butler, Tom Darling, Ron Harvey, Brett Johnson, Jennifer Kierstead, Beth Kohl, Karen Lewis, Mark McAndrew, Kirsten Meisner, Ellen Minzner, Tara Morgan, Judy Morrison, Regina Navia, Joy Nix, Volker Nolte and the USRowing Safety Committee. Program Contributions: • Bridge2Sports, Durham, N.C. • Community Rowing Inc., Boston, Mass. • Connecticut Adaptive Rowing Program, Conn. • Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing, Pa. • Rio Salado Adaptive Rowing, Ariz. • Southeastern Adaptive Sculling, Ga. • Three Rivers Rowing Association, Pittsburg, Pa. • US Paralympics • U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Rowing Photos: Deb Arenberg, Tom Darling, Brett Johnson, Ed Moran, Row2k, and Hope Wilkinson. This manual is dedicated to the adaptive athletes, families, coaches, volunteers and equipment manufacturers who have contributed and supported the growth and development of adaptive and para-rowing. USRowing 2 Wall Street Princeton, NJ 08540 1-800-314-4ROW www.usrowing.org 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Part I – Introduction to Adaptive Rowing What is Adaptive Rowing? Para-Rowing? ............................................................ 6 Benefits of Rowing for the Disabled Athlete & Rowing Club................................. 9 History of Paralympics ........................................................................................ 11 Timeline of Adaptive Rowing in the US............................................................... 13 America Rows—Diversity & Inclusion Initiative................................................... 14 Part II - Learning about Disability Disability- What to say and how.......................................................................... 19 Guidelines for talking about Disability ................................................................. 20 Disability Etiquette .............................................................................................. 22 American Disability Act Basics............................................................................ 24 Part III - Getting Started, FISA Sport Group Classification, Events What is an adaptive rowing program? ................................................................ 26 Classification for Para-Rowing........................................................................... 27 Spinal Column Description/Function................................................................... 29 Classification - Leg, Trunk, Arms (LTA) .............................................................. 31 Classification - Leg, Trunk, Arms- Visually Impaired (VI).................................... 32 Classification - LTA Equipment Considerations.................................................. 33 Classification - Trunk, Arms (TA) ........................................................................ 34 Classification - TA Equipment Considerations.................................................... 35 Classification - Arms and Shoulders (AS)........................................................... 36 Classification - AS Equipment Considerations.................................................... 36 World Rowing Federation (FISA) ........................................................................ 38 Para- and non-Para Rowing Events ................................................................... 39 Adaptive Rowing Event Time Handicaps............................................................ 41 Referee Quick-Reference Guide......................................................................... 42 Programming – Plans for long-term success ...................................................... 45 Part IV – Adaptive Checklists & Forms Facility Accessibility & Checklist ......................................................................... 46 Getting the athlete started - initial athlete process.............................................. 49 Tools - Sample Adaptive Rowing Member Form ................................................ 51 Safety - Protocol, Supervising an Adaptive Program.......................................... 53 Safety - Sample of traffic pattern ........................................................................ 55 Adaptive Athlete Documentation - Communication ............................................ 56 Tools - Sample Rigging Cards, Swim/Float Form............................................... 57 Coaching - Athlete Progression .......................................................................... 59 3 Part V- Coaching Considerations for Specific Disabilities Amputation.......................................................................................................... 61 Appliances .......................................................................................................... 62 Cerebral Palsy .................................................................................................... 63 Cognitive and Brain Impairment.......................................................................... 63 Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)................................................................................ 64 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)............................................................. 65 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) ....................................................................... 68 Epilepsy .............................................................................................................. 69 Spinal Cord Injury ............................................................................................... 70 Hearing Impairment ............................................................................................ 72 Wheelchairs & Mobility Devices.......................................................................... 72 Visual Impairment ............................................................................................... 73 Part VI – Equipment Boats................................................................................................................... 75 Fixed Seats ......................................................................................................... 80 Erg Adaptations .................................................................................................. 81 Custom Equipment ............................................................................................. 82 Pontoons............................................................................................................. 83 Strapping............................................................................................................. 84 Drop in rigs.......................................................................................................... 86 Grip Aids ............................................................................................................. 87 Seat Track Amendments .................................................................................... 88 Oarlocks.............................................................................................................. 89 Foot Adaptations................................................................................................. 89 Padding............................................................................................................... 90 Seat Pads ........................................................................................................... 91 Transfer Options ................................................................................................. 92 Communication Aids/ Software........................................................................... 94 Part VII – Programming & Volunteers Programming ...................................................................................................... 96 Volunteers........................................................................................................... 97 Tools - Sample Volunteer Application................................................................. 99 Volunteer Training Checklist ............................................................................... 97 Volunteer Recruitment ...................................................................................... 101 Volunteer Record Keeping................................................................................ 102 4 Part VIII – The IRS and Non Profit Status Non Profit Certification Process ........................................................................ 103 IRS 501c3 Guide............................................................................................... 104 Part IX - Grant Writing Grant Writing Guide .......................................................................................... 109 Grant Organizations.......................................................................................... 111 Part X – Adaptive Rigging & Technique Rigging.............................................................................................................. 116 US Adaptive Rigging Standards ....................................................................... 118 Training ............................................................................................................. 119 Adaptive Rowing