Dance/Movement Therapy and Autism

With numbers now being reported from the Center for Disease Control that 1 within 68
children have an autism diagnosis, its pretty clear that autism is a major health crisis,
yet still in many ways it is a medical mystery.
Families of those with autism are constantly seeking alternative ways to support their
children and there are billions of research dollars spent to find the best method,
the best approach, and the best way to help people with autism rise to their fullest
potential. Dance/movementtherapy is one approach that is gaining more attention for its
unique capacity to work directly with the core deficits of autism.
As a form of creative arts therapy, dance/movement therapy occurs within a therapeutic
relationship with a credentialed therapist and uses the expressive elements of dance
and movement as a method of assessment and intervention. The goal of
dance/movement therapy is not like that of a dance class where teaching stylized steps
or routines are the focus, nor is it an exercise class, directly focusing on the
development of motor skill or physical release. All of these goals certainly can be
addressed, but there is so much more that occurs. Instead, dance/movement therapy is
a carefully attuned therapeutic process that can look differently depending upon its
participants. A therapist can work with one individual at a time, focusing on individual
needs or with others in a small group, attending to moments of shared focus and social
engagement. They can also work alongsideparents and families helping them to build
the quality of the parent/child relationship. Dance/movement therapy has the capacity to
meet people with autism in many ways. This approach is not only unique, but unlike
many treatment approaches in autism, the goal in dance/movement therapy is to
channel the communication patterns into dances of relationship.
Because there is such a wide spectrum, there isnt really one way that works for all as
the entry point for building connection with those with autism. Instead, the entry point
in order to build relationship, has to start from where the person is. We need to learn
whattheir way of processing is. We need to ask ourselves how do I
speak their language first in order to find a place of mutuality? The only universal
language is a language that is communicated through our bodies and through our

movements. It is universal because we all communicate nonverbally whether we have

an autism spectrum disorder or not. So thathas to be the place where we begin. As a
dance/movement therapist, I help make sense out of the meaning that occurs within this
kind of non-verbal exchange.

Source:

Here is an example of how dance/movement therapy has been used to connect

nonverbally, and build meaning from this connection. I worked for several years with a
girl on the autism spectrum who, along with her parents, had dealt with many
challenges typical to this disorder. She had very limited verbal communication. She was
highly invested in objects, and things rather than people or the social interactions with
others. Her sensory system was often over stimulated and this overwhelmed her and
she could become agitated and anxious, even aggressive. I remember a day very
vividly when we were moving together in a dance/movement therapy group with other
children and we were warming up our torso, twisting from side to side and joining
through a unifying rhythm. Just the experience of moving in rhythm together meant we
were joined together. This was joyful and enlivening. At one point, in our twisting dance
we actually began twisting towards each other spontaneously, and then away. This
dance became a metaphor in our relationship, the movement towards, and the
movement away. I am often reminded that even if these children move away from me.
The action of choosing to reject my social invitations is still a way of relating. Rejection
is still a form of social communication. Therefore, when the twisting towards and away
happened that day, I invited it, and used the dance process to expand it and turn it into
a dance of communication. As we twisted towards each other, I put my hand up and
non-verbally offered to connect with her hand. She took me up on this offer and touched

her hand with mine. Our twisting dance became less about moving away and more
about moving towards each other. This spontaneous greeting that occurred non-verbally
then turned into a wave, then grew spontaneously into a high five, and culminated in a
verbal expression, she said, hi.
ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

This was quite a moment for us. We had made connection. I felt it and so did she. All of
this began from a process of following her cues, meeting her in her language first. The
initial communication through the body eventually led to a spontaneous verbal
expression, initiated directly from her own expressive self. All of this grew directly out of
the spirit of play and movement expression that enlivened social interaction and
relationship formation. While moving in rhythm together, there was a sense of
community, connection, and an experience for both of us that we were not alone, but
together.
It is important to note that the intention is to first understand the person with autism,
to joinwith them, and then to help them modify their communication in a way so that
repetitive restrictive behaviors can become channeled, the nervous system can settle,
and social engagement can begin. This is dance/movement therapys starting point.
These powerful moments dont happen all the time, the process is important. The
experiences of following rhythm, pacing, and the establishment of a trusting therapeutic
alliance is important to any treatment process. However, they are also important in the
parent-child experience.
There is a true reality here. The lack of social reciprocity from children with autism as
well as their behavioral disturbances and language deficits, tends to make this disorder
difficult and stressful for parents in a manner that is different from other developmental
disorders. Parents rely as much on the childs communication signals as the child relies
on the parents signals. So, the loss of this engagement and intentional, interaction can
feel devastating. Unfortunately, there is no treatment right now that can address the
biology of autism, but dance/movement therapy can certainly directly address this
deep human effect of autism. By helping parents experience how to attune, join,

connect, and understand their child through the use of nonverbal language,
dance/movement therapy can support parents in forming warm, empathic and satisfying
relationships with their children.
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Feeling understood, for all of us, is a biological imperative. People with autism are no
exception. Neither are their parents and families.
Therefore, the major strength that dance/movement therapy has in working with people
with autism is its ability to produce treatment outcomes in the area of social relatedness,
especially in the formation of relationships.
The journey into truly understanding autism requires resonance into their language; we
can begin to do this by first making human to human contactthe first way to do this is
through our bodies.
Click here to watch a video of this speech from the "ADTA Talks."
Dance/movement therapy, usually referred to simply as dance therapy or DMT, is a
type of therapy that uses movement to help individuals achieve emotional,
cognitive, physical, and social integration. Beneficial for both physical and mental
health, dance therapy can be used for stress reduction, disease prevention, and
mood management. In addition, DMT's physical component offers increased
muscular strength, coordination, mobility, and decreased muscular tension.
Dance/movement therapy can be used with all populations and with individuals,
couples, families, or groups. In general, dance therapy promotes self-awareness,
self-esteem, and a safe space for the expression of feelings.
What Kind of Issues Can Dance Therapy Help With?

Dance therapists work with people in therapy to help them improve their body
image and self-esteem. Dance/movement therapy is a versatile form of therapy
founded on the idea that motion and emotion are interconnected. The creative
expression of dance therapy can bolster communication skills and inspire dynamic
relationships. It is commonly used to treat physical, psychological, cognitive, and
social issues such as:

Physical Issues:

Chronic pain
Childhood obesity
Cancer
Arthritis
Hypertension
Cardiovascular disease
Mental Health Issues:

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Anxiety
Depression
Disordered eating
Poor self-esteem
Posttraumatic stress
Cognitive Issues:

Dementia
Communication issues
Social Issues:

Autism
Aggression/violence
Domestic violence trauma
Social interaction

Family conflict
How Effective Is Dance Therapy?

Research has demonstrated that dance therapy can be effective in the treatment of
mental health issues like disordered eating, depression, and anxiety. Some recent
examples include:

A study from the journal The Arts in Psychotherapy (2007) found that dance therapy
had a positive effect on participants experiencing symptoms of depression.
A study from the American Journal of Dance Therapy (2004), in which 54 students
participated in a dance therapy violence prevention program, found that aggression
among participants decreased and pro-social behaviors increased.
A study from Alzheimer's Care Today (2009) suggests that DMT can directly improve
memory recall in people with dementia.
A literature review from the American Journal of Dance Therapy indicated that DMT
may be a treatment option for children on the autism spectrum.
Due to its social and physical components, dance/movement therapy is also being
considered as a treatment option for childhood obesity.
Although further research is needed to determine how effective DMT can be in other
settings, it continues to show promise as a viable treatment modality for many
physical and mental health issues.

Principles of Dance Therapy

DMT sessions often include observation, assessment, warm-ups, interventions,

verbal processing, and warm-down phases focused on closure. Sessions can be
highly structured or non-directive and may be conducted individually or in groups.
Although each dance/movement therapist will have his or her own style, certified
dance/movement therapists adhere to the following mission and theoretical
principles:

Mission:

Facilitate life-span development.

Prevent, diagnose, and treat issues that interfere with healthy functioning.

Assess, evaluate, and develop treatment goals.

Implement planned interventions.
Develop and adjust treatment to continuously meet the needs of the client.
Key Principles:

Body and mind are interconnected so that a change in one impacts the other.
Movement can express aspects of the personality.
Part of the therapeutic relationship is communicated through non-verbal means.
Movements can be symbolic and can represent unconscious material/processes.
Movement improvisation/experimentation can bring about new ways of being.
How Is Dance Therapy Different from Regular Dancing?

Most people understand that dancing can be good for their health; it improves
cardiovascular endurance, muscle tone, balance, and coordination. Dance can also
boost a persons mood, improve his or her body image, and provide an opportunity
for fun that may lower overall stress and anxiety. While these elements are certainly
beneficial, dance/movement therapy takes therapeutic dance to another level.

People in treatment with a qualified dance therapist have the right to

confidentiality, and dance therapists provide a safe space for people to express
themselves. Movement becomes more than exerciseit becomes a language.
People in treatment communicate conscious and unconscious feelings through
dance, which allows a therapist to respond in kind. Dance therapists help people
work on issues through the use of a movement vocabulary that is centered
around physical expression instead of words.

Dance/movement therapists assess body language, non-verbal behaviors, and

emotional expressions. Treatment interventions are tailored to address the needs of
certain populations. Some intervention examples may include:

Utilizing mirroring (matching/echoing the person's movements) to illustrate

empathy for an individual and validation of his or her experience.
Incorporating jumping rhythms into a dance with a group of people experiencing
depression because research has shown decreased levels of vertical movement in
people with depression.

Making use of a movement metaphor to help a person physically demonstrate a

therapeutic challenge or achievement (e.g. the therapist gives the person in
treatment a white flag prop to help him or her celebrate an emotional surrender).

Systematic review of dance (movement) therapy and ballroom dances as a

therapeutic intervention for adults. 13 RCTs were identified with mostly small
samples. Dance (movement) therapy had a positive impact for patients with
breast cancer, improving quality of life as well as for patients with depression,
decreasing psychological distress. Ballroom dances such as Tango improved
balance and coordination in patients with Parkinson and cardiopulmonary training in
patients with heart failure grades I and II.

Keywords

BalDance

Exercise for Seniors

by SHANNON SUKOVATY Last Updated: Oct 12, 2015

Seniors should do some type of aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes every day,
according to FamilyDoctor.org. Dancing is an effective way to add aerobic exercise to
your weekly routine. There are many dance exercise DVDs that you can use at home,
or check out your local community center for dance exercise classes that are
specifically for seniors. Always check with your doctor prior to beginning any new diet or
fitness program.
Benefits
Dance exercise is an aerobic activity that burn calories, works the heart muscle and is
appropriate for any age and level of fitness. Dance requires constant movement at your

own pace, which elevates the heart rate to pump oxygen faster through your blood. This
is what makes it aerobic, or cardiovascular. Doing aerobics five to six days a week can
help improve your energy levels, reduces risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and
diabetes, strengthens your heart and improves your overall mood. The American
Council on Exercise suggests that dancing for aerobic fitness also can help improve
your memory.
Types
Many types of dance exercise programs are available and there are many ways you can
use dance for fitness. Many community centers, churches and school programs offer
senior dance exercise classes. Classes such as low-impact aerobics, salsa, jazz, tap,
martial arts style dance, ballroom and even chair aerobics are easy to join since you
can work at your own pace. Prior to beginning a new dance exercise class ask the
instructor if you can watch or try one class for free. This will help you decide which style
of class is right for you. Choose a class that provides clear instruction and is for any
level. If you prefer working out at home choose a DVD that is appropriate for your skill
level. Another way to use dance as aerobic exercise is to turn on your favorite music
and move.
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Dance as Therapy
Dance exercise also can be effective physical therapy for seniors. Dance therapy
improves gait and balance in seniors, which can decrease your risk of falling, according
to the April 2010 Science Daily. Dance therapy encourages seniors to move in different
directions from everyday movement. This helps improve overall balance, stamina and
walking speed which are major risk factors in falling. Dance therapy classes are offered
in many hospitals and health centers.
Safety
When participating in dance exercise always make sure you are working at a level that
is comfortable for you. Your heart rate should stay at a comfortable pace and you should

never put stress on your joints or back with any movements. If you have back or joint
problems have your doctor advise you on modifications.
Misconceptions
There are a wide variety of dance exercise programs for all ages and skill levels, but
many people are afraid to try it, thinking you have to know how to dance prior to taking a
class. Most dance exercise classes require no formal training and are taught in a way
that anyone can do it. Many dance exercise classes offer a trail class to see if it is right
for you. Prior to trying the class talk to the teacher about any concerns you may hav
lroom dances; Dance; Dance (movement) therapy; Randomized controlled trials;
Systematic review
Dance Therapy

Dance Therapy is a form of self-expression that can be used to help a person

therapeutically. Dance therapists are counselors who are specifically trained in
dance therapy. In a guided therapeutic context, the therapist helps a person to
express his or her unconscious feelings and to achieve relief and emotional healing
through movement. Psychic conflicts are addressed on the mental, emotional,
physical and spiritual levels, leading to greater harmony between these levels and
enhanced mind-body integration. Dance therapy may be offered privately, but it is
more common to be provided in institutional, organizational or community settings.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a verbal therapy that has been demonstrated by

many research studies to be the most effective approach for a variety of
psychological problems. The therapy relationship is collaborative and goal-oriented,
and the focus on thoughts, beliefs, assumptions and behaviors is key. In CBT, the
goal is for a person to develop more realistic and rational perspectives, and make
healthier behavioral choices, as well as to feel relief from negative emotional states.
Specific techniques, strategies and methods are used to help people to improve
their mood, relationships and work performance.

Schema Therapy is similar to cognitive therapy in that the focus is on correcting

problems in a persons habitual patterns of thinking and feeling, and corresponding
difficulties in his or her behavioral coping style. The focus is on identifying and
understanding, and then challenging and overcoming the long-standing
maladaptive patterns in thinking, feeling and behavior that create obstacles for a
person in getting needs met and attaining life goals. As with standard CBT, the goal
is for the person to feel better and enjoy greater life satisfaction.

CTA is a network of experienced therapists

Dance

The term Movement Therapy is often associated with dance therapy. Some dance
therapists work privately with people who are interested in personal growth. Others
work in mental health settings with autistic, brain injured and learning disabled
children, the elderly, and disabled adults.
Laban Movement Analysis (LMA)

Laban movement analysis (LMA), formerly known as Effort-Shape is a

comprehensive system for discriminating, describing, analyzing, and categorizing
movements. LMA can be applied to dance, athletic coaching, fitness, acting,
psychotherapy, and a variety of other professions. Certified movement analysts can
"observe recurring patterns, note movement preferences, assess physical blocks
and dysfunctional movement patterns, and the suggest new movement patterns."
As a student of Rudolf Laban, Irmgard Bartenieff developed his form of movement
analysis into a system of body training or reeducation called Bartenieff
fundamentals (BF). The basic premise of this work is that once the student
experiences a physical foundation, emotional, and intellectual expression become
richer. BF uses specific Movement Therapy that are practiced on the floor, sitting,
or standing to engage the deeper muscles of the body and enable a greater range
of movement.

The Mensendieck System

The Mensendieck system of functional movement techniques is both
corrective and preventative. Bess Mensendieck, a medical doctor,
developed a series of Movement Therapy to reshape, rebuild and
revitalize the body. A student of this approach learns to use the
conscious will to relax muscles and releases tension. There are more
than 200 Movement Therapy sequences that emphasize correct
and graceful body movement through everyday activities. Unlike
other Movement Therapy approaches this work is done undressed
or in a bikini bottom, in front of mirrors. This allows the student to
observe and feel where a movement originates. Success has been
reported with many conditions including Parkinson's disease, muscle
and joint injuries, and repetitive strain injuries.

The Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique is another functional approach to
Movement Therapy. In this approach a teacher gently uses hands
and verbal directions to subtly guide the student through
movements such as sitting, standing up, bending and walking. The
Alexander technique emphasizes balance in the neck-head
relationship. A teacher lightly steers the students head into the
proper balance on the tip of the spine while the student is moving in
ordinary ways. The student learns to respond to movement
demands with the whole body, in a light integrated way. This
approach to movement is particularly popular with actors and other
performers.

Eastern Movement Therapies

Such Eastern movement therapies as yoga, t'ai chi, and qigong are
also effective in healing and preventing a wide range of physical
disorders, encouraging emotional stability, and enhancing spiritual
awareness. There are a number of different approaches to yoga.
Some emphasize the development of physical strength, flexibility,
and alignment. Other forms of yoga emphasize inner awareness,
opening, and meditation.
Source - WebMD

Equine-Assisted Therapy
More recently, a form of Movement Therapy that involves horses
has gained fresh attention. It is variously known as therapeutic
riding or equine-assisted therapy. Therapeutic riding originated with
a Swedish horsewoman who lost her ability to walk when she
contracted polio in 1946, and was determined to recover by
returning to horseback riding. She eventually won a silver medal in
the 1952 Olympics. Therapeutic riding programs allow persons with
physical, psychological, or learning disabilities to gain self-esteem
and social growth as well as improved balance, body awareness, and
physical strength.

Continuum Movement
Continuum movement has also been shown to be effective in
treating neurological disorders including spinal chord injury.
Developed by Emilie Conrad and Susan Harper, continuum
movement is an inquiry into the creative flux of our body and all of
life. Sound, breath, subtle and dynamic movements are explored
that stimulate the brain and increase resonance with the fluid world
of movement. The emphasis is upon unpredictable, spontaneous or
spiral movements rather than a linear movement pattern. According
to Conrad, "Awareness changes how we physically move. As we
become more fluid and resilient so do the mental, emotional, and
spiritual movements of our lives."

Body-Mind Centering (BMC)

Body-mind centering (BMC) was developed by Bonnie Bainbridge
Cohen and is a comprehensive educational and therapeutic
approach to movement. BMC practitioners use movement, touch,
guided imagery, developmental repatterning, dialogue, music, large
balls, and other props in an individual session to meet the needs of
each person. BMC encourages people to develop a sensate
awareness and experience of the ligaments, nerves, muscles, skin,
fluids, organs, glands, fat, and fascia that make up one's body. It has
been effective in preventing and rehabilitating from chronic injuries
and in improving neuromuscular response in children with cerebral
palsy and other neurological disorders.

Kinetic Awareness
Kinetic awareness developed by dancer-choreographer Elaine
Summers, emphasizes emotional and physical inquiry. Privately or in
a group, a teacher sets up situations for the student to explore the
possible causes of pain and movement restrictions within the body.
Rubber balls of various sizes are used as props to focus attention
inward, support the body in a stretched position and massage a
specific area of the body. The work helps one to deal with chronic
pain, move easily again after injuries and increase energy, flexibility,
coordination, and comfort.

Gerda Alexander Eutony (GAE)

Gerda Alexander Eutony (GAE) is another Movement Therapy
approach that is based upon internal awareness. Through GAE one
becomes a master of self-sensing and knowing which includes
becoming sensitive to the external environment, as well. For
example, while lying on the floor sensing the breath, skin, form of
the body, one also senses the connection with the ground. GAE is
taught in group classes or private lessons which also include handson therapy. In 1987, after two years of observation in clinics
throughout the world, GAE became the first mind-body discipline
accepted by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an alternative
health-care technique.

Sensory Awareness (SA)

Many approaches to Movement Therapy emphasize awareness of
internal sensations. Charlotte Selver, a student of somatic pioneer
Elsa Gindler, calls her style of teaching sensory awareness (SA). This
approach has influenced the thinking of many innovators, including
Fritz Perls, who developed gestalt therapy. Rather than suggesting a
series of structured movements, visualizations, or body positions, in
SA the teacher outlines experiments in which one can become
aware of the sensations involved in any movement. A teacher might
ask the student to feel the movement of her breathing while
running, sitting, picking up a book, etc. This close attunement to
inner sensory experience encourages an experience of body-mind
unity in which breathing becomes less restricted and posture,
coordination, flexibility, and balance are improved. There may also
be the experience of increased energy and aliveness.

Pilates
Pilates or physical mind method is also popular with actors, dancers,
athletes, and a broad range of other people. Pilates consists of over
500 movement therapy sequences done on the floor or primarily
with customized movement therapy equipment. The movement
therapy sequences combine sensory awareness and physical
training. Students learn to move from a stable, central core. The
movement therapy sequences promote strength, flexibility, and
balance. Pilates training is increasingly available in sports medicine
clinics, fitness centers, dance schools, spas, and physical therapy
offices.

WATSU
Watsu is a profoundly relaxing aquatic Movement Therapy . It
combines the therapies of gentle stretching, acupressure, and
Shiatsu massage while being floated in warm water.
Watsu uses the lightness of the body in water to free the spinal
vertebrae, rotate joint articulations and elongate muscles. These
rhythmic, "dance-like" movements are performed in harmony with
breathing patterns to stimulate the natural regeneration of the body
and mind. While other modalities are based working on tables or
mats, you are completely supported by the practitioner. Floating in
warm water can immediately calm the nervous system and reduce
stress and anxiety. The massage becomes less like therapy and
more like dance.
When the whole body is in continual movement, each move flowing
gracefully into the next, there is no way to anticipate what's coming
next and build up resistance. Being gently floated, stretched,
snaked and cradled in 96 degree water, new life is infused into long
neglected connective tissue and the restricted body is shown new
possibilities of freedom. Flow onto a level of being where motion is
paired with peace. Tension and or trauma can no longer overwhelm
you. Long term benefits can improve sleep patterns, increase range
of motion and improve healing and immune system responses.
Immediate benefits with the first session include increased range of
motion, muscle relaxation, as well as decreased muscle spasm and
pain.

Circular Strength Training (CST)

Circular Strength Training synergistically fusing joint mobility, club
swinging and flow yoga, developed by movement guru and
international martial arts hall of fame celebrity flow coach, Scott
Sonnon.
CST is the flagship professional certification course at RMAX
International, a 20+ hour training examination conducted
throughout the 3-day Instructor Certification Seminar. CST was
pioneered by Scott Sonnon, and continues to build on his insights to
evolve an ever more refined, coherent, cohesive and comprehensive
approach to becoming a movement specialist. CST has rapidly
emerged as a leader among the premier training modalities in the
health / fitness and strength / conditioning arenas.
CST uses a total vocabulary of joint mobility drills to ship
nutrition, lubrication and shock absorption to the active joints for
optimal efficiency, rapid recovery, and pain and injury prevention.

Unlike pathologically-based mobilization methods which are based

upon a trauma lens of movement, CST is based upon
developmental neurophysiology for the organization of joint mobility
drill sequencing called Intu-Flow (intuitive flow).
CST uses the toolbox of body-weight movements (from yoga to
martial arts) in order to clean the slate of the over-specializations
(compensations) which result from life, injury, attitude and each and
every successful exercise/skill performed in a prior cycle.
Named Prasara Flow Yoga, this Compensatory Movement
Technique unloads the functional opposite of any repeated
movement in order to preserve benefits and prevent drawbacks.
CST involves more than mere compression to stimulate adaptation
in progressive resistance. Clubbell swinging - the oldest fitness
tool and the first martial art in ancient Russia, Persia and India combines traction to strengthen not just muscle but also connective
tissue protecting the joints while building strength. In addition, since
the Clubbell is swung, torque allows force production to increase
exponentially rather than arithmetically; instead of adding plates
(conventional resistance training), the displaced center of mass
swung twice as fast produces four times the force.

U.S. Paralympics
U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is
dedicated to becoming the world leader in the Paralympic sports
movement and promoting excellence in the lives of people with
physical disabilities.
Since its formation in 2001, U.S. Paralympics has been inspiring
Americans to achieve their dreams. Through education, sports
programs and partnerships with community organizations, medical
facilities and government agencies, U.S. Paralympics is making a
difference in the lives of thousands of people with physical and
visual disabilities every day.

PMTD by Flexiciser
Flexiciser, Inc is a leading manufacturer and marketer of Physical
Movement Therapy Devices, a unique durable medical equipment
technology designed to provide movement for mobility challenged
clients from all over the world. It is the only technology that offers a
natural walking stride, moving arms and legs simultaneously in 3
modes of operation with no weight bearing impact. The technology
is comparable with multiple devices such as wheelchair or scooter
with no transfer required.

Marked Dance Project

Marked Dance Project was created in March of 2009 by Artistic
Director Mark Travis Rivera.
The purpose of marked dance project is to expose the art of dance
to all individuals. This modern based mixed abilities dance company
includes dancers with and without disabilities. Through community
outreach, performances, classes and workshops we mold and

enhance artistic abilities, while fostering compassion and

understanding among the community .

NWBA
The National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) is
comprised of over 200 basketball teams across twenty-two
conferences and seven divisions. The NWBA was founded in 1948,
and today consists of men's, women's, intercollegiate, and youth
teams throughout the United States of America and Canada.

Wheelchair Paragliding
Don Bloswick was approached by Mark Gaskill, the vice president of
the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, in
December 2009 about designing a wheelchair for the Able Pilot
chapter of the organization. He envisioned a wheelchair that would
allow any wheelchair-bound person to independently take up the
sport of paragliding.
"I love this sport," said Gaskill, who helped form the Able Pilot
chapter of the USHPA last year. "I'm looking forward to getting these
guys through the program and into the air. There are a lot of
adaptive sports out there, but wheelchair basketball may not appeal
to all of the personalities. This is a very social sport."
Bloswick was intrigued by Gaskill's offer and asked a group of senior
engineering students if any of them were interested in taking on the
challenge in addition to their regular course work, senior projects
and family commitments.

Now the one-of-a-kind chair will offer paraplegics the chance to do

what many able bodied people haven't done.
Gaskill said the ability to paraglide will offer those confined to a
wheelchair the same freedom he has in the air. In addition to being a
wonderful recreational sport, there are also competitions where
pilots can test their skills.
"Once we're in the air, we all compete on equal footing," said
Gaskill. He said studies have shown that "just the freedom
associated with flying" will affect their moods and outlook on life.
"Throwing them into the air means they have to think in bigger
terms."

Disabled Water-Skiing

People of all ages and abilities can enjoy the fun and excitement of
waterskiing. All thats needed is a desire to learn and a body of
water that can accommodate a high-speed boat.
Adaptive equipment allows a skier to participate in a range of water
sports from skimming the surface in an inner tube, to competitive
skiing including slalom, tricks, and jumping. Many leg and arm
amputees use the same equipment as able-bodied athletes, but
adaptive devices such as sit-skis, outriggers, and shoulder slings,
accommodate various levels of ability.

Disabled Powerlifting
Powerlifting by people with disabilities is the fastest growing
Paralympic sport in the world, with 109 countries represented at last
count. Wheelchair users have competed in the event since its
inception.
Debuting as a medal sport at the second Paralympic Games back in
1964, it was originally only available to lifters with spinal cord

injuries. The sport has since evolved to include a wide range of

disability groups.
Powerliftings popularity at the Paralympics is on the rise. From 1992
to 1996, the number of countries sending athletes to participate in
the sport more than doubled. The sport is open to male and female
participants with physical disabilities relating to spinal cord injury,
cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, dwarfism, amputation
and more.
In Paralympic powerlifting, athletes are separated by gender and
then by weight, with 10 classes each for male and female athletes.
Participants lift three times. The heaviest good lift is used to
determine placement in their weight class.

Quadriplegic Rugby

From the hits to the pit stops, the game is not played as the
traditional game of rugby is played. Quad rugby is a sport
specifically for quadriplegic and team members say when many
people think of quadriplegic, they assume they can't move.
Player positions are determined on a mobility scale. Those with the
highest mobility usually play offense and can be ranked as high as
3.5.
"That's your most mobile person, and then your least mobile person
would be a .5, and you're only allowed eight points on the court at a
time. So everybody's pretty much the same out there," said Jenkins.
Just like football, it is a contact sport.

Physically Challenged Bowhunters and Archery

Newly injured and inexperienced sports-persons with disabilities are
provided critical information and services through PCBA and its

members. We demonstrate how they can learn to shoot a bow and

hunt, regardless of their impairment.
PCBA serves as a national clearinghouse on techniques,
opportunities and adaptive equipment for challenged archers.

Sled Hockey
Sled (sledge as it's referred to outside the US) hockey was invented
at a Stockholm, Sweden rehabilitation center in the early 1960s by a
group of Swedes who, despite their physical disability, wanted to
continue playing hockey.
Sled hockey follows most of the typical ice hockey rules with the
exception some of the equipment. Players sit in specially
designed sleds that sit on top of two hockey skate blades. There are
two sticks for each player instead of one and and the sticks have
metal pics on the butt end for players to propel themselves. Goalies
wear basically the same equipment but do make modifications to
the glove. Metal picks are sewn into the backside to allow the goalie
to maneuver.

A few rinks around the country are sled accessible. Sled accessible
rinks allow players to remain in their sleds and skate off the ice into
the bench area. This requires that the bench area is flush with the
ice and there is clear plexiglass replacing the white boards.
Sled hockey provides opportunity for many types of disabilities and
there
are
opportunities
available
in
local
areas
for
recreation/competition all the way to the National Sled Team that
plays in the Paralympics. Sled hockey is rapidly growing in the US
and players are "hooked" once they touch the ice the first time.