As part of the medical team behind the successful recovery and reintegration of disabled Veterans back into community, consider adaptive sports as part of your recommendations. A 2009 survey commissioned by Disabled Sports USA (DS/USA) found that 85%of adults with disabilities report that being physically active has significantly improved their quality of life.
As the frontline authority on health for your patients, you should know that the VA National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events Office is here to support you and ensure you have the information you need to get disabled Veterans actively participating in adaptive sports at VA facilities and in local sports programs. The Program Office has developed an Outreach Tool Kit that you can request by sending an email to vacoadaptiveSP@va.gov. The Tool Kit includes tools (e.g., posters, stickers and a Fact Sheet / FAQ) as well as recommendations on how to promote the benefits of adaptive sports to your patients, their families, caregivers and other VA personnel. Additionally, here are a few ways you can actively support adaptive sports:
Interested in planning an Adaptive Sports Clinic for disabled Veterans at your VA facility? Adaptive Sports Clinics provide disabled Veterans with the tools they need to participate in physical activity as a form of rehabilitation, recreation and recovery. They play a critical role in empowering disabled Veterans to take charge of their own rehabilitation in a way that is enjoyable and fulfilling. Adaptive Sports Clinics prove to disabled Veterans that they can challenge themselves, get fit and obtain a sense of personal accomplishment and satisfaction.
Check out these examples of some easy steps you can take to successfully plan an:
Still have questions? Email us at vacoadaptiveSP@va.gov and we'll connect you with expert VA clinical personnel who have successfully planned and implemented adaptive sports clinics.