Why Adaptive Physical Activity Matters
For many families of children with disabilities, physical activity can feel complicated. Parents may wonder: Where can my child safely move? Will they be included? Will they be understood? Adaptive Physical Activity (APA) exists to answer those questions with a clear and resounding yes.
Adaptive Physical Activity refers to movement, exercise, recreation, or sports that are intentionally modified so children with disabilities can participate safely and meaningfully. Modifications may include:
- Changing rules or pace
- Adjusting instruction
- Using adaptive equipment
- Providing one-on-one support
- Creating a supportive environment
The goal is not to lower expectations — it is to provide equal access to the benefits of movement for every child.
APA matters for more than physical health. It supports confidence, social connections, emotional regulation, and a sense of belonging. It can happen in schools, clinics, and out in the community, in places where families can engage together and children can participate alongside their peers.
Why Adaptive Physical Activity Matters
Regular movement is essential for all children. For children with disabilities, it also helps with:
- Motor development and functional skills – improving coordination, balance, and strength
- Emotional regulation and stress reduction – helps manage frustration and energy
- Social skills and peer interaction – fosters friendships and inclusion
- Confidence and independence – builds self-esteem
- Community participation – supports belonging
Children do not need to be “good at sports” to benefit. They need opportunities to move in ways that work for their abilities. When physical activity is adapted properly, children are more likely to participate, persist, and enjoy movement.
Understanding Your ADA Rights
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects your child’s right to participate in public recreation programs.
Key points for parents:
- Programs must provide reasonable modifications so your child can participate
- Programs cannot exclude your child solely because of a disability
- Reasonable modifications may include:
- Support persons or aides
- Adaptive equipment
- Rule changes or modified instruction
ADA Information Line:
Phone: 800-514-0301 (voice) or 1-833-610-1264 (TTY)
Website: https://www.ada.gov
Parent Checklist: How to Ask for Accommodations
As a parent, asking for accommodations is not asking for special treatment. You are asking for equal access so your child can participate meaningfully. Use this checklist to feel prepared and confident.
Before contacting the program:
- Identify the barrier: What prevents your child from participating? (e.g., pace, equipment, sensory needs, support person)
- Focus on access, not diagnosis
- Think in terms of reasonable modifications
When you reach out:
- Ask who handles accommodations: “Who should I speak with about ADA accommodations or inclusion supports?”
- Be specific: “My child does best when instructions are broken into smaller steps” or “needs a support person nearby”
- Make your request in writing: “I am requesting reasonable accommodations under the ADA so my child can participate”
Examples of reasonable accommodations:
- Support person or parent present
- Modified rules or expectations
- Extra time
- Visual supports or demonstrations
- Adaptive equipment
- Movement or sensory breaks
If you face resistance:
- Stay calm and restate your request
- Ask for an explanation in writing if denied
- Escalate to a supervisor, inclusion coordinator, or ADA coordinator if needed
Know when to get help:
- Contact the ADA Information Line
- Reach out to parent advocacy organizations
- Keep records of emails and conversations
Community-Based Adaptive Physical Activity in Utah
Families in Utah have access to real, hands-on programs beyond therapy clinics or information centers.
- CAPES! – Children’s Adaptive Physical Education Society (Ogden, UT)
Who it serves: Children ages 5–12 with developmental disabilities
Activities: Structured land-based and aquatic exercises led one-on-one by trained university students
Benefits: Motor skills, fitness, social interaction, confidence
Schedule: Weekly sessions during fall and spring semesters
Cost: Low per semester, limited spots
Contact:
James Zagrodnik, PhD – 801-626-7084 – jameszagrodnik@weber.edu
Natalie Williams, PhD – nataliewilliams1@weber.edu
Website: https://www.weber.edu/capes/
- Adaptive Arena (Bluffdale, UT)
Activities: Wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, goalball, adaptive pickleball, inclusive fitness sessions
Location: 14675 S 855 W, Bluffdale, UT
Website: https://adaptivearena.org
- Salt Lake County Adaptive Recreation
Programs: Adaptive fitness classes, adaptive aquatics, inclusive sports, and camps
Phone: 385-468-1515
Website: https://slco.org/parks-recreation/adaptive/
- Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports
Activities: Adaptive hiking, biking, kayaking, paddle sports, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding
Phone: 801-695-7074
Website: https://ogdenvalleyadaptive.org
- TRAILS Adaptive (University of Utah)
Activities: Adaptive cycling and spin classes, swimming, kayaking, sailing, group fitness
Website: https://www.utrails.us
- City Recreation Centers
Many Utah recreation centers offer inclusive fitness and movement classes that can be adapted under the ADA, such as chair yoga, strength and balance classes, dance and Zumba, and aquatics programs.
Parents are encouraged to ask for accommodations directly when registering.
A final reminder: Asking for accommodations does not mean your child doesn’t belong. It means creating access, safety, and opportunity. Inclusion improves when parents speak up, and the law supports you.
Adaptive physical activity is about joy, growth, inclusion, and health. In Utah, families have real opportunities to find community programs where children with disabilities can move, play, and thrive alongside peers. With resources like CAPES!, Adaptive Arena, Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports, TRAILS, and city recreation programs, movement is truly for every body.
