Shortly after Winston Kennedy, DPT began practicing physical therapy in Florida, he became discouraged by the lack of physical activity opportunities for his patients with chronic health issues. “It got to the point where the only physical activity many of my patients were getting was through physical therapy,” Winston says. “I wanted to know why […]
The thrill of taking a last-second shot is one of Joshua Gess’ indelible memories from playing wheelchair basketball at Auburn University. With six seconds on the clock — and down a point, 40-39, against Shepherd Spinal Center — Auburn called a timeout to map one last play. The team fanned out and jockeyed for position. […]
For a child with disabilities, access to mobility makes a tremendous difference in their development and socialization.
Children in rural Oregon elementary school classrooms—who are more at risk of becoming obese than their urban counterparts—are getting more physical activity when their teacher uses a toolkit developed by researchers with the Oregon State University Extension Service.
“There still is this misconception that if you have a disability, then you cannot be healthy,” says Gloria Krahn, the Barbara Emily Knudson Endowed Chair in Family Policy Studies. “I would’ve thought that after 25 years, we would be past some of that. Special Olympics is helping bring about that change.”
Independent movement has been linked to a wide range of developmental benefits in young children.