Do adaptive athletic programs exist on college campuses?

I stumbled upon an article earlier this evening that got the wheels turning quite a bit. It was written last year by a Stanford student, Joe Kay and posted on espn.com. It basically highlights the fact that there are not enough athletic programs for disabled students at colleges and universities. I did a quick google search to see what I could find and was surprised that it wasn't much. The only school that came up on the first two pages using the search terms "college adaptive athletics programs" was University of Arizona, which happens to be the school Kay talks about in his article. Some results did reveal links to various college's "disability resource center", but after viewing those pages I was unable to find anything in regards to athletic programs geared towards disabled students.

Once the semester starts back up after the holidays I have a couple of things in mind to try and shed some more light on this subject. My school does not have any programs of this type established and I want to find out why and if they have explored the possibilities. Also, I want to contact college/universities across the country in sort of a survey to find out which ones have programs similar to University of Arizona's. I think if I can gather some more information to share then future college students may be able to make a better decision in regards to where they go for their education. Here is a link to Arizona's disability resource center's athletics page.

I am also wanting to gain some more knowledge as to the needs of a disabled student in regards to continuing athletic endeavors or personal fitness. Any input would be greatly appreciated and I do plan on finding some volunteer opportunities this spring to get some hands on experience. So on that note I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year. I'll revisit you all in 2009 (unless I stumble upon another inspiring article in the next eight days).

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Here goes nothing!

For quite some time now I have been wondering how I can reach as many people as possible and share my knowledge in regards to world of fitness and athletics. The past six months have seen me working towards finishing up my master's in sports management which has caused my brain to be working overtime.

I plan on posting about several topics in hopes of reaching a wider audience. One topic will be based around adaptive sports (hence one reason the site name of adaptiveathletics.blogspot.com) as it applies to disabled or special needs individuals. Since working with special needs kids at a YMCA and more recently following the Paralympics, I have noticed how big a role athletics plays in their lives. Not being disabled myself, there is no way I can say "I know how it feels", but instead my hope is to help individuals find resources to enhance inclusion, as well as provide motivation to keep plugging along.

Also, after coaching endurance athletes for nearly six years, there are things I have picked up on that can help athletes of all types. Whether it be how to come up with a suitable race schedule, what equipment would work best for me, or just some good ole fashioned positive reinforcement...that is what I want to help with. Right now I will focus mainly on answering questions people may have and chronicling the remaining months of my quest for the master's degree. I thank you all for following along and encourage you to check back often for the latest and greatest.

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