How to Utilize Accessible Bowling

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Wheelchair sports are growing more and more popular as those with disabilities realize that they can do anything anyone else can. Sometimes it may require creative thinking and some adaptive technology, but it's definitely possible. Adaptive sports can be found all over the United States. One only has to look. Accessible bowling is one of the adaptive sports that has grown in popularity and may continue.

There are accessible bowling alleys and even leagues especially for those with a disability. Some could feel more comfortable in a league that specializes in wheelchair and adaptive sports. Although a good number of traditional bowling alleys do have accessible lanes. Either way, this is an adaptive sport that can be easily enjoyed by people with disabilities.

Bowling is naturally a very accessible sport. However, some people with disabilities who require the use of a wheelchair may still enjoy an even more authentic way to enjoy adaptive sports. That's when they can use adaptive technology, such as the IKAN Bowler. The IKAN Bowler actually allows the bowler to release the bowling ball much in the same way as a person who stands to bowl, rather than one who is seated in a wheelchair.

There are many other types of equipment and accessories that are approved for, and can be used to, make bowling even more of an adaptive sport. Some of those include special ball ramps that attach to a wheelchair or walker, as well as the front of the bowling lane. There are also special ball pushers for getting the bowling ball to roll down the lane while seated in a wheelchair.

Accessible bowling exists both for adults and kids. It even exists in the Special Olympics International, or SOI. SOI allows people with varied disabilities to participate in a variety of adaptive sports. Bowling is actually an official activity of not only the SOI, but also the United States Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF), the National Disability Sports Alliance (NDSA), and the American Wheelchair Bowling Association (AWBA).

Getting involved in accessible bowling sports is as simple as finding a bowling alley or league that you want to participate in, which is not very hard at all, considering how accessible bowling truly is. Many bowling alleys are accessible, even if they do not advertise themselves that way. In addition to bowling, there are many other accessible and adaptive sports available to those with disabilities.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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