Week Nine: Adaptive Activity Presentations

  This past week in class we had group adaptive activity presentations! The first presentation was about adaptive kayaking.  We learned about different equipment adaptations such as paddles, kayak sizes, and kayak shapes.  As an activity, we created adaptive equipment for kayaking.  My group made adaptive paddles with grips out of spoons and also thought of the idea of rope for two kayaks to attach to be used for an individual with a visual impairment or even other populations as well. The second group presented about cycling.  Jess brought in her cycles that she uses and we went out in the parking lot to try them out! I thought that was really neat! Her cycle was a speed cycle and was lower to the ground.  The other one she rented from YWCA was one that you sit in a seated upright position.  This cycle would be a lot easier for transferring. The third presentation was about "goal ball".  This team sport involves blindfolds and a ball that has a jingle inside. The objective is for one team to throw the ball and the other cannot let it cross their goal line.  We went outside and were able to try the game out! It was a lot more challenging than I thought it would be. I had a lot of fun trying it out! :)


  The next group presented on extreme sports.  This included a variety of sports such as dirtbike racing and skateboarding (wheelchair style).  It was neat watching Aaron Fotheringham complete a backflip in a wheelchair. (first to do so) We then learned about adaptive aquatics and yoga.  We tested out some chair yoga poses.  My group's presentation was last. We presented about adaptive hunting and fishing.  Overall, I thought all of the presentations went well.  I think that it was very interesting to learn about a variety of adaptive activities/sports and liked that the groups had interactive activities for the class to actively participate in. 


   Today in class I learned a lot about a variety of activities.  From the presentations, I was able to have a brief overview/introduction to the activities.  I will be able to use this information in my future by being familiar with the activities and some useful adaptations for the activities.  After researching about adaptive fishing and hunting, I feel confident that if I am in a situation involving an individual who would like to participate in an activity that may need adaptations for their abilities I will be able to adequately research the hobby and locate or create adapted equipment for the individual.  


   I "aimed for excellence" this class period by actively and enthusiastically participating in the activities led by the groups.  My favorite ones were the cycling and goal ball.  I also helped contribute to my group's project.  


  All in all, class went by pretty quick today.  It was neat having the entire class full of student presentations.  I like to see what others come up with because it usually gives me ideas for future projects or activities.  After all, TR majors are all pretty creative. :)