sportsandrec

Man claiming over £17,000 in disability insurance caught refereeing local football league.

2008-08-15T18:25:00Z

When part of your income is from disability insurance, your second job probably shouldn't be refereeing for the local soccer team.

At least, that's what Steve Paskin didn't think about when he filed for benefits, claiming he couldn't walk more than 100 ft without extreme pain. He reportedly had a spinal condition that gave him chronic back problems and trouble walking.

For 3 years, he collected over $30,000 in disability allowance.While the initial claim was supposedly authentic and confirmed by a doctor, enabling Paskin to file the claim, a recent video recorded by investigators shows Paskin jogging, running, even sprinting as a soccer referee for a local league. He's been jailed as a result of the investigation, and the Gwent County Football Association said he has not signed up to be a referee next season.

When Paskin gets out, he should get together with the bodybuilder than faked a disability.They might be able to compare notes.

Nothing slows this guy down: Bilateral amputee and his race car.

2008-07-29T22:05:00Z

Mike Brogan had a bilateral amputation, but that didn't slow him down at all. :)

After an accident in 1996 that left his legs crushed and his life bleeding away, Mike Brogan was given a choice: his legs or his life.

"He described the decision as easy. He wanted to live. He had a 2-year-old daughter at home that he had every intention of seeing grow up. He told the doctors to take his legs."

Mike went through his rehibilitation at the same time that Christopher Reeve was fighting to heal and walk again. It was a reminder to him that no matter how hard life got, things could always be worse.

He decided to start racing cars; "I tried it to have something to do" he said with a grin. Racing runs in his family, and it was his family and friends' dedication and love that gave him a customized race car with hand controls. He now races at Natural Bridge Speedway in Fincastle, VA.

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Full article thanks to OurValley.org.

Aaron Fotheringham and his wheelchair backflip

2008-07-21T22:00:00Z

I found this older article in Disaboom Living today.

Ever heard of extreme sitting? No, it doesn't involve a new, gimmicky exercise routine or a contest to see who can spend the longest on the couch. Extreme sitting is a new sport in which participants perform skateboard-like tricks in their wheelchair. It's a relatively new phenomenon, which might explain why its founder, Aaron Fotheringham, is only 16.

Born with spina bifida, Aaron has been in a wheelchair since he was three, but he hasn't let his disability stop him from participating in extreme sports. When Aaron was younger, he used to watch his older brother Brian ride BMX. Then, at the age of eight, he decided to give the skatepark a whirl himself...
Soon, he began practicing a back flip-first attempting the trick in a pool of foam cushions. After fifty or sixty warm ups, he was ready to attempt the stunt on concrete.
On July 13, 2006, after approximately fifteen unsuccessful attempts, Aaron became the first person ever to perform a back flip in a wheelchair.

I was so intrigued by this that I went over to YouTube and found a clip of Aaron's backflip. Enjoy!

Most Accessible MLB Stadiums

2008-03-17T17:37:00Z

Green grass is growing back. Leaves once again adorn the trees outside. The gloominess of winter is finally relenting to the rejuvenating power of spring. With the Spring season comes the start of baseball season. Over 75 million people passed through turnstiles at Major League ballparks last year, setting a new record. Despite the ongoing steroids scandal, Major League Baseball anticipates another record season for attendance during the 2008 campaign. Among the crowd will be patrons with disabilities. Although all major league facilities must be ADA compliant, some ballparks have made extra strides to be near the top of the accessibility chain. Here are some of the most accessible ballparks nation-wide:

Pittsburgh constructed PNC Park with the disability community in mind. The Pittsburgh Pirates offer accessible seating in all general seating areas, giving a patron with disabilities the same opportunity to enjoy the game as the general public. All concession countertops are lowered to be at wheelchair accessible height. Additionally, the large scoreboard in center-field features a captioning system for all PA announcements and game information. The only other facility that currently offers a captioned scoreboard is Minute Maid Park in Houston. Additional access details can be obtained by calling the guest relations at 412-321-2827.

American League East rivals New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are battling it out for most accessible park in the northeast. Yankee stadium currently boasts accessible seating in the majority of general seating areas. The Yankees offer accessible tickets along with a companion seat at discounted rates. Additionally, all accessible seating areas are accompanied by electrical outlets for recharging of power chairs or other medical equipment at no cost. Yankee stadium also features The Access Service Center, a booth dedicated to assisting guests with disabilities. Contact the ADA manager’s office in Yankee Stadium for additional information at (718) 293-4300 x 4510.

Red Sox nation should be proud that Boston’s historic Fenway Park makes special considerations for guests with disabilities by offering some great amenities. Fenway has several accessible seating areas and even utilizes special areas for both visual and auditory disabilities. All ATMs at Fenway feature a headphone jack for enhanced listening and Braille signage for those with visual disabilities. Additionally, Fenway Park offers large print and Braille season schedules at no cost to fans. Questions should be directed toward the ticket office by calling (877) 733-7699.

For baseball fans on the west coast, the Seattle Mariners’ Safeco field makes a concerted effort to provide guests with disabilities an enjoyable and convenient experience. Although service animals are allowed in all major league ballparks, only the Seattle offers to assist a patron to a service animal restroom area. In addition, the stadium will provide water and bowls at no charge for the animal. The Mariners instituted a program to better serve young guests with disabilities. This program allows children with disabilities ages 14 years and under, to have equal access to the field during batting practice. This program is extremely popular and reservations are suggested. Patrons may contact Guest Services for more information or to make reservations at 206-664-3660.

No matter who you are rooting for this season, you will be able to cheer for your favorite team comfortably at any of these accessible stadiums. These facilities go above-and-beyond the standards set by the ADA to ensure that all patrons enjoy their experience. So go buy your peanuts and cracker-jacks at the accessible concession stands and let’s PLAY BALL!

Adaptive Skiing and Snowboarding Resource List

2008-02-13T23:14:00Z

(this post is also in my blog)

President's Day weekend is a peak snowsports weekend in the US. With that in mind I've compiled a list of some adaptive skiing and snowboarding resources at popular US resorts. This list is probably not complete, so leave a comment with your expertise that covers anything I may have missed.

Before I get to the list I want to draw attention to two fantastic organizations that do a lot in adaptive snowsports: The National Sports Center for the Disabled and Adaptive Action Sports. If you're into adaptive sports be sure to check out their sites. Now to the list:

Mountain West:

Keystone, CO

Keystone Adaptive Center

Headquartered at The Mountain House at Keystone Resort at the base of Discovery Lift, the Keystone Adaptive Center provides alpine, skiing and snowboarding lessons to people with disabilities and other special needs. Lessons are conducted on a personalized, one-on-one basis, and include all instruction, on-hill guiding and support, specialized equipment and lift ticket. The Center is affiliated with the Professional Ski Instructors of America and provides all disciplines of adaptive skiing, including four-track, visually impaired, three-track, mono-skiing and bi-skiing. In the summer months, the Center also provides programs in activities such as handcycling, rock climbing and river rafting.

The Keystone Adaptive Center is a private, non-profit educational center and is operated by the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, a world-renowned adaptive sports program that has provided a wide range of adaptive outdoor experiences for over 30 years.
Call (800) 383-2632 or (970) 453-5633, or visit www.boec.org for more information.

Breckenridge, CO

Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC)
Since 1976, the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center has been providing empowering outdoor experiences to people of all abilities. The Center offers adaptive ski programs at Breckenridge and Keystone Resorts, adaptive outdoor education camps at a campus in Breckenridge and wilderness programs throughout Summit County and the region. Activities are available year round and include skiing, snowboarding, ropes course, challenge activities, rock climbing, river rafting, canoeing and many others, all adapted to be accessible to all abilities.
Call (800) 383-2632 or (970) 453-6422, or visit www.boec.org for more information.

Winter Park, CO

National Sports Center for the Disabled.

Provides adaptive equipment including: Alpine and nordic adapted skiing equipment, hand-crank bikes, mountain bikes (single and tandem), camping and fishing equipment, snowboards, snowshoes, golf equipment, adapted sailing, river rafting, and rock climbing equipment. Also offers programs on: Competitive alpine skiing, rock climbing, nordic skiing, white water rafting, mountain biking, hiking and camping, fishing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, backcountry hut trips, horseback riding, and sailing.

P.O. Box 1290 Winter Park, CO 80482. Contact Person: Erik Petersen, Phone: 303-293-5711. Find them on the web: http://www.nscd.org

Vail, CO

Vail Adaptive Ski School

Vail has a world-renowned program dedicated to adaptive skiers, including the blind and physically challenged. They provide the most advanced and personalized adaptive ski instruction at a discounted rate for guests who have a disability. An assessment is made prior to the guest's arrival to ensure that the correct equipment is available. Specially trained professional instructors tailor each lesson to the needs of the skier for a safe yet unforgettable experience. For more information or to book a lesson, call 800-475-4543 or 970-754-3264 Web site: http://vail.snow.com

Beaver Creek, CO

Beaver Creek Adaptive Program

The Beaver Creek Adaptive program provides first class instruction in alpine skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing to individuals with disabilities. Equipment is adapted to each individual's specific needs, and adaptive instructors are trained to utilize that adaptation and help each individual realize the joy and challenge of skiing and snowboarding. Adaptive instruction is offered on a one-on-one basis at a discounted rate. Prior to the lesson's commencement, individual's needs are assessed to ensure the correct equipment and instruction is available.

Ski Buddy Program
Beaver Creek provides trained guides to assist more experienced disabled skiers. The guide can help with chairlift loading, integration into children's ski school classes and for general orientation on the mountain. Please note this service should not be utilized in place of a ski lesson or a personal aid. The daily fee does not include equipment. Minimum of 48 hours advance notice.

Adaptive Ski Pass
Vail Resorts offers an Adaptive Ski Pass to people with permanent disabilities at a significantly discounted price. Purchasers of the five-resort season pass are eligible to purchase one discounted companion lift ticket daily. To qualify for an Adaptive ski pass an individual must be legally blind, deaf, or have an amputation, physical condition or cognitive disability that requires the use of adaptive equipment or techniques to ski. Having a disability or illness alone does not qualify an individual for an adaptive ski pass. For more information, contact Vail Resorts Adaptive Program Manager, Ruth DeMuth at (970) 754- 3264, or email vailadaptiveprogram@vailresorts.com.

Foresight Ski Guides
Foresight is a nonprofit organization that provides ski guides to people who are blind or visually impaired and wish to ski or snowboard with a guide. For more information call Foresight Ski Guides (866) 860-0972.

Beaver Creek Web Site: http://beavercreek.snow.com/info/winter/ss.adaptive.asp

Lake Tahoe, UT

Heavenly Adaptive Program

This program is designed to provide the fun of skiing to our guests with disabilities or in need of special assistance. Heavenly adaptive coaches are trained to teach guests in six areas of disability:

Blind or low vision
Three track: disability of one leg
Four track: disability of both legs, but can stand with assistance
Bi-ski: disability of legs and arms
Mono-ski: disability of legs but strong upper body
Stand-up: all other disabilities but able to stand

Adaptive Clinic Program

Adaptive alpine skiing is all about meeting the needs of each individual through specialized equipment or teaching methods. Each session guarantees a one-to-one student-teacher ratio. Coaches are selected based on the student's specific disability and skiing experience. All coaches are full time professionals who can provide instant feedback and personal attention. You are the focus of these sessions.

Adaptive Equipment

We offer a variety of equipment to support our adaptive students. This equipment is for use during the clinic session only.

The Heavenly adaptive program has a range of equipment for specific disabilities. Blind and guide bibs, ski-tip stabilizers, reigns and outriggers are used for stand-up skiers. We have Bi-Unique bi-skis in child, junior and adult sizes. We also have Freedom Factory mono-skis with large and medium seat capability. Adaptive equipment is provided as part of the adaptive clinic and is not available for rental outside the clinic.

Adaptive Clinic Locations

Sit-down adaptive ski clinics are offered at the California Base Lodge area only. Stand-up clinics are available at the California Base Lodge, the top of the Gondola and the Boulder Base Lodge area.

Clinic Specifics

Our adaptive clinic starts with a student assessment and indoor equipment set-up. This important part of the clinic takes approximately 30 minutes, familiarizes the student with the equipment, determines the goals for the clinic and allows the coach to custom tailor the session to the student's needs.

The on-snow portion of the clinic is dedicated to safety, fun and learning based on the goals made in the set-up phase.

The on-snow session is followed up with a wrap-up session that recaps the clinic and records the specifics of the clinic for future reference.

Website: http://www.skiheavenly.com/schools_clinics/adaptive/

Park City, UT

Park City Mountain Resort Adaptive Program

The National Ability Center works in conjunction with Park City Mountain Resort to offer ski and snowboard lessons to people with disabilities. We provide specialized equipment and techniques to teach people with any type of disability-autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, paraplegia, quadriplegia, limb amputations, and brain injuries to name a few.

All instructors are specially trained in the adaptive techniques of 3-track, 4-track, mono-ski, bi-ski, guiding blind skiers, and teaching people with developmental disabilities. We work with all levels of ability-from beginners to competitive racers. Lessons are conducted at Park City Mountain Resort to allow family and friends to enjoy a Park City ski vacation together!

For more information, please visit the official website at www.discovernac.org or call 435-649-3991

Mountain East:

Loon Mountain, NH

White Mountain Adaptive Ski School

The White Mountain Adaptive Ski School is a non-profit organization dedicated to making snowsports accessible to all. We focus on individual ability, regardless of the physical or mental challenges they may face.

Highly-trained coaches will guide guests ages 4 and older in the snowsport of their choice. Whether you are a beginner or expert interested in skiing, snowboarding, telemarking or snowtoys, we have the coach for you! RESERVATIONS are strongly recommended.

Intermediate to elite skiers may want to explore racing with the New England Disabled Ski Team at Loon. The race team is under the direction of Chris Devlin Young, former US National Team member and para-olympic champion.

The office is located on the first floor of the Governor Adams Lodge. Handicapped parking is located to the right of the building. Our host, Loon Mountain, continues its commitment to ADA with the recent addition of a lift and elevator, making all levels of this beautiful lodge accessible.

The White Mountain Adaptive Ski School at Loon is a PSIA-E member school as well as a member of Disabled Sports USA. Please call our offices at (603) 745-6281 ext. 5663, or email wmass@dsusa-ne.org .

Website: http://www.loonmtn.com/info/winter/adaptive.asp

Stowe, VT

Adaptive Skiing and Riding at Stowe

Skiers and riders of all ages and varying abilities can benefit from instruction with an adaptive pro from the Stowe Ski and Snowboard School. Our trained coaches assess, equip, and teach adaptive students in a one-on-one setting. This allows each student to be coached according to their specific needs, abilities and learning styles while optimizing their skiing or boarding experiences.

Adaptive skiers who are independent but need a skiing or boarding buddy will also find a supporting team of coaches trained and ready to provide assistance. Whether you need the assistance of a blind guide or help getting around the mountain as a bi- or monoskier, our adaptive coaches are ready to help you.

Stowe Mountain Resort is an affiliate of AbilityPlus, Inc., a non-profit adaptive skiing and recreation organization for individuals with disabilities in the Northeastern United States.

Lessons are available in one or two hour, half day (9 am to 12 pm or 1 pm to 4 pm) and full day (9 am to 3 pm). We encourage you to book at least a two-hour lesson for your first visit to allow time for an initial assessment and fitting appropriate adaptive equipment as well as some time on the snow.

We do require advance reservations for all adaptive lessons. We strongly encourage you to make your reservations as early as possible to make certain that an appropriate coach and any necessary equipment are available.

Contact the Private Lesson Desk at Spruce Peak at 800-253-4SKI (4754) ext 3681 to make reservations. Website: http://www.stowe.com/equipment/lessons/adaptive/

Sugarbush, VT

Vermont Adaptive

Vermont Adaptive at Sugarbush is located in the Mt. Ellen Base Lodge.

Vermont Adaptive's Mission:
Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities. We promote independence and further equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational activities.

Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports believes that recreation provides a physical, mental and social experience that is immeasurable in promoting self-confidence and independence in an individual.

We offer year round recreational opportunities. During the winter we offer skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and dog sledding. During the summer months we offer sailing canoeing/kayaking and tandem cycling. Along with all that we offer indoor rock climbing in all season. The experienced staff at Vermont Adaptive can program any activities for you and your group. Feel free to give us a call.

Northern Program Coordinator
Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports
Sports for Every Body
PO Box 1393
Waitsfield, VT 05673
(cell) 802-343-1193
(winter office) 802-583-4283
(admin. office) 802-786-4991
www.vermontadaptive.org

Conquering Constant Vertigo

2008-02-09T13:48:00Z

I have constant vertigo due to neurological damage in my brain stem. I thought I'd post this to share with others who have vertigo how I manage to get around in case it help you also. Worthy of note: most vertigo issues are due to inner ear issues and a good ear nose throat doc can help improve most of them.

Trike

I love cycling, but my brain "short circuits" on a bicycle because it can't figure out which way is up. The solution is a tadpole recumbant trike. And what a kick to ride! Based on the trike experience, we also figured out that last much longer in a reclined position, so when I'm nt up, I'm in a recliner (that's how I work on the computer).

For pictures of the trike and the walking sticks (which I describe next) please see my photos.

Walking Sticks

I use two custom walking sticks. You can read about them and their design here:

Without them I couldn't take 2 steps out the door, even on my best of days. With them I regularly hike 6+ miles and have done up to 20. They help prolong my day by easing the amount of work my brain has to do to figure out which way is up. The sticks increase the amount of vestibular/muscle feedback I get, so it's much easier to figure out which way is up. Depending on your vertigo, you might do just fine with regular walking sticks (the aluminum ones you can get in the store.). Mine are custom made beasties, whose weight helps me know which way is up even when they aren't touching the ground. If you try it, try it with a pair of sticks that have a base for your hand to rest on -- that really helps increase the feedback you get from them.

Superbowl Sunday XLII

2008-02-01T17:51:00Z

Another Superbowl rolls in full of the requisite lights, million dollar commercials and afternoon chile parties. If you're not into football it's probably a good time to run errands or get out of the house, as throughout most of the country the roads and stores will be empty and quiet.

So, what do you like to do on Superbowl Sunday?

If you are a football junkie be sure to check out Disaboom's heavy array of football and Superbowl related content:

Scoring for SCI: Marc and Nick Buoniconti

The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis

Stroke Champs: Former NFL Players Tackle Stroke Survival'>Stroke Champs: Former NFL Players Tackle Stroke Survival

Pro Athletes go on Offense Against Disability

Cast your vote: Patriots or Giants? (poll)

Buoniconti on The Pats, The Superbowl, and the Innovative Solution that Changed Kevin Everett’s Story

Retired, But Not Forgotten

Unlikely Champions: The Homer Rice Story

No Legs? No Big Deal

Pepsi's Superbowl Ad Uses Famous Deaf Joke

Do you Double Dip?

Former Miami Dolphin Nick Buoniconti and his son Marc discuss the upcoming Super Bowl.

The Buonicontis and Dr. Green discuss the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.

Kevin Everett's spinal cord injury treatment and his ongoing amazing recovery.

Turning tragedy to triumph, Marc Buoniconti's story.

How Do I Post to my Group's Blog?

2008-02-01T16:22:00Z

Each Group has Members and Moderators.

Every member and moderator of a group has the ability to post a blog to the group as well as upload photos to a group gallery. In addition to its members each group will have several moderators or group 'owners.' The moderators are responsible for approving group membership requests and managing the group's content to ensure that group posts are on relevant and on topic. The moderators are also free to function as group members. They simply have another layer of responsibility or ownership of the group.

If you would like to become a group Moderator please send a private message to timpoindexter with the group you would like to moderate. Please also acknowledge that you understand Moderator requirements and that you intend to abide by them.

Ok, so you want post a photo or blog to a group? First, is your blog or photo relevant to the group? Good.

Here's how you post:

Currently it's not explicitly clear how to actually post something to a group so I'll give you the work around...

To add a blog post to this Group make sure you are a member of the group and signed in and then click this link:

http://disaboom.com/Groups/sportsandrec/Blog/NewPost.aspx

To add a photo use this link:

http://disaboom.com/Groups/sportsandrec/photos/photos.aspx