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In the world of adaptive sport there is constant debate concerning the amount of assistance people with disabilities receive while pursuing recreational activities. As an instructor of adaptive sport, I always consider the least restrictive equipment when deciding how to get an individual involved in adaptive sport. This requires an analysis of what a person is capable of, not what a person is incapable of. It’s a difficult balance to work out and can be the difference between enjoyment of the activity and withdrawal.

Least Restrictive
What does least restrictive equipment mean? In some adaptive recreational pursuits, there are not many options currently for equipment decisions to be made, but in sports like snow skiing, and cycling there are almost too many. The decision options often require seasoned professionals, and tens of thousands of dollars worth of adaptive equipment inventory to create successful outcomes. In snow skiing, if an individual can shift their head from left to right he can assist in controlling the ski on the snow. However, if you restrict the person’s ability to move head or shoulders from left to right or fore and aft, you have restricted the ability to control the ski as well. The objective, then, is to use equipment that restricts functional movement the least amount, while offering the maximum safety.

Independent  
Many pieces of adaptive equipment have been designed to offer individuals with disabilities complete independence. The equipment has created opportunities for individuals with diverse disabilities to take part in rock climbing, mountaineering, scuba diving, marathons, skiing, paddling and many other recreational pursuits. The amount of independence and individual claims of success are often disputed, which has led to some sports like mountaineering putting definitions on claims.