Limited strength, mobility, or vision needn’t stop you from enjoying the sport of bowling.

While bowling went through a dip in popularity in the 1980s,  this sport (which originated in ancient Egypt) has experienced a surge in popularity in the last 10 years.

Whether you bowl from your wheelchair or standing up, using your arms or a wheelchair-activated switch, with or without an assistant, a variety of adaptive equipment can help you participate in recreational or competitive bowling.

Adaptive Equipment
Regardless of what type of adaptive equipment you use, the process of bowling remains the same as for that of able-bodied bowlers. First you set up, then you physically approach the foul line and release the ball, being sure not to cross this line. Adaptive equipment allows you to control the direction, speed, and timing of the ball’s release.
   
Bowling balls with gripping handles (which come in a variety of weights) allow the bowler to grasp the ball via a handle, rather than the usual finger-hold grip, making them ideal for individuals with limited grip or arm strength. Once released, the handle retracts completely flush into the ball.
   
Ball ramps allow individuals with limited or absent arm strength or coordination to send the bowling ball down the lane. The ball is placed at the top of the ramp by the bowler or an assistant, and then is either manually pushed or operated with a switch that releases the ball down the ramp and into the bowling lane.

Some commercial ramps include a swivel switch to control the ball. Lightweight tubular aluminum ramps tend to be the most popular and easily disassemble for storage, although homemade ramps can easily be constructed from wood.
   
Ball pushers (or bowling sticks), which can be used from either a sitting or standing position, allow bowlers to push the ball from the ground. Individuals gain increased control over the force of the throw and the angle at which the ball travels down the lane. Ball pushers come in two models: adjustable and triangular.
   
The challenge for people who are blind or visually impaired is staying oriented toward the pins while bowling. A simple carpet strip can serve this purpose, as can a makeshift guide rope or a commercial bowling rail.

Where to Bowl
Since the estimated 122,000 bowling facilities in the U.S. are all wheelchair-accessible, once you have the appropriate adaptive equipment, you can enjoy this sport alongside your friends and family.

If you prefer to bowl in an adaptive league, several organizations (see below) sponsor adaptive bowling both recreationally and as part of leagues. The National Disability Sports Alliance (NDSA) offers organized bowling in four different divisions: A division uses a ramp and allows limited assistance from a coach; B division uses ramps only; C division includes both wheelchair and ambulatory bowlers; and D division includes all others.
   
Whether for the camaraderie, exercise, or sense of accomplishment when the pins come crashing down, bowling is simply good clean fun.

For Further Information:
Organizations
American Blind Bowling Association
http://www.geocities.com/blindbowlers/abba

American Wheelchair Bowling Association
http://www.ncpad.org/organizations/index.php?id=854&state=Florida&city=Palm%20Harbor

United States Deaf Bowling Federation
http://hometown.aol.com/kchodak/myhomepage/profile.html

National Disabled Sports Alliance
http://www.ndsaonline.org/sports.htm

Equipment
Access to Recreation
http://www.accesstr.com/AMAZING/searchresult.asp

IKAN Bowler
http://www.ikanbowler.com

Bowling ramp photo courtesy of IKAN Bowler.

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