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If you have a disability, you may be less active and therefore at greater risk of having diseases such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and coronary heart disease.

So it’s important to find ways to overcome any barriers you face as you try to become physically active. These barriers may include affordability and a lack of access, transportation and information.

This article outlines the benefits of physical activity for people with disabilities and ways to adapt various activities to meet special needs.

Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity not only improves mental health but also provides opportunities for social interaction.

Depression rates are higher among people with disabilities. For example, 80 per cent of people with multiple sclerosis experience depression at some point. Physical activity can help you fight depression, improve your mood and reduce anxiety and stress.

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Improving your fitness level may also give you an enhanced sense of control. Physical activity can

Allow you to focus on your abilities, not your disability.
Give you more energy and strength to do things on your own, such as grocery shopping or housework.

Participants in activity groups for people with disabilities report that these programs:

Help them to feel they’re not alone in their struggles.
Provide a social outlet where people can discuss common experiences, talk about solutions to various challenges and just have fun together.

Exercising in a social setting also increases your motivation to participate. Even if you go to your exercise class mainly to chat with your friends, at least you’re still being somewhat active! And if you see your friends improving, chances are you’ll be inspired to make the same improvements.

Adapting Activities for People With Disabilities
If an activity doesn’t work for all abilities, it can usually be adapted so everyone can participate.

Sports that you can play in a wheelchair include rugby, tennis, golf, basketball and track. People with disabilities can also dance (in wheelchairs), ride horses, go canoeing or kayaking, swim, row and take aquasize, yoga or tai chi classes.

Winter activities might include sledge hockey, and adapted versions of cross-country and downhill skiing. There are many other possibilities for creative adaptations of this kind.

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People with disabilities benefit from physical activity, and the barriers to being active are coming down. A wide variety of activities have been adapted so people of all abilities can participate. So go out and get active!

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Learn More
AdaptAbilities
Quality programs and respite services for families who have children with special needs. This organization focuses on life skills, recreation and leisure opportunities and on exploring the arts.

Alberta Active Living Alliance
A national network that promotes physical activity among Canadians with a disability.

Leisure Opportunities for Persons with Special Needs, City of Edmonton
Lists of leisure opportunities throughout Edmonton for people with disabilities, along with a summary of specialized programs.

SportAbility Alberta
A provincial sport organization dedicated to developing sport opportunities for people with cerebral palsy and related conditions.

Steadward Centre
The Steadward Centre offers fitness and lifestyle programs. The centre also provides instruction and research for people with physical disabilities.

Wheelchair Sports Alberta
A non-profit organization that provides recreational and competitive sport opportunities for wheelchair athletes, coaches and volunteers.

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