Back in April, I was able to help out with the Jr. Paralympic Trials, put on by Bridge II Sports in Durham. Everyone qualified for the regional competition.
It took weeks of practice every weekend. Each week, I got to see the participants improved more and more, and they got really interested in the different sports they got to try and then improve on. Board member Cheyanne and I would discuss every week after practice how much progress everyone was making each week, and it really impressed us. I think my favorite sport in the event was tennis, because the kids really seemed to like that one a lot.
By the way, there's a new tennis event going on July 15, July 22, August 5 and August 11 in Cary: See more info here - http://www.bridge2sports.org/Tennis.html
Back to the Jr Paralympic Trials, I wanted to point out a new video that is up on MyNC.com, which chronicles the trial day in Durham. Watch it at http://durham.mync.com/site/durham/video_landing_page/?video_id=141
Have a good Independence Day weekend everyone.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Traveling for people with disabilities
Hi again all - this past month I did some traveling for a cousin's wedding. As I was making my plans, I began to think about travel advice for people with disabilities.
One big concern is rental cars. When traveling, you always have to make reservations ahead of time for adaptive equipment in rental cars. Not only do you have to make that reservation, you have to confirm it, and call the specific office of the rental car company where you will be picking up the car to confirm the adaptive equipment.
Even then, that equipment is not going to be guaranteed. That happened to me once, so I think you should be prepared. Also ask the rental agency ahead of time if the shuttle bus that takes you to and from the airport is accessible, or if it isn't, if they'll have a car take you to and from the airport. Some booking agencies may call you ahead of time if you request adaptive equipment to confirm it, which can be a nice bonus.
However, to avoid problems, I would suggest you arrange a flight to arrive no later than the early afternoon. That way, if the rental car agency doesn't have the equipment set up for you, there will be time for them to get the person who sets it up on site, if that person isn't there.
Get there an hour or two before you need the car, if possible, to be sure they have the car's equipment hooked up. Or, you can buy portable hand controls to hook them up yourself - but you need to have your own insurance worked out for this beforehand.
As for flying - if you need an aisle chair, you need to get the gate 45 minutes early. If you have a layover and you have any kind of physical disability, you should allow for at least an hour between connections. This is because you will be the last person to be taken off the flight, even if your next flight is leaving minutes after you land - the flight attendants usually can't make everyone on the plane wait for you to have an aisle chair brought up.
Let someone at the desk by your gate know as soon as you can that you will need an aisle chair. Most airlines contract out the aisle service to the airport, so you need to get there with enough time for the airline to call for the chair.
When arranging the seating for your flight, let the ticketing agent know that your companions need to sit next to you in case you need to reach the overhead compartment or need assistance on the flight.
There may be some issues with the use of an aisle chair, such as awkward questions from the people escorting you as you are sitting in the aisle chair. Just be prepared ahead of time for this kind of thing.
If you can transfer all the way to the window seat, do it, so no one bumps into you. And try to go to the bathroom ahead of the flight, of course. Consult your doctor before flying, because blood can pool in your feet, causing problems. Your doctor may say you need to consider hose or long socks for protection and to constrict blood flow.
When you go into an airport, it's important to know your rights. You should know that it's within your rights to bring medical equipment on the flight. For people who catheterize, you can bring your tube of lubricant. It might be necessary to explain this to the security staff, who may not be familiar with the medical equipment allowances.
Take all of your catheters or lubricant or alcohol swabs and put them in see-through plastic travel bags. Security told me once it helps you and it'll help them, so they know what you have and it's right there in front of them. A security person at Raleigh's airport told me that although my lubricant was more than 3 ounces, it was okay because it was medical equipment.
If you use a wheelchair, it's extremely likely you'll be searched. So be prepared to be patted down. Typically, you will be put at the head of the security line. Your companions can come along with you.
Obviously for international travel, be sure to get there a lot earlier, at least three hours. Different countries have different processes for screening people with disabilities. In Toronto, I had to go through a special services area on the other side of the airport, and then I had to be escorted to my flight.Often you have to gate check your wheelchair. Wait until you see your medical equipment, like a wheelchair, go underneath the plane into the storage area for gate-checked items so you know it's on the flight. I have heard about people having their wheelchairs left behind in the airport at the gate, as it went forgotten.
You should either wait to see it taken to the gate-check area or have a companion wait to watch it being put in the right place. If anyone questions this, try to be insistent, or what I do is tell them I've known people whose chairs were left behind - this often evokes such a reaction that they will do everything they can to help you.
I think I've had enough traveling for a while. I went all the way out to Seattle, and my flight was canceled twice on the way home. Let me know in the comments if you've had any good or bad traveling experiences, or have some ideas not noted here.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Basketball Camp in Georgia - free program for girls
I got some info from Ashley Thomas, director of Bridge II Sports, about the program I mentioned in my last blog post. Below is more info about a program that is waiving fees for girls to attending a great basketball camp in Georgia (taken from the Sports N Spokes magazine):
Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute and the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) invite Junior Division female players in ninth grade and up to the 2008 Southern Shootout, January 25-27, 2008, in Warm Springs, Georgia.
The $100-per-player registration fee will be covered for any Junior Division girl who wants to attend. Participants will be placed on All Star teams coached by Dave Kiley, Ron Lykins (USA Women's National Team gold-medal coach) and others, and will play against teams from the NWBA Women's Division. It will provide up-and-coming female players exposure to existing Women's Division teams, and the next level of play for these young athletes to work toward.
The weekend will simulate the basketball festival structure used in national team tryout camps and currently in place in the summers for the NWBA Men's Division.
The fee, which will be covered through the sponsorship participation of the Junior Division, the Women's Division, the NWBA, and ABC Medical Corporation, will include transportation to and from the Atlanta aiport, T-shirt and jersey, all games, housing for Friday and Saturday nights, and all meals beginning from dinner on Friday night to breakfast on Sunday morning.
The registration deadline is November 30, 2007. Contact Reenae White (reenae.white@dol.state.ga.us), Doug Garner (dgarner728@aol.com), or Brent Hardin (bhardin@bama.ua.edu).
--David Pletcher
Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute and the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) invite Junior Division female players in ninth grade and up to the 2008 Southern Shootout, January 25-27, 2008, in Warm Springs, Georgia.
The $100-per-player registration fee will be covered for any Junior Division girl who wants to attend. Participants will be placed on All Star teams coached by Dave Kiley, Ron Lykins (USA Women's National Team gold-medal coach) and others, and will play against teams from the NWBA Women's Division. It will provide up-and-coming female players exposure to existing Women's Division teams, and the next level of play for these young athletes to work toward.
The weekend will simulate the basketball festival structure used in national team tryout camps and currently in place in the summers for the NWBA Men's Division.
The fee, which will be covered through the sponsorship participation of the Junior Division, the Women's Division, the NWBA, and ABC Medical Corporation, will include transportation to and from the Atlanta aiport, T-shirt and jersey, all games, housing for Friday and Saturday nights, and all meals beginning from dinner on Friday night to breakfast on Sunday morning.
The registration deadline is November 30, 2007. Contact Reenae White (reenae.white@dol.state.ga.us), Doug Garner (dgarner728@aol.com), or Brent Hardin (bhardin@bama.ua.edu).
--David Pletcher
Nomination for 2008 Jr Athlete of 2008
Sports N Spokes Magazine invited Bridge II Sports to nominate a Jr Athlete of 2008. More on Sports N Spokes Magazine: http://www.pvamagazines.com/sns/
I talked to a few people and decided to nominate Deja, from the Wheels of Steel basketball team in Raleigh. Congratulations Deja, you definitely deserve this recognition.
On a related topic, I just heard from Bridge II Sports' executive director that an organization in Atlanta is going to pay for girls to attend a camp in Atlanta. I am going to get more details and post them here soon. So look for that soon.
Below is why Deja was nominated:
Deja is a 12-year-old in eighth grade who plays basketball with the Wheels of Steel team managed by Bridge II Sports in North Carolina. She is also an accomplished wheelchair bowler, who regularly places in competitions.
Each week, she is there for basketball practice. As her coach, I have never heard her complain, even though her wheelchair is not the best for playing the sport. Her attitude is excellent, even when she isn't feeling the best because of complications due to her cerebral palsy.
She led the team in her division and was the captain of the team during the 2007-2008 season. While Deja was the team captain, she always kept her teammates in line with jokes, or with encouraging words.
When I needed someone to fill in with the higher age bracket team during a tournament, she did it without question, even though she wasn't used to playing with much older kids. I could tell she was a little anxious about this new experience, but she soldiered through it.
After the game was over, she made a special effort to thank me for the unexpected opportunity to play with the older age division. Her graciousness and sportsmanship is equaled by her sense of humor. She never lets anything get her down, and is always ready with a smile and a laugh. Deja maximizes her abilities while other players don't try half as hard.
When Bridge II Sports hosted a local Junior Paralympics Trial and offered practices for the weeks leading up to the trial, Deja attended despite the fact that she was too old to compete. Her goal was to improve herself and learn more sports-related skills, and grow stronger as a player.
I believe she accomplished this goal, and it was one of the highlights of the event to see her progress. She participated in tennis and made an amazing amount of improvement in a short time, despite her specific physical disability making it more of a challenge for her.
Deja would be an excellent and well-deserving winner of this recognition. She consistently demonstrates the kind of qualities that an athlete of the year should have.
--David Pletcher
I talked to a few people and decided to nominate Deja, from the Wheels of Steel basketball team in Raleigh. Congratulations Deja, you definitely deserve this recognition.
On a related topic, I just heard from Bridge II Sports' executive director that an organization in Atlanta is going to pay for girls to attend a camp in Atlanta. I am going to get more details and post them here soon. So look for that soon.
Below is why Deja was nominated:
Deja is a 12-year-old in eighth grade who plays basketball with the Wheels of Steel team managed by Bridge II Sports in North Carolina. She is also an accomplished wheelchair bowler, who regularly places in competitions.
Each week, she is there for basketball practice. As her coach, I have never heard her complain, even though her wheelchair is not the best for playing the sport. Her attitude is excellent, even when she isn't feeling the best because of complications due to her cerebral palsy.
She led the team in her division and was the captain of the team during the 2007-2008 season. While Deja was the team captain, she always kept her teammates in line with jokes, or with encouraging words.
When I needed someone to fill in with the higher age bracket team during a tournament, she did it without question, even though she wasn't used to playing with much older kids. I could tell she was a little anxious about this new experience, but she soldiered through it.
After the game was over, she made a special effort to thank me for the unexpected opportunity to play with the older age division. Her graciousness and sportsmanship is equaled by her sense of humor. She never lets anything get her down, and is always ready with a smile and a laugh. Deja maximizes her abilities while other players don't try half as hard.
When Bridge II Sports hosted a local Junior Paralympics Trial and offered practices for the weeks leading up to the trial, Deja attended despite the fact that she was too old to compete. Her goal was to improve herself and learn more sports-related skills, and grow stronger as a player.
I believe she accomplished this goal, and it was one of the highlights of the event to see her progress. She participated in tennis and made an amazing amount of improvement in a short time, despite her specific physical disability making it more of a challenge for her.
Deja would be an excellent and well-deserving winner of this recognition. She consistently demonstrates the kind of qualities that an athlete of the year should have.
--David Pletcher
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Ten Tips for People with Disabilities and Clothing Choices
Bridge II Sports has an upcoming program for girls, Gige (Girls Inspired, Girls Empowered). One of the topics of discussion will be "What Not to Wear in a Chair." We'll announce the dates and times soon. Maybe we will be inspired to do something for the guys too.
But for now, here are some things I've learned about clothing for people with disabilities.
We're going to talk about this because even with a disability, you can be well dressed and well groomed, just like anyone else. So, if you go outside with three days worth of beard growth (if you are a man) or armpit hair (if you're a woman), or if your hair is a mess and sleep is still in your eyes, it gives a negative image.
It is always a good idea to look your best. It's something to be mindful of. Here's ten tips for what to wear if you have a disability.
1.Consider this blog a “No Sweat Pant Zone”
It's simple: Pants that come in packs of five just don't cut it. It might be that sweat pants are easier to deal with and easier to keep on when transferring into or out of your wheelchair or when using crutches. But it's not that hard to pull up your pants yourself, unless you don't have full arm function.
Some people may need to wear sweat pants for a medical reason. If you wear them to try and hide a diaper, try wearing underwear over the diaper. Then if you bend over, people will only see underwear. Jeans will hide underwear too.
But people with spina bifida, paraplegia, and even CP typically don't have any reason to wear sweat pants in public - unless you're going to the gym...
2. Belts are not best
Belts put pressure on your bladder and your bowel area, causing accidents. If you are going to wear one, wear it loosely. Instead of using a belt, take the time to buy pants that fit right or are tailored.
I know we are all scared of wearing pants that'll scrunch up on us or tighten our waist, but you just can't buy pants that are seven sizes too big.
Khakis and slacks are easier to put on than jeans, and are a good alternative for men and women instead of the ratty old sweatpants. Or, you could try suspenders.
3. Consider your footwear
If you buy shoes that are a little too long in the toe, your foot won't get caught in the caster area of your chair. You will avoid bone breaks and having to hear the doctor tell you something you've heard 50 times over.
As for the people who don't wear shoes at all, or just socks, think about the impression you're giving of yourself. I hate to say it, but without socks and/or shoes, you look like you belong in a home.
A word of advice for dress shoes: buy leather. It'll hold up better than cheaper material because your feet will hit more things than you are aware of, and it's easier to buff out the scruff marks on leather.
4. Clothes guards, always
Wheelchair clothes guards solve the problem of getting dirt from your wheels on your clothes. How many times have you had your clothes entangled in your wheels? Having dirty printed wheelchair tire tread on your white dress shirt is not a fashion statement. I've had to throw shirts away because of that.
5. Accessorizing
You might want to buy cheap for these. Watches and bracelets may get caught in your wheels, so don't wear things that dangle too much. If you want one of these accessories, make sure you buy a cheap one so if get caught and breaks, you're not out ten grand for a Rolex.
As for rings, make sure they fit well, as your hands will contract while wheeling or using crutches often during the day. That'll make your fingers sore and can cause swelling while you have a ring on.
6. Your wheelchair does factor in
Does your clothing match your chair? Get a color of chair that works with many other colors, so if you wear a nice outfit, it won't clash badly.
Careful with choosing a black wheelchair, crutches, or walker though; if it sits in the sun a while, the metal may become hot as the dark color absorbs the heat, and could burn your skin. You might not be able to feel that, but there will be consequences.
Consider what colors you pick and how that will affect future job interviews - unless you want to become mayor of Ronald McDonald Land, keep the rainbow glitter colors off your camber tube.
7. Suitable suits
Because people who use wheelchairs or crutches have different growth development, and different body movements than people who walk, getting fitted for a suit can be a challenge.
For either suits for men or pantsuits for women, find a tailor who will listen to you. Tailors are used to people being generally in proportion and may not have ever fitted someone using a wheelchair. Show the tailor how you wheel. Explain how your pants are probably going to be a significantly different size than your jacket or top, and if they are a good tailor, they will listen.
If you walk, and you have limited movement in your legs like some people with spina bifida or CP have, make sure you have free movement without hindrances.
8. Picking material for your needs
Find clothes that are made of durable material that won't fray, like denim - not that you want an entire denim outfit. But if you fall out of your chair or have to transfer, jeans hold up.
Also keep in mind that water resistant or stain resistant clothes have been treated so if you spill something or it rains, a lot of it will roll off.
9. Travel tips
For air travel, if you have to use an aisle chair to get on the airplane, then you need to wear jeans or long pants to protect your legs. While the airline personnel are moving you down the aisle in their narrow chair, they may bump you into things, and you won't be in control of your momentum. Protect your body.
10. Shorts and summer clothes
When I was younger, the other kids in school would pick on me incessantly about how my legs looked when I wore shorts. I got in too many fights over it. For years I just wore long pants.
For the kids reading this: When people make fun of you, I encourage you to have the attitude that it's okay for you to wear what you want. People will stop taunting you, because you're showing it's not bothering you. I wish I had done that, but the consequence was that I stopped wearing shorts. Don't let that happen to you. It wasn't really necessary for me to handle it like that, but that's why this blog exists, so we can talk about these things.
Now I wear shorts whenever I want. I can tell you now, there's no problem with wearing shorts. Don't be embarrassed of your legs. If it's in the summer and it's hot, wear shorts, be fashionable! Some people with disabilities have problems regulating their body heat, so don't let embarrassment trump your medical needs. Everyone has something wrong with them. Don't be ashamed of your body. (And don't forget to use sunscreen.)
Add your thoughts on what to wear in a chair in the comments. Let us know your tips and tricks.
--David Pletcher
But for now, here are some things I've learned about clothing for people with disabilities.
We're going to talk about this because even with a disability, you can be well dressed and well groomed, just like anyone else. So, if you go outside with three days worth of beard growth (if you are a man) or armpit hair (if you're a woman), or if your hair is a mess and sleep is still in your eyes, it gives a negative image.
It is always a good idea to look your best. It's something to be mindful of. Here's ten tips for what to wear if you have a disability.
1.Consider this blog a “No Sweat Pant Zone”
It's simple: Pants that come in packs of five just don't cut it. It might be that sweat pants are easier to deal with and easier to keep on when transferring into or out of your wheelchair or when using crutches. But it's not that hard to pull up your pants yourself, unless you don't have full arm function.
Some people may need to wear sweat pants for a medical reason. If you wear them to try and hide a diaper, try wearing underwear over the diaper. Then if you bend over, people will only see underwear. Jeans will hide underwear too.
But people with spina bifida, paraplegia, and even CP typically don't have any reason to wear sweat pants in public - unless you're going to the gym...
2. Belts are not best
Belts put pressure on your bladder and your bowel area, causing accidents. If you are going to wear one, wear it loosely. Instead of using a belt, take the time to buy pants that fit right or are tailored.
I know we are all scared of wearing pants that'll scrunch up on us or tighten our waist, but you just can't buy pants that are seven sizes too big.
Khakis and slacks are easier to put on than jeans, and are a good alternative for men and women instead of the ratty old sweatpants. Or, you could try suspenders.
3. Consider your footwear
If you buy shoes that are a little too long in the toe, your foot won't get caught in the caster area of your chair. You will avoid bone breaks and having to hear the doctor tell you something you've heard 50 times over.
As for the people who don't wear shoes at all, or just socks, think about the impression you're giving of yourself. I hate to say it, but without socks and/or shoes, you look like you belong in a home.
A word of advice for dress shoes: buy leather. It'll hold up better than cheaper material because your feet will hit more things than you are aware of, and it's easier to buff out the scruff marks on leather.
4. Clothes guards, always
Wheelchair clothes guards solve the problem of getting dirt from your wheels on your clothes. How many times have you had your clothes entangled in your wheels? Having dirty printed wheelchair tire tread on your white dress shirt is not a fashion statement. I've had to throw shirts away because of that.
5. Accessorizing
You might want to buy cheap for these. Watches and bracelets may get caught in your wheels, so don't wear things that dangle too much. If you want one of these accessories, make sure you buy a cheap one so if get caught and breaks, you're not out ten grand for a Rolex.
As for rings, make sure they fit well, as your hands will contract while wheeling or using crutches often during the day. That'll make your fingers sore and can cause swelling while you have a ring on.
6. Your wheelchair does factor in
Does your clothing match your chair? Get a color of chair that works with many other colors, so if you wear a nice outfit, it won't clash badly.
Careful with choosing a black wheelchair, crutches, or walker though; if it sits in the sun a while, the metal may become hot as the dark color absorbs the heat, and could burn your skin. You might not be able to feel that, but there will be consequences.
Consider what colors you pick and how that will affect future job interviews - unless you want to become mayor of Ronald McDonald Land, keep the rainbow glitter colors off your camber tube.
7. Suitable suits
Because people who use wheelchairs or crutches have different growth development, and different body movements than people who walk, getting fitted for a suit can be a challenge.
For either suits for men or pantsuits for women, find a tailor who will listen to you. Tailors are used to people being generally in proportion and may not have ever fitted someone using a wheelchair. Show the tailor how you wheel. Explain how your pants are probably going to be a significantly different size than your jacket or top, and if they are a good tailor, they will listen.
If you walk, and you have limited movement in your legs like some people with spina bifida or CP have, make sure you have free movement without hindrances.
8. Picking material for your needs
Find clothes that are made of durable material that won't fray, like denim - not that you want an entire denim outfit. But if you fall out of your chair or have to transfer, jeans hold up.
Also keep in mind that water resistant or stain resistant clothes have been treated so if you spill something or it rains, a lot of it will roll off.
9. Travel tips
For air travel, if you have to use an aisle chair to get on the airplane, then you need to wear jeans or long pants to protect your legs. While the airline personnel are moving you down the aisle in their narrow chair, they may bump you into things, and you won't be in control of your momentum. Protect your body.
10. Shorts and summer clothes
When I was younger, the other kids in school would pick on me incessantly about how my legs looked when I wore shorts. I got in too many fights over it. For years I just wore long pants.
For the kids reading this: When people make fun of you, I encourage you to have the attitude that it's okay for you to wear what you want. People will stop taunting you, because you're showing it's not bothering you. I wish I had done that, but the consequence was that I stopped wearing shorts. Don't let that happen to you. It wasn't really necessary for me to handle it like that, but that's why this blog exists, so we can talk about these things.
Now I wear shorts whenever I want. I can tell you now, there's no problem with wearing shorts. Don't be embarrassed of your legs. If it's in the summer and it's hot, wear shorts, be fashionable! Some people with disabilities have problems regulating their body heat, so don't let embarrassment trump your medical needs. Everyone has something wrong with them. Don't be ashamed of your body. (And don't forget to use sunscreen.)
Add your thoughts on what to wear in a chair in the comments. Let us know your tips and tricks.
--David Pletcher
Introduction for the New Bridge2Sports Blog
Hello, this is the official Bridge II Sports blog. We're an adaptive sports organization based in RTP (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and surrounding areas) in North Carolina. Bridge II Sports is a non-profit organization that creates opportunities for children and adults who are physically challenged. To play sports individually or on a team helps them discover tenacity, confidence, self-esteem and the joy of finding the player within.
The head of the organization is Ashley Thomas, who can be reached at ashley@bridge2sports.org or 866-880-2742
Visit the official web site at http://www.bridge2sports.org/ for dates/times of practices for various sports teams, as well as upcoming event information.
The main editor for this blog is David Pletcher, a 26-year-old Durham resident who is also the Wheels of Steel youth basketball coach (see http://www.bridge2sports.org/BasketBall.html). David is a published writer and historian on disability legislation and disability history. He is currently working on a master's degree in the humanities. He has been a paraplegic for 24 years.
There's also Cheyanne Ritz, who assists, and David's wife Ashlee Russeau-Pletcher, who will be helping too.
If you have an idea for a blog post or want to get involved in the organization, write to bridge2sports@gmail.com, or email us if you want to be notified when we do a new post.
The head of the organization is Ashley Thomas, who can be reached at ashley@bridge2sports.org or 866-880-2742
Visit the official web site at http://www.bridge2sports.org/ for dates/times of practices for various sports teams, as well as upcoming event information.
The main editor for this blog is David Pletcher, a 26-year-old Durham resident who is also the Wheels of Steel youth basketball coach (see http://www.bridge2sports.org/BasketBall.html). David is a published writer and historian on disability legislation and disability history. He is currently working on a master's degree in the humanities. He has been a paraplegic for 24 years.
There's also Cheyanne Ritz, who assists, and David's wife Ashlee Russeau-Pletcher, who will be helping too.
If you have an idea for a blog post or want to get involved in the organization, write to bridge2sports@gmail.com, or email us if you want to be notified when we do a new post.
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