Sports, Active Living, & Recreation

Adaptive Sports

Mount Sinai Adaptive Sport Programs: The Mount Sinai Adaptive Sports Program is designed to provide individuals with disabilities, including those with spinal cord injuries (SCI), opportunities to engage in physical activity, sports, and recreation. These programs focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment, allowing participants to develop strength, confidence, and social connections through a variety of adaptive sports.
Achilles International: Achilles International’s mission is to enable people with all types of disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics in order to promote personal achievement, enhance self-esteem, and lower barriers to living a fulfilling life.
Active Project: Kelly Brush Foundation launched the Active Project, a platform that provides adaptive sports organizations an interactive way to reach participants, share events and programs, and engage with the adaptive community. It also offers in-depth learning resources for anyone with physical disabilities to learn about sports, discover opportunities and events, and find peers to recreate with.
Action Sports Foundation (ASF): The Adaptive Sports Foundation (ASF) provides individuals with disabilities access to sports and recreation programs to promote physical and emotional well-being. Their Adaptive Sports Grant helps fund specialized equipment, lessons, and participation in adaptive sports programs, ensuring more people can experience the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Adaptive Sports Foundation: The Adaptive Sports Foundation (ASF) is a non-profit organization that provides profound and life changing experiences for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities and chronic illnesses through outdoor physical activity, education, support and community.
Adaptive Action Sports: Adaptive Action Sports was founded in 2005 by 3x Paralympic Medalist Amy Purdy and Daniel Gale to create opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to get involved in action sports like skateboarding and snowboarding. They were an integral part of getting snowboarding into the Paralympic Games for the first time and they continue to train adaptive athletes to make the US Snowboarding Team as well as creating other recreational and wellness opportunities that encourage and promote a healthy and active quality of life.
Adaptive Adventures: Adaptive Adventures provides progressive outdoor sports opportunities to improve quality of life for children, adults and veterans with physical disabilities and their families.
Burk Rehab Adaptive Sports: Live a happier and healthier lifestyle by participating in recreation therapy or adaptive sports at Burke Rehabilitation. Whether you are in the hospital at Burke or living at home with a physical or cognitive limitation, opportunities to take part in leisure time activities and sports are available through Burke therapeutic recreation staff and partners in the communities we serve.
High Fives Foundation: Supports athletes with life-changing injuries, primarily focusing on individuals with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities. Their grant program provides financial assistance for adaptive sports equipment, recovery, and wellness programs to help recipients regain independence and improve their quality of life. Through their grants, High Fives empowers athletes to pursue their passions and continue participating in sports despite their challenges.
Kelly Brush Foundation’s Active Fund: Provides grants to individuals with spinal cord injuries to help them purchase adaptive sports equipment. This initiative promotes an active lifestyle by making recreational and competitive sports more accessible, enhancing physical and mental well-being. By supporting individuals in pursuing their athletic goals, the foundation fosters independence, inclusion, and a sense of community.
LOF Adaptive Skiers: LOF Adaptive Skiers is a nonprofit organization that provides adaptive water skiing and snow skiing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Through specialized equipment and trained instructors, they create an inclusive environment where participants can build confidence, improve physical fitness, and enjoy outdoor sports.
Montefiore Adaptive Sports: Offers adaptive sports programs designed to enhance the physical health and well-being of individuals with disabilities. The programs include a range of activities such as wheelchair basketball, tennis, and swimming, providing participants with opportunities to improve mobility, build confidence, and engage with others in an inclusive environment. The center is committed to supporting athletes with disabilities and promoting active lifestyles.
Move United: Move United is a national organization that promotes adaptive sports for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have access to recreational and competitive opportunities. Through partnerships, training, and nationwide programs, Move United helps people of all abilities stay active and engaged in sports.
National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA): promotes and supports wheelchair basketball across various levels, from youth to professional and Paralympic competition. It provides resources, training, and events to enhance opportunities for athletes with disabilities to participate in the sport. The organization is committed to fostering inclusivity, athletic excellence, and community engagement through wheelchair basketball.
National Veterans Wheelchair Games: is the world’s largest annual adaptive sports event for military veterans who use wheelchairs due to disabilities. Organized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America, the games offer a variety of competitive and recreational sports, promoting rehabilitation, wellness, and camaraderie.
National Wheelchair Softball Association (NWSA): National Wheelchair Softball Association (NWSA) was founded and serves as the governing body for wheelchair softball in the United States. Teams throughout America compete on a regular basis and hosts several tournaments throughout the summer. The NWSA hosts a national wheelchair softball championship tournament annually.
Navigators Adaptive Sports: A nonprofit organization dedicated to providing individuals with disabilities access to adaptive sports and recreational activities. They offer a range of programs, including wheelchair basketball, sled hockey, and other inclusive sports, to promote physical activity, independence, and community engagement. The organization aims to empower athletes of all skill levels by fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
Sports Abilities: A guide to resources on in all states for adaptive sports organizations and equipment.
Sports ’N Spokes: A magazine about sports and recreation for people with paralysis, published by the Paralyzed Veterans of America; SNS offers details on wheelchair athletics and competition, recreation, exercise, training, nutrition, event schedules and other topics of interest to the active wheelers.
The Ryan Martin Foundation: The Ryan Martin Foundation’s mission is to help youth and adult athletes with disabilities live independent, impassioned, productive and full lives through sports training, mentoring and education.
United States Power Soccer Association (USPSA): is dedicated to promoting and developing power soccer, a competitive team sport for athletes who use power wheelchairs. The organization provides opportunities for players of all skill levels to participate, compete, and grow through leagues, tournaments, and national team programs. USPSA aims to foster inclusivity, teamwork, and athletic achievement within the adaptive sports community.
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center: Wheelchair tennis practice is every Sunday at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Beginners are asked to come from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. only and should contact Aki Takayama at Takayama@usta.com or (718) 760-6251 before arriving to practice.
Vermont Adaptive: Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is a nationally recognized organization that empowers people of all abilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming regardless of ability to pay. In addition to sports, year-round programming options integrate environmental, holistic wellness, and competitive training philosophies for people of all ages with cognitive, developmental, physical and emotional disabilities.
Wheelchair Sports Federation: Wheelchair Sports Federation is a national non-profit that provides opportunities for the disabled and wheelchair-bound adults and youth to play sports recreationally and competitively. With an extensive volunteer network, the Wheelchair Sports Federation can help get the information that anyone or team would like regarding the numerous Adaptive Sports.
The Winter Sports Clinic: Provides adaptive skiing and snowboarding opportunities for veterans and individuals with disabilities, promoting rehabilitation, confidence, and independence through winter sports. Hosted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this annual event offers specialized instruction, state-of-the-art equipment, and a supportive community to empower participants of all abilities.
World T.E.A.M. Sports: Since our first sporting program in 1987, World T.E.A.M. has organized inclusive outdoor athletic programs for adaptive and able-bodied citizens – mountain climbing, white water rafting, cycling, and more.
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee: Paralympic Sport Development program focuses on expanding access to adaptive sports for athletes with disabilities. It provides resources, training, and support to help individuals of all skill levels participate in Paralympic sports. Through partnerships and community programs, the initiative fosters inclusivity and helps develop future Paralympic athletes.

Active Living

Mount Sinai SCI Adaptive and Inclusive Workouts Guide: Our team at The Spinal Cord Injury Research Center have created a comprehensive guide of adaptive & inclusive fitness, dance and yoga resources that people with SCI can access to stay active and healthy.
Accessibility in NYC Parks: NYC Parks aims to make sure that all New Yorkers get the most out of the great outdoors. While many of our events are accessible, these parks events and programs are geared specifically towards people with physical disabilities.
Active Homes: Strength-Training Guide For People with SCI: This guide is designed as a resource manual for individuals with a spinal cord injury who want to try to meet the strength training recommendations as outlined in the Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults with SCI. Downloadable manuals and videos for people with paraplegia and tetraplegia for continued at-home strength training for adults with SCI are available.
Adaptive Climbing Group: Adaptive Climbing Group is a community for people with disabilities to have opportunities to inclusively participate in the sport of climbing. They host several sessions each week and also host monthly ACG Kids sessions at MetroRock Bushwick.
Axis Project: The Axis Project is a multidisciplinary center committed to providing high quality services for those with physical disabilities. This unique center empowers people with physical disabilities to pursue a healthy, active lifestyle. The center is completely wheelchair accessible and includes all accessible workout equipment. The Axis Project offers programs, activities, and classes specifically designed for people with physical disabilities. They have locations in East Harlem and Brooklyn. Visit their Facebook page for latest information.
Challenged Athlete Foundation: Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) to provide opportunities and support to people with physical challenges, so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. CAF believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.
Discover Accessible Fitness: A Wheelchair User’s Guide for Using Fitness Equipment: Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) created this guide as an exercise program for persons using wheelchairs.
Disabled Hikers: A cross-disability-led nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting outdoor accessibility and inclusion for disabled individuals. They provide resources such as trail guides, group hikes, and advocacy initiatives, utilizing their unique Spoon Rating System to assess trail accessibility and difficulty.
Exercise and Fitness After Spinal Cord Injury: The MSKTC page on Exercise and Fitness After Spinal Cord Injury highlights the importance of physical activity for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) to improve overall health, mobility, and independence. It provides information on different types of exercises, adaptive fitness options, and expert insights on how to stay active safely. The resource emphasizes the benefits of exercise, including improved cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and mental well-being.
Exercises At Home Packet: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington put together this wonderful packet of exercises that most can perform from a sitting position at home or a gym.
Exercise for People with SCI: Shepherd Center YouTube video playlist intended to promote a healthy lifestyle for people with spinal cord injury by providing how-to videos depicting various exercises users can do in a gym with the assistance of a trainer or caregiver.
Every Body Fitness Exercise Class: Every Body Fitness, an exercise ideology created by Physical Therapist Kristin McNealus, is the first online exercise program for people with spinal cord injuries.
The IM ABLE Foundation: Is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities by promoting adaptive fitness and recreation opportunities. Their IM ABLE Grants provide funding for adaptive equipment such as handcycles, sports prosthetics, and other specialized gear, helping individuals regain mobility and lead active lifestyles. The foundation also offers community programs, fitness training, and events to support inclusivity in sports and recreation.
Life Rolls On: Founded by world champion quadriplegic surfer Jesse Billauer, Life Rolls On is dedicated to improving the quality of life for young people affected by spinal cord injury. The organization hosts national adaptive surfing and skating events throughout the year.
Move United On Demand: Move United OnDemand provides a high-quality, engaging fitness platform adapted for different abilities and body types. Through highly trained instructors and workouts that are fun, dynamic and engaging, athletes will disabilities can enjoy the benefits of healthy, physical activity at home and other places where you train.
National Center on Physical Activity and Disability: Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) is a public health practice and resource center on health promotion for people with disability. NCHPAD seeks to help people with disability and other chronic health conditions achieve health benefits through increased participation in all types of physical and social activities, including fitness and aquatic activities, recreational and sports programs, adaptive equipment usage, and more.
NextStep Fitness: A nonprofit organization dedicated to providing accessible fitness and rehabilitation opportunities for individuals with paralysis and other mobility impairments. Through state-of-the-art equipment, specialized training, and community support, NextStep helps individuals improve their health, independence, and quality of life. Their centers offer adaptive exercise programs, recovery-focused therapies, and a supportive environment for people living with disabilities.
No Barriers: A national non-profit that uses sports and adventure to break through barriers and tap into participant’s full potential. Their flagship is the Annual No Barriers summit, a 4-day event held with over 40 adaptive activities.
Outdoors for Everyone: The Reeve Foundation has created ‘Outdoors for Everyone,’ an initiative to ensure the great outdoors is accessible and inclusive for all people – including those living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers. Reeve Foundation has also created an Accessible Outdoor Checklist for parks, recreation centers, and partners to ensure people living with paralysis and other disabilities are able to enjoy the outdoors, because public lands are for everyone regardless of ability.
Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults with Spinal Cord Injuries: This guideline by the University of British Columbia has been developed by an international group of SCI scientists, people living with SCI, clinicians, and representatives from SCI organizations. These physical activity guidelines are based on the best scientific evidence available.
Trails Without Limits Hiking: This program allows individuals who may be living with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, amputation, paraplegia, arthritis, cardiac issues, joint replacements, or have other mobility concerns the opportunity to immerse themselves in Westchester County Parks. Our All-Terrain Track chair program is offered at no cost to the user. The program will rotate throughout Westchester County Parks March-November.
Row New York: Row New York is a non-profit organization based in New York City focused on empowering youth, adult, and adaptive athletes through the sport of rowing. The programs are free and low-cost, depending on household income and needs. The organization and its staff have won several awards and recognition for positive impact on local youth and the sport of rowing.
The Miami Project’s At Home Fitness Guide: Developed by the Miami Project for those who want to incorporate different exercise protocols developed to optimize health in people with spinal cord injury. The training program consists of a mix of cardio and weightlifting exercises, utilizing resistance bands system and/or dumbbells. It includes a section that enables people to track their progress as they work toward their fitness goals.
Wheelchair Body Building: Wheelchair Bodybuilding, Inc. (WCBB) was founded in May 2006 as a non-profit organization by Nick Scott dedicated to raising funds to expand and improve opportunities for wheelchair athletes and adaptive athletes.

E-Sports

AbleGamers: Able Gamers mission is to create opportunities that enable play for people with disabilities and improve their quality of life while prioritizing two core objectives: enabling people with disabilities to access video games with ease and empowering game creators and developers to design games with maximum accessibility.
Accessible Gaming Guide: Provides information on adaptive gaming options for individuals with spinal cord injuries, highlighting accessible controllers, devices, and software that help enhance the gaming experience. It also discusses the benefits of gaming for mental health, socialization, and skill development while offering financial assistance resources for purchasing adaptive equipment.
Adaptive Video Gaming and Esports Program: United Spinal Association of Georgia’s esports program spawned Nerve Gaming. They feature gamers with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities who participate in community game nights, streaming, clip-of-the-week competitions, sharing equipment set-ups, individual and team coaching, and competitive tournaments
Adaptive E-Sports Tournament: Logitech has partnered with the Mount Sinai, AbleGamers Charity and Adaptive Action Sports to to provide adaptive gamers a professional series of esports tournaments featuring high stakes, bragging rights, and $30,000+ in cash & prizes.
The Quad Gods: Are the world’s first all-quadriplegic E-Sports gaming team, breaking barriers and stereotypes. Assembled with the help of Drs. David Putrino and Angela Riccobono, these Mount Sinai spinal cord injury patients redefine what’s possible in gaming.

Dance

Axis For All: A FREE online video series that features guided movement, dance and meditation exercises for people living with paralysis, their family and caregivers. These videos for all ages include seated/wheelchair-based workshops that focus on bringing movement into the body, taught by AXIS Dance Company.
Dance for All Bodies: They are offering free online inclusive dance classes via Zoom.
Chair Dancing Fitness: Presents a five day Seated Workout Plan alongside other free virtual adaptive classes throughout the week.
Heidi Latsky Dance: The mission of HLD is to bring contemporary dance to a broad audience in a visceral and emotional way with performers whose unique attributes, physical and otherwise, are honored and utilized in highly dynamic, virtuosic and provocative ways.
Roll Call Wheelchair Dance: Roll Call Wheelchair Dance is an organization exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. The mission of Roll Call is to provide people in wheelchairs, both adults and children a social dancing outlet. They also provide opportunity to learn competitive style wheelchair dance and to compete at local and national dance competitions.

Inclusive Yoga

Inclusive Yoga: A Practice for Individuals with a Spinal Cord Injury: This 35 minute yoga video is a first-of-its-kind practice for individuals with a disability.
Adaptive Yoga with WheelPower: Nina the Yoga Instructor demonstrates effective and safe adaptive chair yoga poses in this 1 hr. class. Free to stream.
Adaptive Yoga – Full Class: Stream 1hr adaptive yoga class with renowned adaptive yoga instructor Matthew Sanford on YouTube.
Yoga for Paralysis: Yoga Anytime features over 2,600 videos to help you move, heal, connect, begin, and/or teach yoga. They offer an 8 episode online streaming adaptive yoga options from wheelchair instructor Quinn Brett. Targeted to those with more mobility (manual chair user/paraplegics). They are currently offering a 15-day free trial membership.
Adaptive Yoga for Veterans: adaptive 39 minute adaptive Yoga for Veterans series on YouTube.

Recreation

Able Flight: A non-profit organization which offers flight and aviation career training to people with disabilities. Their Able Flight Flight Training Scholarship is designed for people who wish top earn a Sport Pilot certificate. It covers ground and flight training, testing, travel and lodging expenses as required. Able Flight encourages people with a variety of physical disabilities to apply for a scholarship. Applicants for a full scholarship must be available to travel for training for a six-to-eight week period without a break.
Freedoms Wings: Freedom’s Wings International (FWI) Is A non-profit organization run by and for people with physical disabilities. We provide the opportunity for those who are physically challenged to fly in specially adapted sailplanes, either as a passenger or as a member of the flight training program.
Fishing Has No Boundaries: Fishing Has No Boundaries provides recreational fishing opportunities for all anglers with disabilities regardless of their age, race, gender, or disability. Their New York Chapter is located in Fort Ann, NY.
GallupNYC: GallopNYC offers therapeutic horsemanship programs to children and adults with disabilities, including Veterans and at-risk youth. At the height of our season, we provide lessons to 686 riders a week, and operate our riding program at four locations. We are committed to serving low-to-middle income families. Schedules at each location vary seasonally.
Hudson River Community Sailing’s Adaptive Sailing: This program provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to experience sailing in an inclusive and supportive environment. The program offers specialized equipment, trained instructors, and tailored instruction to ensure accessibility and participation for all skill levels.
Lynn McCarthy Yoga: Offers adaptive and accessible yoga classes designed to support individuals of all abilities in improving mobility, strength, and well-being.
Just Hands: Just Hands Foundation, an organization dedicated to getting people who use hand controls to experience racing and performance driving. Through the foundation, performance vehicles with retrofitted hand controls are now available in select places nationwide.
Stay-Focused, Inc.: Stay-Focused offers teens and young adults with disabilities the opportunity to become certified SCUBA divers and through that experience to learn lasting lessons about life and achievement.
The Impossible Dream: A fully accessible, wheelchair-friendly catamaran that provides people with disabilities the opportunity to experience sailing. The organization offers inclusive sailing adventures, fostering independence, confidence, and a sense of freedom on the water. Through its programs and partnerships, The Impossible Dream aims to inspire and empower individuals of all abilities.
PossAbility Unlimited: Provides support for individuals affected by spinal cord injuries and their caregivers through bi-annual retreats, educational resources, and community care, focusing on adaptation, respite, and education.
Wheel Together Retreat: Wheel With Me Foundation, The Adaptive Outdoor Education Center, and Wheel Sisters Organization collaborate together to offer an annual Wheel Together Retreat. This Retreat is geared towards adults living with spinal cord injuries and will focus on whole-body health. The Retreat is located in Carrabassett Valley, Maine, and includes recreation, empowerment, emotional well-being, and in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Campers get the chance to connect with other wheelchair users while enjoying accessible adventures to push the bounds of their independence.
Y-Knot Sailing: Y-Knot offers accessible sailing for all on Lake George. Y-Knot Sailing strives to make all aspects of sailing accessible to individuals with disabilities by creating opportunities, providing education, and promoting disabled sailing within the greater sailing community.

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Linking to publications, materials or websites of other organizations or entities does not constitute endorsement by Mount Sinai of such publications, materials or websites. Mount Sinai provides these references and links because they may be of value to persons interested in SCI.