82 Killarney Dr. Burlington, VT 05408 ContactNDAA@disabledathletics.org 802 862 6322 [NDAA]
Patrick maneuvers his wheelchair around a bike chained to the side of a wheelchair ramp

NDAA, UVM, Kelly Brush Foundation Participate in International Spinal Cord Injury Study

NDAA president Patrick Standen joined community partners including the University of Vermont and the Kelly Brush Foundation in a study examining the well-being of people with spinal chord injury.

Participants reported on lifestyle factors including their employment status, transportation needs, education, social environment, family support, mood and self-esteem. The results will form the basis for public policies on health care, transportation and infrastructure.

“There are many quality of life issues for people living with disabilities. Access to health care, education, transportation and social activities are key determinants in health outcomes,” Standen said. “For any substantive policy change to occur we need reliable knowledge. We can take the data and see the top issues facing people with spinal cord injuries and create policies that ameliorate those conditions.”

Preliminary results will be presented on June 6. More information can be found from the UVM College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Halloween 5K raises over $900 for NDAA!

The University of Vermont Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPT) students held their 8th annual all-abilities 5K at the University of Vermont on Saturday, Oct. 27. As in the past, participants can walk, run, use a wheelchair, ride a handcycle — whatever method gets them to the finish line. This year was special because of the timing – and Halloween theme!

Check out these great photos from Saturday’s event. Thank you UVM DPT for your hard work and continued support. Together we raised over $900 for NDAA!

Wanted: Volunteer for Free Adaptive Exercise Program at UVM

Dr. Susan Kasser is a teacher and researcher within UVM’s Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science. She and her students have been longtime allies of  NDAA. This semester, she is looking for students with adaptive exercise needs to participate in a free exercise and training program.

The participant will be working with a group of UVM students in strength and conditioning specifically designed for their individual needs. If interested, contact Dr. Kasser at Susan.Kasser@med.uvm.edu

The dates and times are as follows:

  • Tuesday, Oct. 30 1:15-2:15
  • Tuesday, Nov 6 1:15-2:15
  • Thursday, Nov. 8 1:15-2:15
  • Tuesday, Nov. 13 1:15-2:15

I participated last semester and it was a great experience. I worked with two students who instructed me in workouts involving leg presses, arm presses, battle ropes, stretching, and core strengthening. They provided some theraband for me to take home, alongside a customized home workout routine.

If you’re available, I’d encourage you to attend. Note: participation is voluntary. No payment is available, but it’s worth it to get some professional (and para-professional, in the case of the students) advice while exercising.

Recap: Fall 2018 Adaptive Sports Open House

We hosted our first annual Adaptive Sports Open House at Leddy Park in Burlington, VT on Sunday, Sept. 16. People from across Vermont came to the park on an unseasonably hot day to try power soccer, wheelchair tennis, and climb into one of our adaptive kayaks. 

We’d like to thank Courtney Kramer of Local 22 and Local 44 for her article and video report from the scene.

Patrick Standen led a handycle clinic. I got to try this awesome bike:

A handycle on display at Leddy Park

I had so much fun riding on the Burlington bike path that I’ll be renting it next weekend to take on the Stowe bike path. We’d also like to extend our gratitude to our friends at Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport for bringing their off-road handcycles for people to try.

Basketball with NCAA logo doctored to read NDAA.
Wheelchair basketball players shared the court with power soccer players

In the afternoon, attendees split up to cool off. Some went to the Moorings in Colchester to see our Martin 16 adaptive sailboats. Others went to the ice rink at Leddy for the first sled hockey action of the season.

We’re already looking forward to next year!