The Types of Sports Facilities for Disabilities

The U.S. Congress passed the American with Disabilities Act in 1990. The purpose of the ADA is so people with disabilities have every opportunity to assimilate in society and enjoy equal access to the same type of facilities enjoyed by others. ADA requires the owners of modified and newly constructed facilities of public accommodation, government buildings and commercial facilities to make the facilities accessible and usable by people with disabilities. The ADA also applies to recreational and sports facilities.

  1. Bowling

    • Disabled people can have access to bowling lanes. The law requires a minimum of 5 percent, or at least one of each category of bowling lane, to be accessible to disabled individuals.The areas where the lanes are located must have an accessible route leading to and serving the accessible lanes. The bowling lanes must also comply with seating requirements. Any spectator seating must also follow the rules for wheelchair spaces, companion seats and a specific number of aisle seats based on the overall seating capacity.

    Shooting Facilities

    • Any person with a disability who enjoys sport shooting can go to facilities meeting the accessibility requirements. Ranges offering fixed-position firing must set aside 5 percent, or at least one such firing position. The fixed positions must have an accessible route. Fixed positions must have a minimum 60-inch diameter space. The slope of the space cannot exceed 1:48. These measurements enable an individual in a wheelchair to maneuver and have a level platform to shoot.

      Various firing positions must meet compliance for allocation to people with disabilities, including positions with various pricing, lighting levels and weather protection. If the facilities offer shooting events, such as bull's-eye pistol, skeet or archery, disabled individuals should have equal opportunity to compete.

    Weight Room

    • The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has a 2,000-square-foot weight room designed for students with disabilities. The facility has upper-body rotary exercisers; one of the machines has foot pedal. In addition, students can take advantage of free weights. The standard power rack does not have a bench, allowing individuals to pull up to the rack for shoulder press workouts. Other equipment has movable benches to permit students to perform incline, decline and flat-bench presses.

    Therapeutic Horseback Riding

    • A large number of physical and occupational therapists recommend horseback riding as a therapeutic tool for individuals with physical and mental disabilities. For those with physical challenges, the horse's motion helps improve balance, flexibility and muscle strength. The warmth generated from the animal's body minimizes spasticity and helps coordinate muscle groups. Persons facing mental and emotional challenges often form relationships with horses enhancing confidence, patience and self-worth. These facilities serve individuals of all age levels and with a range of disabilities, including, Down's syndrome, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.