Fitness, Recreation and Camps for Delawareans with Developmental Disabilities
Home
LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE
Everyone benefits from fitness, recreation and good nutrition and everyone should have access to activities and programs to live their best life! Whether you’re looking for fitness programs, recreational activities or ways to improve your diet, our goal is to gather that information here. This is by no means a complete list of what’s available and with your help, more information will be added.
Thanks to people who have advocated for inclusion, more options are available to children and youth with developmental disabilities. Across the nation, including Delaware, modifications have become reality by collaborating to find solutions. Locally Terri Hancharick worked with the YMCA to adapt equipment for people in wheelchairs to exercise.
TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED
Before jumping into a new recreational activity, consider taking the following steps:
Let your doctor know about your interest in becoming more active. He or she may suggest fitness or recreational activities that best suit your health needs. If your chosen activities are physically demanding or risky, you might need a special medical exam and your doctor’s approval for participation.
If you work with an occupational or physical therapist, talk with him or her about sports, hobbies, and adventures that might best serve your interests and needs.
If possible, work with a recreational therapist who is specially trained to provide instruction about healthy and enjoyable activities for people with disabilities. A hospital, rehabilitation center, or parks-and-recreation department in your community might have a recreational therapist on staff.
Look for opportunities to participate in group activities. Some of the greatest benefits of recreational activities come through enjoying them with others. Many studies have shown that social interaction is especially important for improving mental health and avoiding depression.
