Question:
Should children with physical disabilities be allowed to participate in sporting activities?
Children with Physical Disabilities
A child with a physical disability should be encouraged to participate in physical activity and sports. Before participation, the child should be evaluated by his or her doctor so that a sport can be chosen that will best benefit the child.
Participation in sports and other physical activities can improve overall health, including increasing muscle strength, muscle flexibility, endurance, balance and motor skills. Participation also improves cardiovascular efficiency and supports self-concept and body awareness.
While all of that is very important to the health of a child with a physical disability, social interaction is also very important. Participation in sport activities increases social interaction, allowing a child with a physical disability to feel more accepted, elevating the child's self-esteem.
Parents should check local venues for programs that offer sports for a child with a physical disability. The people who run these types of programs are experienced with working with disabled children, and with the help of parents, the child and the child's doctor can help choose an activity that is appropriate for the child.
Disability Frequently Asked Questions
Should I be ashamed of being depressed because of my amputation?
Can a person with an amputation live a normal, healthy lifestyle?
Do I have to have someone living with me if I am an amputee?
I have an amputation—is there a sport I can compete in?
Where do I meet others like me?
What are the ages of baby boomers?
Where can I find more information on baby boomer topics?
Are there special resources just for baby boomers?
Are there specific health issues I should be aware of?
Should I make the time to seek caregiver assistance and support?
Should a cancer patient caregiver enlist the help of outside resources?
What are some of the things I should do as a caregiver?
Can I get financial help if I am an elderly caregiver caring for an elderly spouse?
How can I make living with a child with a disability easier for me and the child?
Just because a child has a mental disability, does that mean he or she cannot learn?
Should children with physical disabilities be allowed to participate in sporting activities?
Can my child learn from sites on the internet?
What is the leading cause of blindness?
Where can a visually impaired or blind person find information and services?
Are there books that are printed for the blind or visually impaired?
Does an employer have to make accommodations for a deaf person?
Where can specific information on deafness and hearing impairments be found?
Is there assistance for hearing impaired workers?
Does a hearing impaired disability hold a person back?
Where can a hearing impaired person look for jobs?
Does a deaf or hearing impaired child have the right to attend public school?
Does a veteran get VA disability if the disability is not service connected?
Can a disabled veteran get employment?
Where can a disabled veteran get assistance?
Where can a disabled veteran find other disabled veterans to communicate with?
Where can a disabled veteran find information on local organizations?
What should I do if I notice symptoms of hyperreflexia?
Are there other issues a spinal cord injury patient must be aware of?
Does physical therapy help a spinal cord injury patient?
Is joining a support group for me?
Should I exercise to help with arthritis pain management?
Does arthritis affect other health concerns?
How does one cope with arthrits pain limitations?
What can I expect when I am out and about in a wheelchair?
What types of disabilities require the use of a wheelchair?
How can pressure sores be averted?
Do people with a short-term disability need a wheelchair?
Can cancer patients suffer from depression?
Are there anonymous ways of coping with cancer?
Does a cancer patient have to go to the doctor every day for medication?
Are there treatments to ease cancer symptoms?
What is a good way to relieve the stress of a terminal cancer patient's remaining time?
Is it possible to not be able to find the cause of chronic pain?
Should a person with chronic pain start an exercise program?
Can online chronic pain support groups help me?
Are there ways to control chronic pain?
What is involved in stroke recovery?
Do stroke patients recover completely?
Are online support groups helpful?
Are there drugs to help restore blood flow to the brain?
Does exercise help patients with multiple sclerosis?
Is multiple sclerosis curable?
Should I attend support group meetings?
Can Parkinson's Disease psychologically affect a person?
Can exercise help with Parkinson's Disease?
There are drugs to cope with the symptoms of Parkinson's--are there drugs to stop the progression?
Is there surgery for Parkinson's Disease?
Are there things a patient can do at home to help minimize the effects of Parkinson's?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Sherril Steele-Carlin |
