July is recognized as Disability Pride Month to commemorate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This month-long celebration celebrates the legislation that was signed into effect on July 26, 1990, and how it positively impacts those with disabilities. This Disability Pride Month, we are proud to share what two Valley Children's doctors have seen and are advocating for inclusive practices, specifically through activity and teamwork.
Why exercise and movement is important for those with disabilities
All children benefit from movement and exercise, especially children and adolescents with disabilities (CWD) as it can help promote inclusion, prevent deconditioning, optimize physical functioning, help mental health, create friendships and community, and improve overall health. The Special Olympics started in 1968 and is the largest recreational program for children and adults with intellectual disabilities with over 5.5 million participants in 1930 countries. Despite amazing programs such as the Special Olympics, there are still limitations to children with disabilities participating in physical activity, exercise or competitive sports and are less likely to participate compared to peers without disabilities. The lack of accessibility and opportunities, high costs, societal expectations and stereotypes all are barriers to participating in physical activity and lead to higher rates of obesity, lower cardiorespiratory health, and decreased psychosocial well-being. Health care providers can prescribe children with disabilities recreational activities, assess their physical ability to participate and recommend places and programs that help facilitate physical activity and recreational activities for children with disabilities.
Dr. Pulido discusses her experience with adaptive sports events. Last year, during her community action rotation, she had the chance to participate in several Valley Children's Adaptive Sports Days. She took part in the water sports day as well as the rock-climbing day. On both days, in a few short hours, her eyes were opened to adaptive sports and their endless possibilities. Children in wheelchairs were kayaking and smiling, climbing up a rock wall while she said she was even too scared to even try! Physical activity benefits everyone, physically, emotionally, and mentally. It is important that we give all of our children opportunities to explore sport and recreation. It may take a few extra hands to lift that child into a kayak or a harness-up to scale up a rock wall, but all children, including those with disabilities, deserve our efforts to make it happen.
The physical, mental, and psychosocial benefits are clear and this Disability Pride Month, everyone can consider ways they can help break down barriers to inclusion of children with disabilities, whether that is volunteering at accessible events, advocating for physical education that is inclusive, facilitating events, and helping to create an open, inclusive environment through awareness and confronting stereotypes.
About the Authors
Dr. Hannah Pulido is a California native who comes to Valley Children's from American University of the Caribbean. Dr. Pulido is in her second year of residency and has a care philosophy of providing the tools and resources to her patients to extend her care beyond the walls of the hospital by creating lasting and healthy habits. Read more about Dr. Pulido here.
Dr. Sara Horan is a Louisiana native who comes to Valley Children's from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport. Dr. Horan is in her second year of residency and has a care philosophy of using all of her knowledge and training to help patients be the happiest and healthiest they can be, while teaching them how to advocate and take control of their own health as they continue to grow. Read more about Dr. Horan here.