Physical Activity for Children with a Disability

Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.

Why should your child be involved in Physical Activity?

Physical activity can benefit your child in many ways. These include:

• Opportunity to interact with friends, siblings and family
• Assist with weight control
• Maintain muscle strength & motor abilities
• Fun!
• Assist with fitness
• Make new friends
• Feel better about themselves

Long-term benefits for your child include:

• Improved health as an adult
• Better weight as an adult

How can your child be involved in Physical Activity?

Unstructured Physical Activity:

Unstructured physical activity includes general mobility and play, and can happen at home, in the backyard, at school or at the playground. Your child may need equipment such as a supportive walker, which allows them to stand with their hands free, or a modified bicycle, in order to make the most of play.

Research has shown that reducing the amount of time your child spends watching television or using a computer will increase the amount of unstructured physical activity they will do.

Structured Physical Activity:

Many organisations provide an opportunity for your child with a physical disability to be involved in both individual and team physical activities. Many of these organisations have leaders who are specifically trained in this area, or who are willing to work with your child's physiotherapist in order to include your child.

Summary:

• Increase your child's physical activity levels by reducing the amount of time watching television and playing electronic games
• Your child's physiotherapist can recommend appropriate physical activity for your child

Resources:

(Please use this list as a general resource. It is not an exhaustive list. The Children's Hospital at Westmead does not specifically endorse any of these companies/organisations)

GENERAL RESOURCES
Noah's Ark Toy Library: Provide a range of services including a toy and equipment library www.toys4specialneeds.org.au	2 Elizabeth St Artarmon NSW 2064 9411 4429 Liverpool Library, George St Liverpool NSW 2170 9821 9453
Cubby House Toy Library: Lends toys, books and equipment to children with special needs	32 Howard Ave Dee Why NSW 2099 9971 7006 cubbyh@tpg.com.au
Local Toy Libraries	Contact your local library for information
NICAN: Information on recreation, tourism, sport and the arts for people with disabilities	www.nican.com.au
Sports Council for the Disabled: Sport and recreation for children, teenagers and adults with a disability	7 Underwood Rd Homebush NSW 2140 9763 2455 info@nswscd.com.au www.nswscd.com.au
NSW Wheelchair Sports Association: Wheelchair sports events and programs for all ages and skill levels, including athletics, tennis, basketball, rugby and track and road races	600 Victoria Road Ryde NSW 2112 9809 5260 nswwsa@nswwsa.org.au www.nswwsa.org.au
Active Australia: a Disability Education Program which provides training and resource material for teachers, coaches and community leaders to help them include people with disabilities	Australian Sports Commission PO Box 176 Belconnen ACT 2616 Dep@ausport.gov.au www.activeaustralia.org
Achievable Concepts: Adapted recreation and sporting equipment for people with disabilities	(03) 9752 5958 sales@achievableconcepts.com.au www.achievableconcepts.com.au
MODIFIED BICYCLES
Technical Aids for the Disabled: Will modify a child's existing equipment as required	227 Morrison Rd Ryde NSW 2112 9808 2022
Tempo Worldwide: A large supply of modified bicycles and tricycles. This company comes to Sydney regularly	11/6 Pinacle St Brendale QLD 4500 (07) 38811104
See also Achievable Concepts (above)
SWIMMING
Rainbow Club: Provide children with special needs sporting and recreational activities. (Clubs around NSW)	GPO Box 872 Sutherland NSW 1499 0418 963 087 (between 10am and 4pm) sue@rainbowclubaust.com.au www.rainbowclubaust.com.au
Local pools: Many local pools have specialised swim teachers for children with disabilities	Contact your local pool
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY/GYM GROUPS
Gymbaroo	www.gymbaroo.com.au
Jumping Jacks	PO Box 200 Crows Nest NSW 2065 1800 811 764 www.jumpingjacksplaytime.com.au
Local gyms: Your local gym may be happy to work with your physiotherapist to provide a program for your child	Contact your local gym
WINTER SPORTS
Disabled Wintersport Australia: Provides opportunities for people with disabilities to ski	www.disabledwintersport.com.au
HORSE RIDING
Riding for the Disabled Association NSW: Provides supervised access to horse riding for people with disabilities at 38 centres throughout NSW.	State Office 7 Underwood Rd Homebush NSW 2140 9746 0950 stateoffice@rdansw.org.au www.rdansw.org.au
TENNIS
Tennis Australia: Provides a tennis program for people with disabilities	www.tennisaustralia.com.au
SAILING
Sailability: Dedicated to increasing sailing opportunities for people with disabilities	www.sailability.org.au

Rehabilitation Department The Children's Hospital at Westmead Cnr Hawkesbury Rd & Hainsworth St, Westmead Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, 2145 Tel: (02) 9845 2132 - Fax: (02) 9845 0685 http://www.chw.edu.au/rehabilitation/