Skip Navigation
News - AT Messenger
DATI Logo

Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative

. . . bringing technology to you

AT Messenger Logo - Bringing Technology to You

Vol. 5, No. 4 July/August 1997

Previous Issues

Subscribe to AT Messenger
Download PDF Viewer

PDF Version (for printing)
Large Print (pdf)
Text Version

Summer Fun

Michael Meyreles, ATP, New Castle County ATRC

Drawing of SunWhen you think of summer, what is the first thought that comes to mind? For most people, it's swimming. Others might think of going to the beach, golfing, fishing or any number of other outdoor activities. For individuals with a disability, the use of assistive technology enables them to gain access to recreational activities.

There are many assistive technology devices available for individuals with a disability wishing to go swimming or access the beach. For the individual wishing to access a pool from a wheelchair, there are a couple of options. First, the pool could be designed to have an access ramp built descending into the pool. If an existing pool cannot have a ramp added to it, a mechanical or hydraulic lift can be installed to assist in transferring into the pool. Flotation devices are designed to aid persons once they enter the water. These flotation devices can range from a simple head float, which is designed to keep a person's head from submerging, to a full body float. An example of a flotation device is called the Water Walker. This device is designed to allow a person's body to maintain a vertical position that will facilitate weight bearing, body control and independent movement in the water.

Drawing of beach sandalsAt the beach, individuals find it extremely difficult to propel a wheelchair through the sand. Luckily, there are many companies that produce wheelchairs that make beach accessibility possible. They have oversized pneumatic tires that will allow a wheelchair to maneuver through the sand more easily. The frames are usually constructed of a material that will not rust such a plastic tubing, PVC pipe, or aluminum. The seat and back are made out of nylon type material that will stand up to the salt air and water.

Assistive technology devices available for fishing range from slings and cuffs designed to aid an individuals in holding the fishing rod to a battery powered electric reel. The electric reel is designed for one-handed use; the index finger controls the casting trigger and the thumb controls the retrieve by activating the motor control. This device is also designed so a person can set the drag, play the fish, and experience the feel of the fight so that the fun of fishing is undiminished.

Golf is another activity that a person might like to participate in during the warm summer months. Examples of assistive technology available for an individual wanting to golf are special cuffs designed to aid in gripping the club or a set of clubs shortened to accommodate a person in a wheelchair. Some golf courses are built to be accessible to a person using wheelchair, but it would be wise to call the golf course to determine if wheelchairs are permitted on the course.

The Delaware State Park System offers many accessible recreational activities to Delawareans and others with disabilities. For example, Lum's Pond State Park has a sensory trail for persons who are blind as well as a wheelchair accessible fishing dock. Killen's Pond State Park has wheelchair accessible cabins available for overnight camping. All of Delaware's State Parks are designed to be wheelchair accessible and offer many activities that will accommodate a person with a disability.

The items and topics that were discussed in this article are only a small sampling of what is available to individuals with a disability. Topics such as competitive sports and winter recreation for persons with a disability will be presented in future issues of The AT Messenger.

Current Issue