Pediatric Pioneers Episode 8: Beyond the Clinic: How Can Adaptive Sports Transform Kids’ Lives?

Dr. Sarah Adam, Paralympic medalist, occupational therapy professor, and Team USA wheelchair rugby trailblazer, joins Nicole Quint and Pediatric Pioneers to explore the transformative power of adaptive sports for kids. Together, we delve into an evidence-based discussion of participation barriers, clinical applications, and why sports should be seen as essential—not optional—for children with disabilities. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to integrate adaptive sports into your practice, advocate for increased access, and empower young athletes to build confidence, independence, and resilience. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on how OTs can help open the door to lifelong participation.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around the impact of adaptive sports and exercise on physical, social, and psychological development in children with disabilities
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to help therapists integrate adaptive sports and physical activity into therapy and daily life for children with disabilities
• Examine occupation-based solutions that promote equitable access to adaptive sports while considering the role of competition in fostering identity, confidence, and long term engagement in physical activity for children with disabilities

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:01:33) Introduction to adaptive sports and our guest Sarah Adam, OTD, OTR/L, CBIS

• (00:06:02) The importance of adaptive sports in pediatric therapy

• (00:12:03) Mindset shifts for families and communities

• (00:17:52) Research insights on adaptive sports benefits

• (00:19:11) Accessibility challenges and solutions in adaptive sports

• (00:27:14) Integration of adaptive sports in schools

• (00:30:32) Visibility and representation in adaptive sports
• (00:32:24) Interprofessional collaboration in adaptive sports
• (00:38:23) The importance of competitive context in sports
• (00:40:48) Actionable strategies for therapists
• (00:43:48) Success stories in adaptive sports

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