11 Fun Activities for Wheelchair Users
People often wonder about the activities available for wheelchair users to enjoy. Unfortunately, many wheelchair users have trouble adjusting to life in a wheelchair. Many of them suffer from depression and anxiety, trying to come to terms with the thought that life as they know it has come to an end.
If you struggle to adjust to daily life in a wheelchair or know someone who does, this article should be informative and valuable. Experts from our wheelchair transportation service in Orlando recommend lots of fun indoor and outdoor activities that wheelchair users can try to enjoy their lives in new ways.
Outdoor activities
Many wheelchair users fail to realize just how many outdoor activities are available to them, especially when their mobility issues have recently developed. We have compiled a brief list of the fun outdoor activities you can enjoy to get your creative juices flowing. In reality, countless outdoor adventures are accessible to wheelchair users, and there is really no limit to the things you can do. So keep an open mind and be ready to try new things, and the sky's the limit.
Paddleboarding
You may have never considered paddleboarding a wheelchair-accessible sport, but it is. Paddleboarding is a relaxing and fun way to spend some time out on the water with your family and friends. If you are not familiar with the hobby, paddleboards are wider than surfboards and have plenty of space for modifications to mount your chair directly to the board. It is the perfect way to enjoy the sand, sun, and water for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Boating
This is one wheelchair user activity that is fun for all ages. Boating is a terrific sport for people of all ages, but children usually get a big thrill from it. Most charter companies are wheelchair accessible and have expertise working with people who have mobility challenges. They will be happy to provide you with an experience on the water that you, your family, and your friends won't soon forget. However, if you have never been on a boat before, it might be wise to pick up some anti-nausea medication just in case you discover you suffer from motion sickness.
Fruit picking
You can usually find plenty of farms on the outskirts of cities and towns. Some of these farms allow people to visit and pick their own produce or fruit by the basket or pound. Once you have picked your fill and enjoyed the sunshine, you can take your fruit home and turn it into something delicious. This is a perfect way to spend a day outdoors and accomplish something productive.
Mazes
Mazes are a perfect option and one of the most exciting and unusual activities wheelchair users can enjoy. These outdoor attractions offer controlled, structured, safe environments that are easily navigated in a wheelchair while enjoying some fresh air. In addition, it is one of the most fascinating and brain-bending activities on our list, so get inspired and head out to your local maze for some outdoor fun.
Hiking
It may sound unrealistic to hike in a wheelchair, but there are plenty of accessible hiking trails across the nation. In addition, most state and national parks have websites you can visit to guide you on what available routes they have that are wheelchair accessible. So, planning a family hike should only take you a matter of minutes, and then you can enjoy the sights and sounds of mother nature together.
Indoor activities
We wouldn't be able to tell you about all these activities without the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. It paved the way for plenty of new wheelchair-accessible activities with accessibility requirements for public spaces and granting employment discrimination protection for people with disabilities. It has created countless opportunities for wheelchair-accessible activities.
Playing board games and adaptive games
Board games and adaptive games are more than just fun. Games like Uno, Monopoly, Bingo, Scrabble, and Chess help players strengthen their problem-solving skills, mental sharpness, creativity, and interaction skills. They are also an excellent source for improved hand-eye coordination.
Learning a new language
Learning a foreign language offers various benefits, including boosting your memory, improving your cognitive functioning, and enhancing your vocabulary. Knowing a new language can also be beneficial when traveling to an area where the dialect is commonly spoken for making new friends and learning your way around the area.
Team sports
Wheelchair users can play nearly every sport people without mobility issues can play. You have to do some research to find a local wheelchair sports team or program to get involved with. There are adapted versions of aqua golf, hockey, baseball, basketball, football, rugby, and more. In most cases, you will need to buy some equipment to play, and some of the sports require a specially designed wheelchair. Of course, this varies depending on the sport you want to play.
Arts and crafts
Do you have a creative side that you do not get to express often? Why not express yourself creatively through sculpture, scrapbooking, painting, or sketching if you answered yes. The world is full of beauty, and inspiration is all around you to draw on. You might just create a priceless masterpiece with an open mind, readiness, and motivation to embrace challenges.
Art galleries and museums
By law, every museum and art gallery should be wheelchair accessible. It should be easy to make your way inside, move around the building, and behold the beauty and wonder of different types of art. You can go alone, bring a friend, or have your family tag along for this everyday activity for wheelchair users.
Dance
Most people do not realize that dance is an activity that is adapted for wheelchair users. Check out local community centers and dance studios for classes near you. If you are in a smaller town and there is no place to take the classes, there are plenty of tutorials you can learn online for some fun and exercise.