Program Overview:

Kennedy Krieger’s Physically Challenged Sports Program provides therapeutic sports and recreational programs for children with varying degrees of physical abilities. The programs incorporate opportunities for participants to learn sports to: practice and develop skills independently, use learned skills during leisure time, grow socially/emotionally and practice problem solving. Programs are tailored to the unique needs of each child and family.

Activities are held on a weekly basis on the grounds of the Greenspring Campus of Kennedy Krieger Institute. Off-site programming may include participation in local, regional, national and international athletic competitions. Special activity camps in handcycling, bicycling and sled hockey are held on campus or at local university/recreational facilities. Activities scheduled for a particular semester may vary and can include both beginner and advanced training. A list of activities, including descriptions, is offered below.

Current Program Affiliations:

The Physically Challenged Sports and Recreation Program is currently a member in good standing of the following organizations:

  • American Athletes with Disabilities
  • American Wheelchair Table Tennis Association
  • American Wheelchair Archery
  • Dwarf Athletic Association
  • Junior Olympic Archery Development Program
  • National Wheelchair Basketball Association
  • National Wheelchair Softball
  • National Archery Association
  • United States Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association
  • United States Power Soccer Association
  • United States Sled Hockey Association
  • United States Tennis Association
  • Delaware Valley Sled Hockey League
  • United States Paratriathlon Association
  • Wheelchair and Ambulatory Sports, USA
  • Wheelchair USA Swimming

Admissions Criteria:

The Physically Challenged Sports and Recreation Program is open to individuals aged 2 - 21 who experience physical challenges and exhibit cognitive skills at or near appropriate developmental levels. Participants are interviewed along with their families to determine appropriateness for participation. Participants must demonstrate the ability to follow one-step verbal directions and to respond to verbal social and behavioral cues necessary for safe, independent participation in group activities.

Admission to the program is also determined based on the availability of space in a particular program.

Determination of eligibility is made during the interview by the program's co-directors.