Adaptive recreation involves taking a different approach to making an activity available to someone who would not otherwise be able to participate given their disability (National Ability Center, 2024). This can look like changing the equipment that is used to adapt to a physical need or changing the activity itself to be better understood, thus targeting individuals with physical or mental disabilities (Albemarle County Parks & Recreation, n.d.).

Adaptive recreation offers significant benefits, including improved physical and mental health, self-efficacy, body image, and overall quality of life (Diaz et al., 2019; Isidoro-Cabañas et al., 2023; Tchirkov et al., 2021). Participation in adaptive sports enhances strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health while helping reduce sedentary behaviors common among individuals with disabilities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], n.d.). Given that more than 25% of U.S. adults live with a disability affecting daily activities, access to adaptive recreation is an important public health priority (CDC, 2024).