What are Fun Things You Can Do As A Wheelchair User?

There’s a great old quote about life that you’ve probably heard, said by either Bobby Kennedy or George Bernard Shaw (depending on who you ask): “Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream things that never were and say why not.” Now, you can take this quote a few different ways. If Bobby Kennedy said it, then the quote is about public service and accomplishing great things as a society. But personally, I think it’s best to look at it as a mantra for life.

The quote encourages us to look at our lives as a glass that’s half-full instead of half-empty. That’s very important to keep in mind when you’re in a wheelchair, because it’s easy to get down about your limitations. But instead of lamenting what you can’t do, why not consider the possibilities of what you can do? There are plenty of fun activities out there for wheelchair users. Let’s run down some of the most popular:

Wheelchair basketball

Basketball is a fun sport because it’s a simple one: the ball goes into the hoop. Sure, there are screens and different kind of shots and whatnot, but at the end of the day all you have to do to win is put the ball through the hoop the most times. So anyone can pick up the game and have some fun with it.

How does it differ with wheelchairs? Aside from the chair, it’s actually fairly similar. You still have to dribble and pass and put the ball in the hoop. You just won’t use your legs to do it. There are wheelchair basketball leagues all over the country as well.

Take your dog for a walk

If you’re not quite the recreational sport type, you can still get some exercise on your own – or at least with your best friend by your side. A simple leash will do, but if you desire something a little more custom, there are wheelchair-specific dog-walking leashes available. These leashes don’t reinvent the wheel (or should I say wheelchair?), but they are a little more convenient for wheelchair users.

Fishing

For the unexperienced fisherman, this might seem kind of silly. Isn’t fishing just sitting around, anyway? But it’s not quite so simple for wheelchair users. Even getting aboard a small fishing boat can be an ordeal, which is why there’s an organization that makes the whole activity easier for wheelchair users: Fishing Has No Boundaries. This organization spreads awareness, organizes events, and generally tries to help all wheelchair users enjoy fishing as a recreational activity. If you’d like to learn more, visit their website.