Adapted Outdoor Recreation Area

The High Fives Adapted Sports Recreation program was featured on ABC7Chicago Eyewitness Weekend News. The “Disability Report” segment featured an interview with Rifath Khan highlighting the purpose of the program and its goals.

The ABC7 Chicago feature provides an overview of the many types of physical recreation available to participants of The Douglas in the newly created sports facility. Ms. Khan shared that since the program’s inauguration, The Douglas Center staff has witnessed remarkable results among many of the participants.

There is a significant disparity in the level of physical activity participation among people with disabilities in comparison to those without a disability. Approximately 56% of adults with disabilities report no leisure physical activity. The lack of physical activity among this population places them at greater risk for the chronic illnesses. Additionally, they are also at risk for secondary conditions (medical, social and/or emotional). Many of these chronic conditions such as —fatigue, obesity, social isolation, reconditioning - can be improved with increases of physical activity.

The strength and stamina developed by participating in physical activity can help to maintain a higher level of independence. In addition to the overall health-fitness benefits, increasing the amount of physical activity participation provides numerous physical, psychosocial and cognitive benefits as well as the improvement of communication skills.