Disabled Sports USA’s Adapt2Achieve Annual Leadership Conference is scheduled to take place June 3-5, 2019 in Rochester, New York.
During the conference, adaptive sports professionals and VA medical providers from across the country will gather to learn about technological advancements in adaptive sports and improving safety and reducing risk.
In addition, industry innovators from universities and leading organizations will look at how the adaptive sports industry intersects with medical interventions as well as the latest equipment modifications and risk management recommendations, particularly as they relate to improving services for disabled veterans.
Topics will include adaptive sports applications for virtual reality, incorporating adaptive sports and recreation into rehabilitation, new guiding technologies to assist athletes with blindness or low vision, and others.
“We are looking forward to convening our chapters from across the country and other adaptive sports leaders in Rochester,” says Glenn Merry, executive director of Disabled Sports USA, in a media release. “Not only is it an opportunity for RAA and Cape Ability to work together on this endeavor but also showcases Rochester and the adaptive sports offerings located here.”
“Rochester Accessible Adventures is thrilled to partner with Cape Ability and ROC Sports Commission to host the Adapt2Achieve Leadership Conference and share pieces of our vibrant adaptive and inclusive recreation and sports community with attendees,” states Anita O’Brien, executive director of Rochester Accessible Adventures.
Jan Whitaker, president of Cape Ability Outrigger Ohana Inc, adds, “Our ohana (family) welcomes you to Rochester, home of pioneer paddlers in the Paracanoe Paralympic movement and the establishment of United States Canoe Association National Sprint Championships for Paddlers with Physical Disabilities.”
Innovation will be a key component of the conference. Michael Cocquyt will present a TED-style talk on “Finding Your Abilities,” and Rob Tortorella, founder of Endless Highway, will prove closing keynote remarks.
Outdoors For All Foundation and Microsoft will promote a new app that uses innovative 3D audio to enable individuals who are blind or have low vision to navigate their surroundings.
In addition, a virtual reality demo will take place with Veracity VRcade. ThermApparel, a Rochester-area based company that got its start as a student project at Rochester Institute of Technology will also be featured, the release continues.
Given the growing importance of adaptive sport providers to quantify the measurable impact of adaptive sports on the lives of people with disabilities, Dr Meg Harrell from The Bob Woodruff Foundation will present a session “Adaptive and Impactful: How to Understand and Maximize Your Program Outcomes.”
In February 2018, Congress enacted national legislation designed to protect youth athletes and provide mandatory reporting requirements for organizations serving the youth athlete community. Disabled Sports USA has been working to create a system to ensure our chapter network follows best practices to protect athletes.
At the conference, DSUSA will outline the new program set to launch in 2020 with the primary goal of reducing the opportunity for abuse of athletes within the community. Patty Lewis from The Beau Biden Foundation and Ashley Thomas from Bridge II Sports will lead additional training on athlete protection and child safeguarding.
A number of adaptive sports will be featured throughout the event, including a wheelchair lacrosse demonstration by the Buffalo Bandits, inclusive pickleball with local club Pickled Power, and a Para Va’a demonstration with Paralympian Bob Balk. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour the EquiCenter Farm and check out a therapeutic riding demo. More in-depth pre and post conference trainings will focus on adaptive swimming, climbing, and yoga.
“We’re excited to welcome adaptive sports leaders from across the country to Rochester for the Adaptive2Achieve Leadership Conference in 2019. Rochester is very fortunate to have two Disabled Sports USA Chapters in our own backyard,” comments Don Jeffries, president & CEO of Visit Rochester.
Visit Rochester, through its ROC Sports program, is providing logistical support for the annual conference.
Adapt2Achieve is a program of Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA) that promotes professionalization of the adaptive sport industry through education and training.
The Adapt2Achieve Leadership Conference is offered annually to help develop and strengthen the DSUSA chapter network. The conference is supported by a grant from the US Department of Veterans Affairs and the Bob Woodruff Foundation. As a result, conference registration is free for VA and Department of Defense staff.
For more information or to register, visit Disabled Sports USA.
[Source(s): Disabled Sports USA, PRWeb]
