Play Ball! Sports and Recreation for Children with Disabilities.

Play Ball!When I was a young counselor in training at a camp for deaf children in Kerville, Texas  kids were skiing, canoeing, and playing baseball.  The only time I was worried was when I took my deaf Girl Scout troop rappelling at Enchanted Rock, but that was because of my fear of heights.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) officially encourages children with disabilities to participate in Sports, Recreation, and Physical Activities.  There are some cautions depending on the disability.  The Journal of the Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has created a chart for recommendations for sports participation chart that covers many disabilities and many, many sports.
Friends of mine volunteer their time at The Miracle League at Town and Country where kids with disabilities play ball for fun and for friends.  Everyone has a great time, especially the volunteers.
So get out there and play ball!
Each disability has precautions.  Go out and have fun, but be careful.
The Boy Scouts, who also have a program for kids with special needs, say before every outdoor activity "Drink lots and lots of water!"
For camps in Texas check out the Department of Human Services Camps for Special Need Children.

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Recreational Safety For Persons with EpilepsySource:  http://www.epilepsyfoundation.orgThe following tips are ways that people with epilepsy can help improve their safety during recreational activities:·      When exercising, take frequent breaks, stay cool and save your greatest exertion for the coolest part of the day.
·      Exercise on soft surfaces if you can -- grass, mats, wood chips.
·      Review the risks carefully before taking up sports which could put you in danger if you were suddenly unaware of what you were doing.
·      Wearing a life vest is a good idea when you are on or close to water.
·      Swimming can be safe and fun for everyone, but if you have seizures, avoid swimming alone.
·      Tell lifeguards and friends what kind of seizures you have, how to recognize them and what to do if you have one. Make sure they swim well enough to help if you need it.
·      Wear head protection when playing contact sports or when there is an added risk of falling or head injuries.
·      If you ski or hike, go with a buddy; you may need someone to get help if you have a seizure in remote areas.
·      Consider use of a safety strap and hook when riding a ski lift.