Many people often assume that because you are disabled you have no right to play sport but tell that to the paralympics and the extremely successful Special Olympics. One of the most common disabled sports is wheelchair basketball. It is one of the most widely played sports by disabled people around the world.

The bathroom is one of the places in your home where the ability to do things independently is extremely important. While in the bathroom, most people want to be alone if at all possible.

Showering, bathing, shaving, brushing your hair, brushing your teeth. Though these are activities that many take for granted, people with limb differences can find them very difficult to do alone. Your daily grooming routine is made up of movements that require hand and wrist dexterity and flexibility, arm extension and rotation, balance, strength and coordination. When these movements are difficult or painful, grooming can be a frustrating or even risky experience without the aid of assistive devices.

Unfortunately, because assistive devices for independent living are produced by only a small number of manufacturers and there is only a small market for them, they can be expensive. Moreover, Medicare does not cover the cost of bathing equipment, including bath seats, hand-held shower heads or grab bars.

With a little thought and ingenuity, however, you can find ways to do these activities with homemade or easily available and inexpensive aids. You shouldn’t neglect safety for convenience, however.

The advent of technology has made available a number of mobility aids, designed to make  mobility easier for disabled people. Disabled equipment makes moving easier and sometimes help health professionals to better handle disabled people as well. Some products, like wheelchairs are mobility equipment designed to help with movement while others assist with daily tasks, sometimes things that seem as simple as getting in and out of bed.

As per the U.S. Department of Education, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), “is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.

Infants and toddlers with disabilities (birth-2) and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C. Children and youth (ages 3-21) receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B.”

You can help your child with disabilities to communicate and move if you encourage them to take part in daily activities. Dressing and bathing can be opportunities to encourage your child’s development. Children learn a lot in the first three years – so it’s a good idea to start as early as possible.