Looking to get involved in adaptive sports? Check out some awesome organizations we’ve compiled below! We started with groups that are local to us in New England and the Mid-Atlantic so if you’re out of the regions we’ve covered so far, shoot us a message, and we’ll get you connected! We believe there is an adaptive sport or activity out there for you whether you have a physical or developmental disability, visual impairment, or other adaptive need!
Adaptive Sports Resources
National Organizations
Achilles International
“Achilles International, a global organization operating in 18 countries including the US, transforms the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection. Since our founding in 1983, we have empowered over 150,000 athletes of all ages and ability levels to participate in endurance events around the globe.”
American Special Hockey Association
“The American Special Hockey Association proudly serves over 90 special hockey teams across the United States and represents over 4,000 registered members. Our member programs provide a variety of play levels for special hockey teams which welcome individuals with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities the opportunity to safely enjoy the sport of Ice Hockey. Our member teams proudly welcome their communities into the game of hockey by inviting families & volunteers to be actively involved with our extraordinary programs. Contact us to find a team near you!”
Challenged Athletes Foundation
“To provide opportunities and support to people with physical challenges, so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. The Challenged Athletes Foundation believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.”
CAF is well-known for their Access For Athletes Grant Program which assists in purchasing adaptive equipment and activities for people with disabilities.
Move United
“Move United’s mission is to provide national leadership and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports, competition, recreation, high performance sport and educational programs.”
In 2020, Disabled Sports USA and Adaptive Sports USA merged to form Move United, the largest adaptive sports network in the United States combining over 150 community organizations in 43 states.
National Wheelchair Basketball Association
“We are the organization that is responsible for growing and developing wheelchair basketball in the United States, and the selection and training of the Paralympic and Parapan Am Games teams, as well as major international competitions. The U.S. Olympic Committee’s Paralympic Division and the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation recognize the NWBA as the governing body for the United States.
The NWBA is currently in 42 states and has nearly 3,000 members and 225-plus teams. We have divisions for Men, Women, High Performance, Collegiate, Division I, Division II, Division III, Junior and Prep.”
Paralyzed Veterans of America
“Since 1946, Paralyzed Veterans of America has been on a mission to change lives and build brighter futures for our seriously injured heroes. We’ve had a single-minded mission—to empower our brave men and women to regain what they fought for: their freedom and independence.”
PVA co-hosts the National Veterans Wheelchair Game – “the largest annual wheelchair multi-sport and rehabilitation event in the world” – with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Special Olympics
“to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This gives them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.”
United States Power Soccer Association
“The United States Power Soccer Association governs the sport of power soccer in the United States. USPSA promotes the sport on a national and international level through tournament play, referee certification, training and growth. It is the mission and hope of the USPSA that all persons who use power wheelchairs will have the opportunity to play and experience power soccer.”
United States Quad Rugby Association
“Smashing Stereotypes One Hit at a Time is the main message of our players and our sport. Quad rugby is a tough, give-no-quarter game. Our players’ lives – their successes and trials on and off the court – are a continuous example of smashing stereotypes. The sport is about ability and competitive fire. It is testament to the spirit of our great athletes, their humanity, and the intensity of our game.”
USA Disabled Hockey
“USA Hockey’s disabled hockey program provides playing opportunities regardless of a discipline. Currently, there are six disciplines recognized and supported by USA Hockey throughout the nation, including blind/visually impaired, deaf/hard of hearing, sled, standing/amputee, special hockey and warrior hockey.
In addition to its six disciplines, USA Hockey also oversees a number of events within its disabled hockey program, highlighted by its Disabled Hockey Festival, the largest hockey event of its kind. Other initiatives USA Hockey manages include the Disabled Hockey Workshop and USA Hockey Sled Classic, presented by the NHL.”
U.S. Association of Blind Athletes
“The United States Association of Blind Athletes empowers Americans who are blind and visually impaired to experience life-changing opportunities in sports, recreation and physical activities, thereby educating and inspiring the nation.
USABA is the national governing body for two sports, Goalball, and Blind Soccer with programs for the national team for both sports. They also operate tournaments and other events for other sports for blind and visually impaired individuals including Beep Baseball, Judo, and Track and Field.
U.S. Paralympics
Since its formation in 2001, U.S. Paralympics has been inspiring Americans to achieve their dreams. Through relationships with hundreds of organizations across the country including National Governing Bodies/High Performance Management Organizations and Paralympic Sport Clubs, U.S. Paralympics is making a difference in the lives of thousands of people with Paralympic-eligible impairments every day with educational opportunities and sports programming.
VA Adaptive Sports
“Disabled Veterans of all ages and abilities report better health, new friendships and a better quality of life when participating in adaptive sports. Disabled Veterans who are physically active simply have more fun!”
VA Adaptive Sports works with local VA Hospitals to provide adaptive sports and therapeutics to disabled veterans while also hosting events including the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, and National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic
Athletes Roll 