The word adaptive is somewhat new in the world of disabled sports – but it’s truly what we do. We adapt traditional sporting and recreational equipment and teaching techniques to the individual’s specific needs.

Adaptive sports and recreation are more widely accessible than they were when we first started 51 years ago. In the last year, we launched an adaptive hiking program with new equipment through a grant from our friends at Move United Sports and The Hartford. 

Most of our adaptive athletes are looking for recreation opportunities, others are seeking the thrill of competition! Whatever the athlete is looking for we can meet them with the appropriate modification (adaptation) needed to enable the most access to snow sports, water sports, and hiking!

Common adaptive modifications we offer include:

• Skiers and snowboarders with visual impairments are accompanied by a sighted guide. 
• Athletes with spinal cord injuries can use a sit ski with outriggers.
• Special prosthetics that fit into ski or snowboard boots.
• Specially fitted kayak paddles assist athletes who have limb differences. 
• Adaptive instructors may modify their communication styles to meet an athlete with Autism where they are.
• Visual cues and hand-over-hand demonstrations are offered for athletes with cognitive disabilities.

Adaptive sports and recreation is incredibly important to human well-being.

The outdoors has proven therapeutic benefits and we at NEHSA (New England Healing Sports Association) have made it our mission that no one should be left inside. We are dedicated to ensuring that individuals of any age and disability have the opportunity to ski, snowboard, paddle, or hike any time they desire. 

Adaptive sports happen all year long with our winter season kicking off in late December at Mount Sunapee, and our summer paddle and hiking programs running mid-June through early November.

To get started as an adaptive athlete first fill out this paperwork and be sure to check us out on Instagram and Facebook for a sneak peek at what a day in the life of an adaptive athlete looks like with NEHSA.