Individual assessment procedures for multihandicapped and implementation of a sports program

Physical activity and sports-recreation experiences play an important part in the psychosomatic development of the multihandicapped. The importance of treating the multihandicapped individual as a whole and not keeping the motoric handicap in isolation is pointed out. Based on a theoretical framework for physical activity and sports programs, the complexity of issues in assessment, sports program design and sports competition is discussed. Some 200 multihandicapped individuals are assessed in their various ability levels and place into respective ability groups prior to the events. The competition events consist of track and field activities as well as a swimming event. The competition is open to manual as well as electric (12V; 24V) wheelchairs, respectively. Assessment procedures and results are described in detail for the track and field events. Assessment and participation in the swim event require the individual to swim a distance of 25 yards in two separate ability groups, 1) with adaptive floatation and, 2) without the aid. The sport events are organized for public school application as well as institutional settings without the need for a great amount of equipment. In designing programs and facilities to accommodate sports programs it is important to design for the functioning of the individual and not in such a way as to force the individual to function within the limits of the program design. If we are to make the multihandicapped comfortable in the mainstream of everyday life, it is the sports and recreation leader's responsibility to asses and present activities that aid in constantly excelling in physical and emotional development.