Ever tried to do yoga with your eyes closed?
Not as easy as you might think. Yet people who’ve experienced vision loss can and do practice the meditative mind-and-body exercise. They adapt.
You can get a hint of what that’s like Thursday, Oct. 15 during FGCU’s Adaptive Rec Day. Activities will include a yoga program where participants can practice blindfolded.
“Yoga blindfolded is not really easy,” says Chad Caldwell, facilities coordinator for Campus Recreation. “Part of raising awareness is sometimes participating with some sort of limited ability. It brings to the forefront how much stronger those with disabilities have to become because they live with it every day.”
Campus Rec is coordinating the day’s activities along with the Office of Adaptive Services, the Rehabilitation Sciences Department in the College of Health Professions and Social Work and the Office of Service-Learning and Civic Engagement. The goal is promote awareness of adaptive activities available and to enhance understanding of the challenges people with disabilities face.
“Being adaptive means that no matter what level of ability and mobility you can be part of any activity,” Caldwell says. “We’ll find a way to get you involved in. There are no limitations on what you can do. Recreation is about being inclusive and diverse.”
Adaptive Rec Day will include an adaptive softball game involving the Home Base Program. Established by the Boston Red Sox and Massachusetts General Hospital, Home Base is dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of war for service members, post-9/11 veterans and their families through clinical care, wellness-based programs, community outreach, education and research. The program is partnering with the College of Health Professions and Social Work on a new “Exercise is Medicine” initiative for veterans. (More information on that in an upcoming FGCU360 story.)
The schedule of activities for Adaptive Rec Day:
10 a.m.-noon: Adaptive paddling, FGCU Waterfront
2-3 p.m. Blindfold yoga, Rec Center Group Fitness Studio
4-6 p.m. Goal ball, Alico Arena Auxiliary Gym
6-8 p.m. Wheelchair basketball, Alico Arena Auxiliary Gym
7-9 p.m. Adaptive softball, FGCU Softball Complex
For more information about the event, call Chad Caldwell at 239-590-7702.