Back on Track: Program Helps Disabled Overcome Adversity Through Sports

Ed Clark may have lost the use of his legs, but he hasn’t lost his sense of

adventure. And, thanks to a nonprofit organization called Northeast Passage, he’s been able to pursue a passion for golf and hockey.

Northeast Passage, based at the University of New Hampshire, in Durham, is an affiliate of Disabled Sports USA. Its clients come from all over New England and it trains adults and youngsters with disabilities to take part in a variety of recreational activities. The program, which operates on an annual budget of $315,000 provided by foundations, corporations, and individuals, offers one-on-one instruction by certified therapeutic-recreation specialists, who offer support, show people how to use adaptive equipment, and assist clients in finding accessible locations for activities and in making educated decisions about whether to pursue a particular kind of sport or other form of recreation.

Mr. Clark played a little football in high school, but after an accident that left him in a wheelchair, his friends encouraged him to get more involved in sports. That’s when he heard about Northeast Passage, learned to play golf, and discovered a talent for a kind of ice hockey that makes use of sleds. He even went to Japan in the Paralympics, a competition for adaptive sports.

“We offer opportunities for a wide range of people,” says Matt Frye, a recreational therapist and one of five staff members at Northeast Passage. “We have people who were big-time athletes and all of a sudden had a car accident and needed a resource to get back into sports. One of the guys we work with was a real big hiker and mountain biker and he got involved in a snowmobile accident and was partially paralyzed. Having Northeast Passage available has made it an easier transformation for him, to know he can still go hiking, can still mountain bike.”

Other clients of Northeast Passage were never interested in sports until they became disabled, says Mr. Frye. “It can be such a life-changing event. Somebody will refer them to us and all of a sudden they’re biking or rock climbing.”

Northeast Passage, which relies on dozens of trained volunteers, also sponsors athletic events in New England, and rents out equipment at modest rates — including all-terrain wheelchairs, portable ramps, tricycles, snow skis, and ice sleds.

The group also sends staff members into schools to teach kids about disabilities. If Mr. Frye has the time and space, he says, he likes to let kids who are not disabled ride around or try to play basketball in a wheelchair. They end up with a better understanding of their peers who have disabilities — and have fun at the same time.

“For me, I get the warm fuzzies seeing kids being with their friends and taking their disability out of the picture,” says Mr. Frye. “If I can get these kids to the point where their disability is not of concern to them or their friends, I’ve done my job.”