Anonymous letter from the wheelchair basketball community sent out today documenting teams that are cheating and using able-bodied players to win wheelchair basketball championships.

NWBA Coaches and Athletes,

Why are we allowing our game to be dominated by able-bodied athletes? In the last few years at least 3 NWBA championships have been won by teams where the best players are able-bodied. From 2016-2020 the Wisconsin Adapted Sports Association (WASA) team allowed 3 able-bodied players to illegally play at the prep and varsity levels while disabled athletes sat on the bench. The long-term results of this showed up last weekend when at the college level the MVP of a sport designed for disabled athletes was an athlete without a disability. 52 of the 74 points scored for the championship team were scored by able-bodied players while disabled athletes sat on the bench. Why are we not sticking up for our disabled athletes?

There is a legitimate conversation to be had around whether able-bodied players should be allowed to participate in our league. But this is not what happened here. The NWBA junior rules clearly state that players must have a disability that prevents them from playing able-bodied basketball. I have attached the junior eligibility form which shows that the player, their parents and team representative were supposed to approve this form stating they had a disability. From 2016-2020 WASA played 3 players who by all indications appear to be able-bodied. All 3 of these athletes played able-bodied sports at the varsity level for their high school teams. 2 of those athletes were later ruled able-bodied when they went to play college wheelchair basketball and the other athlete now plays able-bodied college baseball at the NCAA level.

Lucas Oswald played for the WASA prep (13 and under) team when they won the national championship in 2018 and then on the varsity championship team in 2019 and what would have likely been the championship team in 2020 if Covid didn't cancel the national tournament. You can see in the pictures below that this was a very large team and many disabled youth players sat on the bench while he played. At the same time, Lucas played for his able-bodied high school football and baseball teams and currently plays college baseball. You can see from the Hudl links that he does not appear to have a disability that would keep him from playing able-bodied basketball.

Thomas and Evan Oberst played on the WASA varsity teams during high school including the 2019 national champions as well as the 2020 team which was undefeated heading into nationals which were canceled due to Covid. Thomas scored a record 40 points in the 2019 championship game. During that time they also played able-bodied high school football and you can see their Hudl links as well show it appears they do not have a disability that would prevent them from playing able-bodied basketball. Thomas was good enough to have 5 tackles in a state championship victory for his high school team and you can see Evan making a leaping interception on Hudl as well. Thomas and Evan then went to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where they were labeled as able-bodied players. Last weekend they won the national championship in college wheelchair basketball and scored 52 of their team's 74 points in the win.

While college wheelchair basketball did change the rules to allow able-bodied players, the spirit of this rule is to allow more programs to participate and field teams. Not to allow players who broke NWBA rules for 4 years to continue to dominate the game. This sport is a special place for those of us with disabilities to play a competitive sport and we continue to lose to able-bodied players who blatantly broke our rules. We are fed up and need to make sure our game is a place where the best opportunities are given for disabled athletes. This is the one space where we can compete on a level playing field but for how much longer? How can the MVP at one of the highest levels of our sport designed for disabled athletes be a person without a disability? How could WASA break our rules for so long with no consequences? Why are the WASA coaches and team reps allowed to continue as if nothing happened? Let's make sure that we enforce our rules and give our disabled athletes an opportunity to compete and be successful.

Below are links that confirm everything I have mentioned is true.

https://www.hudl.com/profile/7891564/Thomas-Oberst

https://www.hudl.com/profile/11480515/Lucas-Oswald/about

https://www.hudl.com/profile/7891562/Evan-Oberst/about

https://www.hudl.com/profile/18451865/lucas-oswald

https://www.wlhs.org/news-detail?pk=1287117

https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=oswald000luc

https://www.wissports.net/roster_players/31995480?subseason=601921

https://www.wissports.net/roster_players/31995483?subseason=601921

https://www.wiaawi.org/Portals/0/PDF/Results/Football/2019/d5game.htm?ver=2019-11-21-185951-737

https://www.starofbethlehem.org/home/140007275/140007276/Images/WASA%20BUCKS%20PREP%20NWBT%20PRESS%20RELEASE.pdf

https://www.nwba.org/news_article/show/1012059

https://www.prepbaseballreport.com/profiles/WI/Lucas--Oswald-6809752431

https://assets.ngin.com/attachments/document/0105/6195/JUNIOR_DIVISION_MINIMAL_DISABILITY_FORM__rev_8-2016_.pdf?_gl=1*3prb2y*_ga*MTc4MDE0MTU1Ni4xNzEwODg1MDY3*_ga_PQ25JN9PJ8*MTcxMDg4NTA3Mi4xLjEuMTcxMDg4NTE0NS4wLjAuMA..#_ga=2.24829119.42278667.1710885073-1780141556.1710885067

https://www.nwba.org/news_article/show/1304276

Hi everyone!

Hope you're all well.

I'm a (disabled) tech designer working on an idea for an accessibility app. However, I need feedback from people from the disabled community first. Unfortunately I do not have a budget for renumeration. With that in mind, I have scaled back my expectations of labor.

An interview wouldn't take long and can be conducted over email, phone, or zoom (with or without the camera on). I can't provide a time estimate as we all have brains that process at different speeds, different methods of communication, and focus limitations (etc.).

All information gathered will be kept confidential and will be pivotal in my ability to create an app that is truly helpful for our community.

If you are interested, please fill out this short screening survey - https://forms.gle/7tSSnxg9TpUkzw7WA

If you need additional accommodation for the screening survey (linked above), or interview (if selected), please let me know!

Thanks!

Wendy Raven

wendy.w.raven@gmail.com

Hi i am a student at the university of houston trying to develop a wheelchair fitness tracker given the lack of alternatives. Any responses gladly welcome!

https://universityofhouston.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV\_8ADGTMXfv7SzrOC

In conclusion, the importance of representation and inclusion of characters with disabilities in media and entertainment cannot be overstated. From breaking down stereotypes to fostering empathy and empowerment, media has the power to shape societal attitudes toward disability in profound and meaningful ways. As someone who has experienced firsthand the transformative impact of representation, I am hopeful that continued progress in this area will lead to a more inclusive and equitable future for individuals of all abilities. y for all.

Breaking Stereotypes and Shifting Perceptions

One of the most significant contributions of representation in media is its ability to break down stereotypes surrounding disability. For far too long, individuals with disabilities have been relegated to narrow and often inaccurate portrayals that perpetuate stigma and misconceptions. However, when characters with disabilities are authentically represented on screen, it challenges these preconceived notions and humanizes the experience of disability.

As someone who has overcome paralysis and other challenges, seeing characters in media who reflect my own journey is incredibly empowering. It validates my experiences and reminds me that disability does not define my worth or capabilities. Moreover, it sends a powerful message to society that individuals with disabilities are multifaceted, resilient, and deserving of respect and recognition.

Fostering Empathy and Understanding

In addition to dispelling stereotypes, representation in media plays a crucial role in fostering empathy and understanding towards individuals with disabilities. When audiences are exposed to diverse portrayals of disability, it allows them to step into the shoes of those with lived experiences different from their own. This increased empathy leads to greater acceptance and inclusion in all facets of society.

Personally, I have witnessed the transformative impact of media representation on the attitudes of those around me. Whether it's through films, television shows, or advertisements, seeing characters with disabilities portrayed with dignity and agency sparks meaningful conversations and prompts individuals to question their own biases. Over time, these shifts in perception contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society where everyone is valued for their unique contributions.

Empowerment Through Visibility

Another aspect of representation in media that cannot be overstated is its role in empowering individuals with disabilities to see themselves as capable and worthy of pursuing their dreams. Growing up, I often struggled to find characters in mainstream media who reflected my own experiences as a person with a disability. However, as representation has improved in recent years, I've been inspired by a new generation of characters who defy stereotypes and embrace their disabilities as part of their identity.

From superheroes with disabilities to leading roles in romantic comedies, seeing characters who navigate the world with grace and resilience sends a powerful message of empowerment to individuals like myself. It reinforces the notion that disability does not equate to limitation and encourages us to embrace our unique abilities and perspectives. This visibility not only boosts self-esteem and confidence but also paves the way for greater opportunities and representation in real-world settings.

Advancing Social Change and Advocacy

Beyond its impact on individual attitudes, representation in media serves as a catalyst for broader social change and advocacy efforts. When stories featuring characters with disabilities are told with authenticity and sensitivity, it amplifies the voices of marginalized communities and drives meaningful dialogue around issues of accessibility, inclusion, and equal rights.

As someone who is deeply passionate about disability advocacy, I have witnessed firsthand the power of media in mobilizing support for legislative change and policy reform. By shining a spotlight on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, media representation galvanizes public support and prompts policymakers to take action. Whether it's advocating for improved accessibility standards or promoting workplace inclusion initiatives, representation in media serves as a powerful tool for advancing social justice and equality for all.

Conclusion: Shaping a More Inclusive Future

In conclusion, the importance of representation and inclusion of characters with disabilities in media and entertainment cannot be overstated. From breaking down stereotypes to fostering empathy and empowerment, media has the power to shape societal attitudes towards disability in profound and meaningful ways. As someone who has experienced firsthand the transformative impact of representation, I am hopeful that continued progress in this area will lead to a more inclusive and equitable future for individuals of all abilities.

I am in a power wheelchair and have an Iwatch. What fitness apps do you use?

👋 Hey friends! I’m working on a free wheelchair fitness app as part of my student project and need your input. It’s quick, and your feedback could help me improve this project. Check out the survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_mq58gNuhYkjM9xUPD_lBEacFxNBoExj11pdERxBWitPf0g/viewform. Thanks for helping make fitness accessible to everyone! 🌟

Hi,
My college class is doing a project about increasing the physical fitness of those with mobility issues.

If you have mobility issues, please answer these questions as soon as possible OR if you have secondhand experience, please answer the questions about what you have viewed about their fitness habits. If possible, please fill out the following survey:
https://forms.gle/5he87EqeyQYWh5xy9

If you would like to do a short 5-minute interview over the phone, please dm us.

Thanks!

Hi all,

​

I am part of a group of students researching some names for an application we are developing. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind taking 1 minute to complete this very quick survey for us.

https://0dae2iwnt1t.typeform.com/to/RhyJw9uV

Thank you in advance!

​

If anyone has an idea of what I am feeling then that would he lovely. To get to the meat of the matter I've noticed that whenever I leave the house, whether to take a walk or be drove out, there Is a good chance I will have a headache and feel physically bad the next day. The walks are nice but the headache make me start wondering if this is more than me just not getting out much

Hello everyone,

​

I am the founder of a startup dedicated to developing a free and open-source mobile application designed to address accessibility issues commonly faced by individuals with limited mobility. To better understand user needs, we have created a survey on Typeform. Your participation would be immensely valuable to us. We sincerely appreciate your assistance; your feedback will play a crucial role in enhancing user experience and guiding the implementation of new features. Thank you for your support!

https://e5jg978rmmb.typeform.com/to/J7Rl9lC5

Hi Everyone - we need to hear your views!

We are conducting valuable research to try and make exercise more inclusive to communities with neuro-diverse and learning disabilities.

Please could you fill in the survey here - we would love to hear your experiences! https://forms.gle/T3LyJ482SwraMXy19

Hey everyone,

I'd like to learn to ski and/or snowboard so I can keep up with my physical exercise in the winter and get outside more. I'd consider myself above average in physical fitness-- I do advanced pilates, have extremely strong obliques and core, and have been working on my glute exercises as much as possible. I'm quite bendy but I've been working hard to build supportive muscle and proper alignment.

For reference, I'm a woman in my mid-20s, 120lbs, long legs athletic build, sz 7.5-8. I have hEDS, slight scoliosis in my thoracic spine and raynauds. Most of my pain is in the knees and mid back, although I had a bad sprain in august and my ankle is still a bit stiff (waiting to get custom orthotics done and doing PT). I'm mostly worried about rolling ankles and pulling my trapezius and neck muscles- as that is where I experience the most hypermobility.

Given the following ^, I'd like to start my journey as safely as possible but I'm overwhelmed with gear choices and things to watch out for. I don't see myself doing difficult hills, freestyle/tricks. I'd like to get to a level where I'm comfortable with intermediate slopes and maybe some easier off-piste trails.

I'd love to hear from any (present or past) skiiers/snowboarders:

• What are your tips for avoiding injury on the slopes? Any technique tips are appreciated!
• What are your favourite pieces of gear?
• Any fit tips for gear and things to look for?
• What are your favourite support tools on the slope (KT tape, etc) and recovery tools off the slopes?

Thanks so much!

​

https://preview.redd.it/s8rqefk69q6c1.jpg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f3b0e070d3f7757bf7c5c4b15b8040aade879f23

Are you looking for mobility and strength training personally or in a group? Do you need that little bit of encouragement to be the best you can be.

Click the link below and book your slot today for a free no obligation consultation.
https://calendly.com/krfitnessl/consultation

Hi everyone !

I am computer science student and I am working on projects dedicated to wheelchair community.

Recently I published mobile application called "Wheel Fit" and my goal is to make it easier for people in wheelchair to get into or get better at specific sports, or just to reach a fitness goal. I updated application based on feedback of people in wheelchair and wheelchair athletes and paralympians.

I would like to share it with with you and hopefully get feedback and thoughts on my passion project, It is free and it can be found here: www.wheelfit.app

​

Thank you in advance !

​

https://www.ebay.com/itm/375092287089?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=bgBtCrWWRFe&sssrc=2524149&ssuid=bgBtCrWWRFe&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Hi everyone, so I have alot of disabilities, but the main ones that effect my workouts are chronic fatigue, chronic pain in my right leg and lower back, rheumatoid arthritis in my knees, shoulders and wrists.

But...quite frankly I hate how my body looks, especially as I recently realised I am transfem. So I really want to work on my body to try feel happier in myself, naming by working on my butt, thighs and tummy. But I find it really difficult to do the typical exercises, e.g squats, lunges, sit ups, jogging/running etc

Any recommendations would be appreciated

Hey Everyone.

I'm working on creating inclusive and accessible products for individuals with mobility issues. I'm conducting research for a project to better understand the challenges faced by people with arm mobility issues and their specific needs and desires.

If you'd like to participate, take a few minutes to complete this survey. Your feedback is valuable and will be completely anonymous. Whether you have personal experience with mobility issues or know someone who does, feel free to also share the survey with someone you know that may be affected by mobility issues.

Here is the survey link:

https://universityofhouston.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9FeomAX2c9GZIp0

I am a person with a disability, so this goes out to those who are actively involved in outdoors or sporting activities. I'm interested in these things but I'm having trouble finding resources or means to achieve doing these things. Where do I need to look who do I need to call let's talk

Hello all,

My name is Nicholas Lackey and I'm a PhD Candidate at Alliant International University San Diego. Please consider signing up for my dissertation study!

Title: Understanding Chronic Pain

Description: For U.S. residents only, who are proficient in English and are between the ages of 18-65.

You will be asked to:

-Fill out a survey to establish inclusion for the study and then schedule an interview with the primary researcher.

-Complete another survey that includes questions about some of your individual details (for example, your age), a vocabulary test, questions about emotions (including depression and anxiety), thoughts about your pain, pain symptoms, and filling out a pain drawing. During the interview, questions will pertain to your experience with chronic pain.

-You will be paid $30 for participation in both survey components, the interview, and sending the pain drawing to the researcher. You may only participate once for payment.

Participant data and the online interview will be secured with HIPAA software services, HIPAA data practices and de-identified before data analysis occurs.

To access the inclusion survey, click the link below.

https://alliant.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4MwzfNPNrgbzclE

If you have any questions, please reach out at nlackey@alliant.edu. Thank you very much for your consideration.

Hi I'm suffering from Erb's palsy and I was wondering I should stretch for maximum mobility and increase back muscles

My friend uses a walker, and she gets so joyful when she figures out how to do something new with her walker. So I want to send her some videos for us to test out some more skills. She can't really move her ankles due to screws so please keep that in mind. But any video is helpful

Hi all! We own an inclusive fitness center and host a podcast having discussions with companies building accessible products, individuals advocating for inclusion, and adaptive athletes excelling in their sport. We've recorded 11 episodes so far with incredible guests that we'll be releasing over the next few weeks. The first four episodes of the AdaptX podcast have been published and can be found on any of the major streaming platforms. We'd love to have you listen so we can share the incredible stories and work of our guests.

If you're interested in being a guest and fit the criteria above, you can visit https://www.adaptx.org/adaptxpodcast-inquiry

​

Tim is wearing a red shirt and sitting with one leg crossed in his wheelchair. A condenser microphone sits on a table between Tim and Brendan, the host of the AdaptX podcast.

My stomach is getting bigger and I feel such shame from it.. I have Spina Bifida and can't exercise. If I get a stationary bike thing it'll kill my back. If I get small weights, using them will pull on the muscles in my back. The only thing I can do for exercise is walking. I feel stuck. I sit in my recliner most of the day. Standing kills my back as well. Walking does the same, so I can't do it for very long. Last time I saw my endocrinologist (which was in April), I weighed 200lbs. She said I was obese for my height (5'5). Oh also I'm a trans man. I still weigh around 200. Guys what should I do? I feel like I'm just going to continue to get bigger..