Dr. Allan Horowitz, published newspaper article, The Liberal, Copyright January 30, 1991

Dear Dr. Horowitz:

I don’t really know if you can answer this question for me but I really don’t know who else to ask. If you cant help me could you please direct me to someone else who could? I really do appreciate your help.

My 10-year-old grandson has a genetic disease which makes it very difficult for him to walk without the aid of crutches or leg braces.

He attends regular schooling, but his mother and father are afraid of having him participate in any physical activities at sch ool. He is not able to play soccer and so on, but I do feel there might be something which could be good for him. He is at the age now where his friends are starting to play all types of sports and I think he feels left behind. Any suggestions?

Doris M., Toronto

Answer:

Most experts now agree that fitness is important for both the physical and mental well-being of all people.

Because someone is disabled it will prohibit them from doing some aspects of some sports, but in no way should a disability mean a sentence of standing on the sidelines. I believe that a disabled athlete should be treated as any other if at all possible.

If a baseball player has one arm, a soccer player is blind in one eye, a hockey player is deaf or a swimmer is a dwarf, all should be allowed to participate and compete as equals.

Sometimes the sport or the disability prevents a disabled athlete from safely participating, as would be the case for a blind hockey player or a basketball player who cannot walk or stand. In these situations, it is clear that, if the desire is there, so must be the opportunity and so special arrangements are being made and many groups are now catering to the wishes of these athletes.

It is great to see that all but the most severely disabled athletes can participate in the sport of their choice with fun, good health and a positive mental attitude resulting.

I think you should talk to your grandson and his parents and find the reasons why they do not encourage him in this regard. Have the doctors warned him against certain sports? Are they afraid of him being embarrassed?

Are they being too cautious or are their actions warranted?  Talk to them and see what comes of it.

The first step in getting your grandson involved in a sport is to find out where his sporting interests are. Does he want to try a sport which would require him to be upright such as floor hockey, or would he rather play wheelchair basketball?

If he has an interest and the doctors do not feel that serious injury will result (see below) I would suggest you call Variety Village in Toronto. This organization will put you in touch with the right people to ensure that your grandson has fun and enjoys every aspect of his life, despite the fact that he has a disability.

One last word about injuries. Disabled people can have injuries also. A one-legged skier can tear knee ligaments and break fingers just as easily as two-legged skiers. A deaf floor hockey player can get a stick in the face the same as anyone. A mentally disabled athlete can get a soccer ball in the groin the same as you or I.

We must remember that an injury should not be a life sentence of standing around and watching. An injury is there for a while, treated, repaired and forgotten. Disabled people have more to get over than a sprained ankle and we should not let the possibility of injury stand in the way of a human being fulfilling and reaching his/her potential and dreams.

Allan Horowitz, D.C., is a chiropractor practising in Richmond Hill and writes this public service column. He will attempt to answer readers’ questions on a variety of topics including back pain, headaches, nutrition, sport injuries and preventive medicine.

Address your questions to Allan Horowitz, care of The Liberal, Box 390, Richmond Hill L4C4Y6.