Members of the Illinois State University community can experience inclusive recreation for people with physical disabilities at the annual Adaptapalooza from 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 23, in the Student Fitness Center.
The event is free and open to the Illinois State University community. Registration is not required, and participants can drop in as schedules allow. An Illinois State identification card is needed to access the Student Fitness Center.
Adaptapalooza was created by therapeutic recreation students at Illinois State, all working to give people the tools to experience the benefits of activities, sports, and recreation without limits. Activities will include wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and adaptive rock climbing. Therapeutic Recreation and Athletic Training will have informational tables to educate participants on how their professions contribute to adapted sports.
This year, Adaptapalooza will include a new activity: a Virtual Reality experience. The activity is funded by a DEBI (Diversity, Equity, Belonging, Inclusion) grant from the College of Applied Science and Technology. The grant, received by Nicky Wu, a faculty member in Recreation and Park Administration, will allow participants to experience virtual travel and tourism using the Oculus platform.
Adaptapalooza occurs during Therapeutic Recreation Month to educate the Illinois State University community about therapeutic recreation. For more information, talk to any therapeutic recreation student or contact Sherri Hildebrand.
