The Winning Wheels Adventures in Therapy program provides individuals with physical and developmental disabilities opportunities to participate in recreational activities such as canoeing, cycling and horseback riding. The activities allow the individual to overcome the barriers of injury and disease by improving balance, gross motor coordination, endurance, strength, range of motion, and enhanced socialization. The Adventures in Therapy program creates moments where disabled individuals can participate in the same activities as their peers and enjoy life despite limitations.

The Winning Wheels Adventures in Therapy program was implemented over 15 years ago to address the recreational needs of a neurologically impaired, young adult population, unique to long-term care. Both the variety of activities offered and the number of individuals participating has increased each year.

Over the last 2 years, the Winning Wheels Adventures in Therapy program has added a jogging chair and adaptive water skiing to the list of activities available to the individuals we serve. Participation in the program has also increased from 55% to 67%.

All of the hard work that goes into successfully attaining therapy goals in the Winning Wheels on-site therapy gym is rewarded with off-site adventures. A chance to participate in an adaptive water ski clinic was incentive for one individual with a developmental disability to improve his upper body strength. The adaptive water ski clinic requires participants to roll in the water from front to back unassisted. Winning Wheels staff worked with Larry at our local park district pool and he attained his goal of water skiiing.