This June, American Career College Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) students had the opportunity to visit the Rancho Los Amigos wheelchair basketball team for an eye-opening and deeply inspiring visit as they witnessed firsthand the remarkable adaptability and resilience of these athletes.
Made up of individuals with various disabilities, including spinal cord injuries and amputations, the Rancho Halos were established in 1987 and are one of the top programs in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. For many of the students, it was their first time seeing a wheelchair basketball game and its unique dynamics compared to traditional basketball.
“They were really fast and knew how to move their bodies in the chair and navigate on the court, control the ball, and shoot,” ACC-Orange County OTA student Maya B. said. "That was awesome to see."
During the visit, students watched a practice, gaining insight into the techniques and strategies employed by the players. One observation the athletes shared was how some amputees could leverage their trunk control to maneuver their wheelchairs more effectively than athletes with paralyzed limbs. This control allows for swift and precise movements, highlighting the level of coordination and upper-body strength these athletes possess.
After practice, students had the chance to sit in the highly modified wheelchairs and try their hand at the game. This hands-on experience underscored the physical demands of the sport and gave students a profound appreciation for the strength and dexterity required to play.
“You don't realize until you're sitting in the chair how far away the hoop is,” ACC-OC OTA student Rylie H. said. “I barely had the upper body strength and the coordination to get the ball all the way up there.”
The OTA students said the visit was a fantastic learning experience that enhanced their understanding of adaptive sports and the therapeutic benefits they provide. The experience will undoubtedly also enrich the students’ future practice as occupational therapy assistants and reinforce the value of promoting physical activity and resilience in all forms, Maya B. said.
“It was a very eye-opening experience to know that life can change at any moment,” Maya B. added, “but that's where we can come in, to be able to support those going through rough times to be able to complete their everyday tasks.”
