Recreational activities are as important as other daily living skills for those with disabilities. To have a well rounded and happy quality of life, people with disabilities need to be able to engage in things they enjoy. These activities are often no different than how people without disabilities are entertained. Adaptive equipment comes in many shapes and levels of difficulties, as do games. Using adaptive equipment makes it easy to accommodate those with disabilities to allow participation.
Playing board games provides entertainment to many. Using both complex and simple adaptive equipment, board games can be adjusted to provide opportunities for those with physical and cognitive disabilities. The Ablenet spinner is one example of how those with a physical disability are able to participate even if they are unable to roll dice or turn a spinner. Other simple ways to add equipment to games is to have larger dice and communication devices that can allow the participant to make choices and answer questions. Building up pieces of board games so pieces are easy to grip also assists to allow people with disabilities to participate more independently.
Playing card games is a pastime that many enjoy. However, these games can be difficult for someone who has a physical disability and is unable to hold the cards. There are many types of card holders available. Some allow the player to still keep the cards in his hands, while others sit right on the table. Another piece of equipment that can help is an automatic card shuffler. This allows the person with a disability to still take his turn shuffling, allowing him to have an equal role in the game as other participants.
Playing sports is a pastime that many enjoy. Bowling, skiing, biking all require the use of equipment that can be adapted to assist a person with a disability in participating. For bowling, a ramp is available at most bowling alleys for those that are unable to roll the ball on the floor. Special skiing equipment can be purchased to allow those with physical disabilities to still participate. There are many adaptive bikes that are available to allow those using the bikes to use hands to pedal or provide alternative ways to steer. This gives the opportunity to play bike riding games with peers without disabilities. Special wheelchairs provide access to areas where sports games are played, like the beach.