Program History

Fifty-four million people with disabilities reside in the United States, making it the country’s largest minority group. The Ohio State University population includes 2,000 students identifying themselves as having a disability. There are also another 10,000 students who, according to current statistics, populate our campus with unreported disabilities. 

The Ohio State University has a rich history of innovative programs for individuals with disabilities. Due to the diverse student population at Ohio State, the Department of Recreational Sports, a member of the Office of Student Life, has made a commitment to serving people with disabilities through the Adapted Recreational Sports (ARS) program.

Inclusion is the anchor component of the ARS program philosophy. The focus is to promote “wellness for everyone” while serving our members.

Purpose
The Adapted Recreational Sports (ARS) Program in the Department of Recreational Sports at The Ohio State University offers the opportunity to remain physically active, to connect with others, and to explore new challenges. We offer customized programming to meet your needs including a new stretching program and outdoor adventure activities to increase your strength, flexibility, and endurance. Feature programs include water exercise classes for arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Goal
Our goal is to enhance independence and inclusion for individuals with disabilities through recreation and physical activity. 

Benefits

• Enhanced mood
• Improved sense of self-esteem and accomplishment
• Increased independence in recreation and physical activity
• Enhanced socialization skills
• Increased levels of physical fitness, including flexibility, range of motion, muscle strength and endurance, and cardiovascular fitness and coordination