Adaptive Courts Designed for Accessibility
The Americans with Disabilities Act has set out a few guidelines for sports facilities that can be considered accessible.
Disabled athletes are now getting the recognition they deserve. Just as importantly, physical activity and recreation greatly benefit people with disabilities, not only in the context of rehabilitation but also as a means to connect with the community and have fun. That's why adaptive courts have become so important.
Please keep reading to learn more about the shift toward making athletic courts more accessible:
ADA accessibility guidelines
The Americans with Disabilities Act has set out a few guidelines for sports facilities that can be considered accessible. The ADAAG (Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Act) says that sports facilities should have at least 36 inches around them for wheelchairs to move around. The ground must always be firm, stable, and non-slippery to be safe for wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
Volleyball courts
Volleyball has become more accessible, especially for wheelchair users. Guidelines for volleyball courts have made this possible. They state that the net height for men's sitting volleyball should be around 3.77 feet (1.15 meters), while for women's sitting volleyball, it should be around 3.44 feet (or 1.05 meters).
The court surface must be smooth and flat for the wheelchair to move around with enough traction. These standards were set by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and World ParaVolley for international competitions, such as the Paralympic Games.
Pickleball courts
Pickleball has gained popularity in recent years, and it's another sport that benefits from accessibility. It is best to make a pickleball court more accessible for people with disabilities (or even older people). The net height can stay the same as in standard pickleball – 34 inches in the center and 36 inches at the sidelines.
The surface for pickleball should be hard and smooth so a wheelchair can move around easily. The color lines should be non-glare and high-contrast for people with visual impairments to see better.
Basketball courts
Wheelchair-friendly basketball courts feature lower baskets so that people in wheelchairs can reach them easily. The court should be flat, easily accessible for a wheelchair user, and without steep or slippery areas.
Tennis courts
A wheelchair-friendly tennis court is about the same size as a regular tennis court. However, wheelchair tennis allows for two bounces of the ball during play. It's worth noting that organizations like the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation and the International Tennis Federation support these sports and modify the rules to match better with the players' impairments.
Sports for all
Everyone should be able to enjoy sports and all their associated benefits. Adaptive athletic courts make this possible. To learn more and make your athletic courts, public or residential, more accessible, get in touch with local court builders.
Apex Court Builders specialize in construction, resurfacing and repair of tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and more. We do business in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Diego! Call us today! (480) 384-9141.
