So… what do you do all day? If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of that question, you’re not alone. For people with disabilities, the answer isn’t always simple. What might look like “just a hobby” to someone else can be a source of passion, purpose, creativity, and appreciation for someone else. We asked peers to share the activities that light them up so that you might get inspired to try something new yourself.
Emerson, Adaptive Luge & Longboarding
Before my injury I was an avid skater and competed at many downhill events across North America. When the skate community heard about my injury, they provided overwhelming support. Working with the skate community, my goal is to develop designs for para and quadriplegic riders.
The master skateboard designer and owner of Berley Skate in Kimberly provided me with a prototype adaptive luge, with brakes and an adjustable backrest for racing. I want to compete in downhill luge class and adaptive class. My ultimate goal would be to represent Canada at the World Roller Games!
Lisa, Dancing
I have danced my whole life and taught dance and fitness for over 20 years. After a motorcycle accident, I became an above-knee amputee and use a wheelchair full time. I am so incredibly proud to be back dancing in my wheelchair and even teaching again! Adding moments of physical activity that can make people smile has been a huge bonus for my mental health.
All my participants have been able bodied, which asks me to lean on my teaching skills, but I hope to branch out into teaching seated fitness classes as I continue to adapt and create a new sense of self. I live in Osoyoos, and anyone is welcome to join my current classes. I am happy and proud of how far I’ve come when life feels like it’s at a standstill.
Jason, Boxing
I was introduced to wheelchair boxing during Covid when SCI BC offered an introductory online class with adaptive boxer Leo Sammarelli. I was hooked after the first session, even though my punching technique wasn’t great! Five years later, I’m still attending online classes, and it’s really improved my range of motion. The Thursday classes with SCI BC are a great way to exercise at your own pace, without even leaving your home.
Marney, Woodworking
My husband and I have been going to the Tetra Society’s woodworking shop for eight years now. We’ve made beautiful frames, bowls, lidded boxes, and a couple rolling pins! The newest fun was using and learning the lathe, a really fun but quite technical skill. What’s greatest about Tetra is the elbow tool (created, built, and donated by woodturner Tim Yoder) which can be used with one hand/arm.
Read more stories from the Fall 2025 issue of The Spin, including:
- Virtual tours
- Entrepreneurship
- Cannabis
- Catheter coverage advocacy
And more!
