Sports accessibilities for those with disabilities

Evie Beale
Staff Writer

The Paralympics provide high-level athletes with physical disabilities the opportunity to participate in sports. These highly competitive games occur every two years after the Olympics. The Paralympics might have students wondering what their high school does to make sports more accessible. At R.J. Reynolds High School, steps are being taken to make sports more inclusive.

RJR Bryson Gym is handicapped accessible. Photo provided by Evie Beale.

“We try and follow the district guidelines, and we want to be able to offer anything that we can to those that want to participate,” Athletic Director Brad Fisher said.

RJR wants to ensure that people feel comfortable expressing themselves in sports, even if it is harder for them. They want everyone to feel that they have a place.

“That’s something when we had our class days at the beginning of the year, I try to encourage all the students,” Fisher said. “Reynolds is so large that there should be something here for everyone.” 

This year, a freshman with a disability is running on the cross-country team. Despite their disability, they are still able to be very involved on the team and participate in all meets and practices.

“That’s great that they are a freshman,” Fisher said. “I’m hoping that others feel that they can participate as well.” 

Students can try and participate in any sports with the school willing to do whatever it takes to make it work for them. The coaches here will work and adapt to what is necessary to help a student play sports.

“My first or second year at Reynolds, this was the mid-2000s, we had a boy on the football team who was hearing impaired, and he had a sign language interpreter that would show all the drills, as well as be on the sideline with us,” Fisher said. “So we’ve tried to include people as long as I’ve been around.”

However, students need to have the initiative to become more involved and find ways to do that.

“That’s the very first step,” Fisher said. “Talk to the coach. Say, ‘Hey, I love this sport. How can I be involved? How can I help?’ The coaches will always try and find somewhere for people.”

At RJR, teachers and coaches want students to pursue their passions, whether that is on or off the field. No matter what, if you want to get involved, don’t be scared to ask someone so you can get involved.

“I want this to be inclusive for everybody,”  Fisher said. “You’re only in high school one time. I want students to enjoy it. And if you can be a part of something that you would enjoy, then how can we make that happen?”

RJR wants to be extremely inclusive in all aspects of school, whether it’s learning, clubs, or even sports.  So, if you have a disability and want to be involved, don’t be afraid to ask because there are many opportunities, and the coaches here will help you.