Sports & Leisure
Recreation & Leisure
Bowling
Bowling is a very popular recreational and competitive activity enjoyed by individuals of all abilities. It is an indoor activity with minimal equipment adaptations and easily accessible across the country. Bowling is an official activity of the United States Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF), the United States Cerebral Palsy Athletic Association (USCPAA), and Special Olympics International (SOI), and the American Wheelchair Bowling Association (AWBA). (see links below)
Equipment
A wide range of adapted equipment is available for individuals of all ability levels to participate and compete in bowling.
Ball ramps: There are several different models of ramps that can be used from the standing and sitting positions. Ball ramps allow individuals who are unable to throw a bowling ball to participate in bowling. The most popular ramps are made of tubular aluminum that are lightweight and disassemble easily for storage. Some commercial ramps have swivel bases that allow directional control. Non-commercial ramps work just as well and can easily be made from wood.
The Poss-I-Bowl, left,is a switch controlled device that attaches to any tubular bowling ramp. It allows individuals to release the ball by pressing a switch. When the switch is pressed, the ball is released and travels down the ramp and onto the lane.
Ball Pushers: Ball pushers or bowling sticks can also be used from a standing or sitting position. Ball pushers provide the participant with increased control over the force of the throw and the angle in which they travel down the lane. These come in two popular forms: the adjustable model (seen here) and the triangular model. Each is fitted with protective coating to prevent scratching the floor.
Aids for persons who are visually impaired: People who are visually impaired need only a method to 
stay oriented toward the pins to participate in the fun of bowling. There are three commonly used aids to help visually impaired bowlers obtain a straight throw: (A) makeshift guide rope (B) a commercial bowling rail or (C) a carpet strip.
Organized Bowling for Persons with Disabilities
Special Olympics Bowling
Special Olympics bowling teams are grouped into divisions according to the athlete's ability level, age and gender. There is also a Unified Sports® division composed of athletes with and without mental retardation competing on the same teams. There is a wide range of events in Special Olympics bowling, including singles, doubles, 4-person team bowling, Unified Sports® doubles and team, target bowling, and frame bowling. For more information, contact Special Olympics International (SOI).
United States Deaf Bowling Federation
The United States Deaf Bowling Federation (USADBF) is the National Sports Organization that represents bowling for the United States Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF). Anyone interested in becoming a member should contact USADBF and must be a member of USADSF. In order to make the US Deaf Bowling Team, members of USDBF must tryout and qualify. For more information, contact the United States Deaf Bowling Federation (USADBF).
USCPAA Bowling
The United States Cerebral Palsy Athletic Association offers organized bowling in four divisions: A-D. Participants in divisions A & B use ramps as aids in bowling. Division A bowlers are allowed limited assistance from a coach while division B bowlers are not. Division C is composed of wheelchair and ambulatory athletes with classification levels 3-6. Division D is composed of classification levels 7 & 8. For more information, contact the United States Cerebral Palsy Athletic Association (USCPAA).
American Wheelchair Bowling Association
The AWBA encourages bowling as an excellent activity for rehabilitation and recreational exercise for all individuals who use wheelchairs. The AWBA sponsors league and tournament competitions. They also offer instructional books and videos to help interested persons get started in or improve their skills at wheelchair bowling. For more information, contact the American Wheelchair Bowling Association (AWBA).
American Blind Bowling Association
The ABBA publishes a newsletter three times a year. Interested individuals can become members for an annual $9 fee. For more information, contact the American Blind Bowling Association (ABBA).
Equipment Suppliers
Access to Recreation (ball pushers, ramps), (800) 634-4351
Hosmer-Dorrance (prosthetic attachments), (800) 827-0070
Maddak (ball pushers, ramps), (973) 628-7600
Sportime (Poss-I-Bowl, specialty balls), (800) 444-5700
Bowling rails for persons with visual impairments are available from the American Blind Bowling Association, 315 N. Main St. Houston, PA 15342 (724) 745-5986
Books & Videos on Wheelchair Bowling Available from AWBA
Contacts for Further Information
ABBA 315 N. Main St. Houston, PA 15342 (724) 745-5986
AWBA, (954) 491-2886
SOI, (202) 628-3630
USADSF, (801) 393-7916 TTY (818) 785-1478 TDD
USCPAA, (401) 874-7465
More information on this and related topics may be available in the NCPAD Citation Database. Try searching with keywords: bowling, bowling equipment, bowling programs, etc.
NOTE
The information provided here is offered as a service only. The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability, University of Illinois at Chicago, the National Center on Accessibility, and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago do not formally recommend or endorse the equipment listed. As with any products or services, consumers should investigate and determine on their own which equipment best fits their needs and budget.
Source: NCPAD