Rehabilitation Institute Of Michigan Foundation

Programs: Sportsabilitysportsability provides adaptive sports opportunities for adults with disabilities in the metro detroit area, which allows for engagement in activities that are important to quality of life. Activities are provided at no cost to participants and work with other agencies in the area to coordinate programs and provide community outreach. The program offers adaptive sports year round and is led by recreational therapists, an adaptive sports coordinator, contract specialists and many volunteers. Rim foundation's sportsability is a member of adaptive sports, usa, the national wheelchair basketball association and the national wheelchair tennis association. Most sports can be adapted so people can continue to participate despite having a disability. Spice of life stroke clubthe spice of life stroke club is an active group of stroke survivors, who participate in monthly meetings and activities. Club members have begun to socialize, make friends, learn new things and find value in life after their disability. The rim foundation grant has allowed programs for the stroke club that encourage them to live again, such as bowling or attending a dance class. The focus is to increase their ability to problem solve and face new challenges and activities they didn't think they could accomplish after a stroke. Dance mobilitythe dance mobility program continues to grow in reach and popularity. In partnership with fred astaire dance studio-bloomfield hills, dance mobility started as a free wheelchair ballroom dance program in may 2015. The program has expanded to include a class for amputees who use upper and lower extremity prosthesis and stroke survivors. Classes are full every month, and requests to hold classes are often from around the state. Adaptive dance gives persons with disabilities an outlet to enjoy an activity they did prior to their injury or illness. In addition to the many psychological and social benefits of adaptive dance, research has shown many physical benefits including significant gains in strength, coordination and range of motion as well as improved wheelchair skills, confidence, and self-image.