ADAPTIVE LIFESTYLE
Adaptive Pickleball Is Opening the Game to Everyone
Pickleball is already one of the fastest-growing sports in the country—but what’s really exciting is how adaptive pickleball is making it accessible to people of all abilities.
From wheelchair users to individuals with mobility, balance, or cognitive challenges, adaptive pickleball introduces simple modifications that make a big difference—think rule adjustments, specialized equipment, and inclusive court setups.
The best part? It keeps everything that makes pickleball fun—social connection, light competition, and easy-to-learn gameplay—while removing barriers that might otherwise keep people out.
If you’re curious (or know someone who might benefit), check out these great resources:
- Learn more and find programs: https://adaptivepickleball.com/​
- Official guidance and initiatives: https://usapickleball.org/adaptive/​
Whether you’re looking for a new activity, rehab-friendly movement, or just a fun way to stay active, adaptive pickleball is worth a look.
INDEPENDENCE & ACCESSIBILITY
Adidas Just Dropped a Performance Running Shoe Built for Accessibility
Adidas just made a big move in adaptive sports gear with the launch of its first performance running shoe designed in partnership with the disability community.
The new Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive focuses on what actually matters in real life—easy on/off access, secure fit, and performance-level comfort. In other words, it’s not just “adaptive”… it’s built to perform like a legit running shoe.
This is part of a bigger shift we’re starting to see: major brands finally realizing that accessibility shouldn’t mean compromising on quality or style.
Whether you’re walking, training, or just want something easier to put on without the hassle, this is a strong step forward for inclusive fitness.
YOU ASKED: QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Accessible Doorbells
Q: Are there accessible doorbells for someone who is blind that allow two-way communication without opening the door?
A: Yes—this is absolutely possible, but the key is choosing something that works well with audio and voice control, not just video.
Some smart doorbells can work, but many aren’t designed with full accessibility in mind. Devices like the Amazon Echo (paired with a compatible doorbell) can announce visitors and allow hands-free communication, while options like the Google Nest Doorbell tend to work better with iPhone accessibility features like VoiceOver. That said, setup and usability can vary a lot depending on the individual.
The best next step is often working with organizations that specialize in vision loss. VisionAware and the American Foundation for the Blind can recommend solutions that have actually been tested by blind users and help tailor a setup that’s safe, simple, and reliable for everyday use.
CAREGIVER CORNER
Caregiving Made Easier with CaringBridge
When someone is going through a health journey, keeping everyone updated can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where CaringBridge comes in. It’s a free platform that lets individuals or caregivers create a private page to share updates, post journal entries, and keep friends and family informed in one place.
- Create a private page for updates, photos, and journal entries
- Share information once instead of repeating it to multiple people
- Allow friends and family to follow along and leave supportive messages
Instead of repeating the same information over and over, you can simply point people to your page.
- Helps caregivers manage communication during busy or emotional times
- Keeps loved ones connected without constant calls or texts
It’s especially helpful for caregivers managing a lot at once—appointments, emotions, and constant check-ins—while also giving loved ones a way to stay connected and offer support. If you’re looking for a simple way to reduce communication stress during a difficult time, this is a great tool to have in your back pocket.
NEW TECH
On Our Radar
- ​WHILL Model F – A sleek, foldable power wheelchair designed for travel and everyday independence, compact enough to fit in a car trunk.
- ​Voiceitt – An AI-powered app that translates non-standard or impaired speech into clear communication in real time.
- ​Synchron Stentrode – A breakthrough brain-computer interface that allows people with paralysis to control devices using their thoughts.
FEATURED GUIDE
Adaptive Gaming Controllers
Adaptive gaming controllers offer unique features that allow people with disabilities to enjoy video games on just about any platform, from PlayStation and Xbox consoles to Nintendo and PC systems.
Here are 25 adaptive gaming controller options to consider – plus resources to help you find the best adaptive gaming controllers for you (or your loved ones).
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