Wheelchair Basketball in Fitchburg

Wheelchair basketball, a modified version of running basketball, was created in the early 1940s for those with a disability involving the lower level of the body, such as leg amputation, limb paralysis, cerebral palsy, and many more. It was first played by veterans retired after World War II, however it has become more popular and is now played by more than only veterans. The height and size of the court was the same as a standard basketball court and was played in intervals of forty minutes. Not much differs between wheelchair basketball and running basketball aside from the scoring of points, which differs to allow teams to score easier. In terms of eligibility, any person who cannot stand in a running basketball game was able to participate in wheelchair basketball. It is important to note in the artifact photograph that all participants have a wheelchair and use a wheelchair for daily living/activities. There is a referee present as there would be in a standup running basketball game. Wheelchair basketball has been shown to be a fast paced, determined, competitive, and skillful activity for any who played. 

Wheelchair disability was misunderstood in the 1900s. People with any disability were seen as unusual and treated below people everywhere. Especially those with disability of the lower limbs, there was confusion on how to help make everyday life easier for them. Public transportation was difficult as ramps were not easily accessible for all; some didn’t have ramps at all. Not all public transportation systems had ramps available to use. Often, the bus driver or a companion of the individualdisabled would have to help them walk on, as well as have an open space for the wheelchair to be placed. 

The Paralympic Games is an extraordinary event for skillful athletes with a physical disability and was one of the largest multi-sport competitions in the world. The first Paralympic Games took place in Rome, Italy in the early 1960s. The amount of positivity from the games was one to reckon with. The competitions took place every four years, just like the Olympic games. One of the sports played out of eight in the Paralympic Games was wheelchair basketball. It was highly inclusive to those with disabilities, especially of the lower limbs. 

Wheelchair basketball introduced a new way for those with a lower-limb disability to feel included and maintain a physical activity. Being active relieves stress and can help increase a person's mood, however, physical activity can be a stretch for those in a wheelchair, often  feeling out of reach and unattainable. Wheelchair basketball was a new outlet to get involved, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and feel as if their disability was not something that was in the way of them participating in physical activities. The photograph represents a community of people coming together to play a sport they all love. 

Public restrooms were as well just as difficult for those with a wheelchair requiring disability, it is difficult for one to use the restroom by themselves in a space in which they are uncomfortable, because bathrooms were not always wheelchair accessible. In the 1990s, the Americans with Disability Act was created, which made it illegal to discriminate against those with any disability. As part of that, guidelines for public facilities to provide those with disability equal access and services that they may require were created. 

Wheelchair basketball included those with a walking disability to engage in a physically strenuous sport. It offered a new way for those with disability to be able to participate, to feel healthier and happier. Society puts a label on wheelchair disability. To have the mindset that a disability can limit those to be able to engage or participate in regular activities is foolish, in fact, it is an understatement that those with disabilities can accomplish much more than the average person. Individuals with disabilities can live a life much greater than the average person. Wheelchairs are one of the fundamental stepping stones for creating new inventions and technology to help their everyday lives. It pushed the boundaries for thinking scientifically and rationally from the creation of new inventions like the ramp and activities such as wheelchair basketball.