Hadley Middle School hosts Disability Awareness Night

Hadley Middle School students and staff will take to the court Tuesday (Nov. 10) to raise money and awareness for athletes with disabilities.

The school, which has been learning about the challenges faced by people with disabilities, will host a wheelchair basketball game at 6:30 p.m. in the school gymnasium.

Tickets are $2 per person or $5 per family. Proceeds will benefit sports teams at the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association.

The Association, which has been providing adaptive and special recreation services for individuals with disabilities since 1976, was invited to “take over” Hadley’s P.E. classes for three days.

Students learned about the limitations and freedoms athletes with disabilities experience by using sports chairs and other equipment provided by the Special Recreation Association, said Linda McGinnis, Assistive Technology and Physically Health Impaired Specialist for Homer School District 33C.

Among the adapted sports students learned how to play were wheelchair basketball, seated volleyball and goalball -- a game for the visually impaired.

The goal was to help students gain a better understanding of diversity and disabilities.

“We want them to experience what it’s like to play sports with limitations,” said Nora Skentzos, Director of Special Services for Homer 33C.

The learning activity culminates with the wheelchair basketball game Tuesday night.