Accessibility in Action: Wheelchair Basketball
On September 29, first-year students from the Carleton University School of Nursing took part in a wheelchair basketball session that brought learning about accessibility, teamwork, and inclusion beyond the classroom.
The session gave students an opportunity to experience wheelchair basketball firsthand while learning about the skills, communication, and teamwork involved in the sport. Students learned how to move and maneuver in the chairs, worked through different activities, and eventually put their new skills into practice on the court.
Beyond learning the game itself, the session encouraged students to think more closely about accessibility and disability. By participating directly, students were able to consider how physical environments, equipment, and attitudes can shape an individual’s experience and participation.
These conversations are particularly important in nursing, where accessibility and inclusive care are part of supporting the dignity, independence, and well-being of patients and communities.
The activity also provided an opportunity for students to work together in a setting different from their regular classes and clinical learning. Communication and teamwork quickly became an important part of navigating the court, creating a learning experience that was both active and collaborative.
For first-year students who are still at the beginning of their nursing education, experiences like this offer another way to connect concepts discussed in the classroom with the people and communities they may support throughout their careers.
The School of Nursing thanks Wheelchair Basketball and Abilities Ottawa for working with our students and providing an engaging opportunity to learn more about accessibility, inclusion, and community support.
