Archery is a sport that requires the strength and stability to draw and hold a bow. An individual with a disability, however, may be physically unable to properly or safely draw and shoot a bow. As a result, adaptive archery equipment has been developed that offers disabled archers the same opportunity to participate in the activity.
Types
Adaptive archery equipment comes in a variety of types based on the intended function and disability. One of the most commonly used pieces of adaptive archery equipment is the crossbow--an archery weapon that holds the bolt at full draw until the shooter pulls the trigger. If an individual wants to shoot a bow, adaptive equipment assists the archer drawing the bow and then holds the bow at full draw. Other types of adaptive archery equipment include scopes, harnesses for steady shooting and wheelchair accessories.
Features
Each piece of adaptive equipment has specific features that assist the archer. For example, crossbows feature a cocking aid that makes it easy to draw and cock the bolt into position. The wheelchair adaptive equipment, for example, uses an archery pulling device to draw the bow and then holds the bow in position until the archer takes the shot. Most pieces of equipment are designed with the versatility to fit any make or model of archery equipment.
Disabilities
Common disabilities that require adaptive archery equipment involve a physical limitation that prevents the shooter from drawing or shooting a bow under normal ability. The list of disabilities includes amputation, paralysis, diagnosed disease or birth defects. Any disability that effects the shoulder, elbow, wrist or arm may require adaptive archery equipment.
Benefits
Archery is a sport that can improve self-discipline, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, strength and concentration. Without adaptive equipment, disabled persons wouldn't be able to enjoy the benefits of archery. The equipment also allows the archer a full range of motion up and down and side to side while shooting.
Hunting Regulations
Hunting with archery equipment--bow hunting--is a popular spring and fall activity. Most states will require a bow hunter to apply for and possess a special use permit while hunting. The permit allows the hunter to use adaptive equipment to take game species. Washington, for example, requires a disabled hunter--defined as a person with a permanent disability of one or both upper extremities or the inability to safely, hold, grasp or shoot a bow--to submit an application with a physician's signature and statement explaining the disability.
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