All members of the Syracuse University community are invited to participate in a mix of virtual and in-person activities at the annual OrangeAbility event starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 27. Register to participate in the virtual events.
OrangeAbility provides an opportunity for people with and without disabilities to learn and experience a variety of inclusive and adaptive sports, services and programs related to health and wellness. The activities will celebrate disability cultures and identities while providing a space for all to feel welcome and comfortable.
“OrangeAbility is an adaptive expo for people with and without disabilities who can learn about what kind of adaptive, accessible equipment and facilities you can use at the Barnes Center at The Arch,” says Kate Pollack, coordinator of Syracuse University’s Disability Cultural Center. “From esports to the climbing wall and more, OrangeAbility breaks down the barriers to access in health and wellness.”
OrangeAbility is an annual health and wellness event for people with and without disabilities. [Please note, this image was taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and does not reflect current public health guidelines.]
“We’re excited to partner with the Disability Cultural Center to further weave health and wellness throughout the student experience,” says Matt Hackett, Barnes Center at The Arch director of recreation. “Expanding holistic health and wellness and guided by the Dimensions of Wellness, new experiences have been added to the event, such as the Crowley Family MindSpa and Walters Pet Therapy Room.”
Pollack will provide opening remarks at 1 p.m., and Chancellor Kent Syverud will follow with a message to the Orange community. Here is the schedule of OrangeAbility activities:
• Adaptive Bikes (1:15 p.m.): Experience a virtual demonstration of available handcycles on campus.
• Climbing Wall (1:30 p.m.): Join Julie DeLeo, Barnes Center at The Arch assistant director of outdoor education, to learn more about the climbing wall and adaptive equipment, and to experience a virtual demonstration.
On Sunday, March 28, OrangeAbility will host an in-person wall climbing experience. Registration is available through the Barnes Center at The Arch Wellness Portal, and first-time portal users should visit the Wellness Portal webpage for more information and instruction.
• Esports (1:45 p.m.): Attendees are invited to join Rob Snow, Barnes Center at The Arch assistant director of esports, for an esports introduction and to learn more about adaptive equipment and experience a virtual demonstration.
From 2 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 27, OrangeAbility will host an in-person Esports session. Registration is required through the Barnes Center at The Arch Wellness Portal.
• Walters Pet Therapy Room (2 p.m.): Vicente “Vinnie” Cuevas, Barnes Center at The Arch Health Promotion coordinator, will discuss the Deborah A. Barnes Pet Therapy Program—and may have a special guest that you won’t want to miss!
• Crowley Family MindSpa (2:15 p.m.): Cuevas will explore the Crowley Family MindSpa and Virtual MindSpa and explain how both spaces are accessible to all.
To experience the Crowley Family MindSpa or the Virtual MindSpa, visit the Barnes Center at The Arch Wellness Portal.
• Closing Remarks (2:30 p.m.)
For more information or to register for OrangeAbility activities, visit the OrangeAbility webpage. To request additional accommodations, please contact the Disability Cultural Center.
