Student-led project working to change minds and create opportunity

By Ashley Mountcastle ’27

Billions of people worldwide lack programs and opportunities to experience sports and inclusion because of some form of disability. In the Roanoke Valley alone, thousands of people are excluded from the fun of sports because of lack of access and resources.

Julia Bassett ’25, a Roanoke College student who is earning a degree in health and exercise science with a disability studies concentration, set out to brainstorm opportunities that would bring a rewarding and inclusive experience to the community. That’s why she worked with Frances McCutcheon, co-coordinator of Roanoke College’s Disabilities Studies Program, to build a program that provides adaptive sports opportunities and activities for kids and adults with disabilities.

In May 2023, MAPLE’S Kids was born. MAPLE’S Kids stands for Multiple Adaptive Play Experience in Sports with Maple – President Frank Shushok’s family dog – serving as the program ambassador.

“It is truly inspiring to see individuals do something they might not have thought they could do and to see parents and siblings watch their family members light up while playing sports,” said Bassett, a captain on the women’s tennis team.

Volunteering for MAPLE'S Kids includes participation in the activities with the program attendees. Activities include wheelchair tennis and basketball, adaptive volleyball, challenging obstacle courses and more. Students who volunteer get to experience the joy and reward of MAPLE’S Kids through participation in adaptive sports.

“The experience doesn’t look the same for everyone,” said Bassett, “but everyone accepts and encourages each other for who they are.”

Following graduation, Bassett plans to attend occupational therapy school and become a pediatric occupational therapist. The primary focus of pediatric occupational therapy is the idea of using play and other exercises to improve children’s fine motor skills.

With MAPLE’S Kids, the purpose also is to use play to bring opportunities for fun and development into people’s lives. Kids and adults alike participate in MAPLE’S Kids to play adaptive sports and find their own special niche.

Bassett said she’s not only expanded her skill set in terms of occupational therapy, but she has expanded her confidence and leadership skills while forming connections with kids and families who have a variety of different physical and cognitive disabilities. MAPLE’S Kids has become a place for everyone of all ages and capabilities to feel welcomed and included, to be active, and to have fun through physical activity and social interaction.

The purpose behind MAPLE’S Kids is to impact everyone in a positive way, whether it is providing a fun and meaningful environment for Roanoke students to experience or creating a place for families and individuals to feel appreciated and loved.

“I can guarantee that volunteering at MAPLE’S Kids will bring you joy and help you see that there is another side to sports – adaptive sports!” said Bassett. “Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces makes the volunteer experience so worth it.”