Tech for athletes with disabilities on display at Helen Hayes Hospital

WEST HAVERSTRAW - Helen Hayes Hospital welcomed vendors from across the tri-state area to its annual Adapted Sports, Recreation and Living Expo on Saturday to showcase innovative technologies and lifestyle tips for people with disabilities.

Matt Castelluccio, adapted sports coordinator and patient-mentor coordinator at Helen Hayes, hatched the idea about 10 years ago when he found that many patients weren't being active in their daily lives.

“A lot of my spinal cord survivors and disability survivors were clueless as to what’s out there, from programs, services, equipment, adapted sports, all that stuff," he said.

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The expo hosted more than 50 vendors specializing in specific aspects of disabilities, including equipment, robotic wheelchairs, stationary bikes, recreational programs, medical equipment, lift companies and more.

“I try not to focus on one area because I want people to get a little experience with everything,” Castelluccio said.

Part of his role as adapted sports coordinator is holding introductory clinics and finding partnerships with community organizations that offer recreational programs. Many of the patients at the hospital participate in recreational sports, he said.

Ron Gold, a Bergen County resident and paraplegic, said he comes to Helen Hayes often because of its adaptive programs. He said he tried out sports such as golf and climbing, but they didn't work for him. Then he was introduced to rowing and took to it.

"It’s amazing how many different adaptive programs there are and Helen Hayes has been great about opening up that window for me," Gold said.

Gold now competes with Rockland Rowing, a year-round non-profit based at Rockland Lake. Kathy Kearney, a volunteer with the team, said six to 10 members of the team use adaptive rowing machines and boats built for disabled people. She said the sport's popularity seems to be growing.

“What’s good about rowing is that there is a very broad continuum of effort," Kearney said. "You can go through the motions with very little pressure, or you can really hit it hard and go fast depending on your ability."

Many vendors, including Rockland Rowing, had equipment on display for attendees to try out.

The Helen Hayes Adapted Sports and Recreation program offers adapted skiing, golfing, kayaking, bowling, sailing, fishing, gardening, airsoft and more.

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