Ozarks Healthcare Therapies to Host Free Abili-T-Ball Program for Children with Disabilities and Special Needs

Ozarks Healthcare Therapies will host Abili-T-Ball, a free adaptive baseball program designed specifically for children with disabilities, special needs or other conditions that may make participation in traditional baseball programs challenging.

The program will take place Saturdays from September 26 through October 17 at 10 a.m. at Kimes and Watkins fields in West Plains.

Two practice sessions will be held prior to the start of the program on September 17 and September 24 at 5:30 p.m.

Abili-T-Ball provides an inclusive, supportive environment where participating children can learn baseball skills, build confidence and enjoy being part of a team. The adaptive program is designed to accommodate the individual needs and abilities of each participant.

“Activities like Abili-T-Ball are about so much more than playing a sport,” Sarah James, Ozarks Healthcare Therapies Director, said. “For children who receive therapy, opportunities to move, play and interact with others in a fun, supportive environment can help reinforce important skills such as coordination, balance, strength, motor planning and communication. Just as importantly, children get the opportunity to build confidence, develop independence and experience the joy of being part of a team.”

Participation is free for the first 50 eligible children who register. Registration is open through September 9. Families interested in participating can contact Ozarks Healthcare Therapies at 417-257-5959.

“I'm incredibly proud of our Therapies team and the work they do every day to find creative ways to help children reach their goals,” Terence Farrell, Ozarks Healthcare President and CEO, said. “Sydney Jennings [Ozarks Healthcare occupational therapist] has done an outstanding job helping bring Abili-T-Ball to our community. Her dedication, along with the commitment of our entire Therapies team, is creating an opportunity for children and families to experience the benefits of therapy in a setting that is fun, welcoming and focused on what each child can do.”

Volunteers are also needed to help make the program a success. Community members interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Ozarks Healthcare Therapies for more information.

Ozarks Healthcare Therapies is proud to support opportunities that promote inclusion, participation and healthy activity for children throughout the community.

Ozarks Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system that serves more than 160,000 residents across south-central Missouri and northern Arkansas. With its main campus residing in West Plains, Missouri, the health system offers a full spectrum of healthcare for all ages through its 114-bed hospital, behavioral health, therapies, pharmacies, rehabilitation, and home care services, along with specialty and family medicine clinics. Ozarks Healthcare has rural locations across an eight-county service area and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.