What is Adaptive Abilities Cheerleading?

Adaptive Abilities cheerleading, is part of the newest group of inclusive cheerleading divisions available through the International Cheer Union, the cheerleading international federation, since it’s competitive debut at the ICU Cheerleading Worlds 2017. Adaptive Abilities Cheerleading incorporates most of the elements of a classical cheerleading routine – dance, stunts (this currently excludes Basket and Sponge Tosses), and tumbling. Teams can be either ‘Traditional’ meaning all athletes on the team have a disability, or ‘Unified’ meaning that there is a mix of disabled and non-disabled athletes working together. At the ICU World Championships, Unified Adaptive Abilities divisions require a minimum of 25% of the team to have some form of disability, though 50% disability inclusion is considered best practice. Local rules differ by competitions depending on the level of development in this category and can require only one disabled athlete, this is to help the sport grow. Currently the disabled participants in the Adaptive Abilities routines are self declaring, meaning there is no classification system and they don't have to have a Paralympic eligible impairment.

Clear-away cradle

There are currently five categories of the divisions at ICU competitions,

• Co-ed Median

• All-girl Median

• Unified Advanced

• Freestyle Pom

• Hip-hop

All existing cheerleading ‘safety regulations’ are valid in Adaptive Abilities divisions. Additional rules and regulations have been added to manage the unique aspect of impairments and mobility aids involved during performance. There are some key elements in Adaptive Abilities that differ from classical cheerleading, these include the idea of “base supports” and “Clear-away Cradles”. Also no baskets or sponge tosses are allowed.  Taking part in inclusive cheerleading teams and competition really supports disabled people by including them into activities previously difficult to access. It helps develop increased confidence and self-esteem, helping to relieve depression. It creates an enhanced sense of control over their physicality and in some cases greater strength and coordination, assisting the rest of their day-to-day lives. Cheerleading also specifically teaches performance, communication, and leadership skills. Leadership skills and communication are vital to enable people to get the assistance they need from carers, support workers, and the wider society.