ALS Leisure and Recreation

There are many different types of adaptive devices that can help you continue to do activities in a modified way. You may also be able to modify the activity itself or find ways to enjoy core aspects of what you love about the activity.

​Every individual, activity, and situation is unique, so you may need to be creative, think outside the box, and go through a process of trial and error to figure out what works best for you at each stage of the disease.

There are too many pastimes to specifically address each one here, but below are examples of some common activities and potential modifications. Even if your interests are not listed, these examples may prompt you to think about how you might go about modifying your favorite activity.

PAINTING If you love to paint, but are finding it harder to hold your brush, you can try building up the handle with foam tubing, tape, or anything else that makes it easier to grip. If that doesn’t work, you can try putting your brush in a universal cuff. If using a physical paintbrush is no longer possible, there are many apps and programs that can help you make art digitally.

PHOTOGRAPHY If you are finding it difficult to hold or operate your phone or camera, there are different mounting and control options that can allow you to continue to enjoy photography. If you have a wheelchair, you can mount your camera onto your chair, move about, and snap photos with your touchscreen, voice, eyes, or switches that can be activated by your head, hand, or foot. You can then use a program or app to edit your photos digitally.

READING If you are starting to have trouble holding a physical book, you can try devices like a book stand or clipboard or clip that can hold your book open. Alternatives to physical books include listening to audiobooks and reading electronic versions with an e-reader or tablet. You can also read or listen to digital versions of newspapers, magazines, and other media.

WRITING If you write—whether for work, communication, or self-expression—there are ways to continue writing. For handwriting, you can try a slip-on grip, universal cuff, functional wrist brace, or ergonomic arm support. For typing, you can press keys with a slip-on typing aid or stylus that you can either hold in your hand or tuck into a universal cuff. If you are unable to use your hands, you can write using speech-to-text dictation, a head mouse, or eye-tracking technology.

GARDENING If you like to grow flowers, herbs, or vegetables, there are different ways you can continue to enjoy gardening. Garden kneelers with handles, special adapted gardening tools, raised beds, and drip systems on timers can make gardening easier and more accessible. If you are unable to actively garden but love fresh flowers, tasty herbs and vegetables, and just being outdoors, you can always ask family, friends, and neighbors to help set up and maintain your garden.

PLAYING GAMES If you like to get together with others to play cards, for example, you can try using a card holder, asking for assistance when needed, or playing with a partner. There are also many digital versions of card games and other games that you can either play on your own or remotely with friends. You may even discover new online games that you can play with a wider gaming community.

GOLFING If you are finding it harder to play golf, there are adapted clubs as well as special gloves that can help improve your grip. If swinging your clubs becomes too challenging or exhausting, you could still ride in the cart and chip or putt as you approach the green. If you can no longer play but still enjoy getting out on the course with others, you may be able to modify the seat on the golf cart to ride along and socialize.

FISHING If you are finding it harder to cast and reel, there are automatic casters and reels that can help. If you are in a wheelchair, you can attach a rod holder to your chair. If you are unable to reach a boat or fishing spot, you may be able to build or set up a ramp to help you get there. You can also look for locations with easier access, such as a dock or a pier. If you are unable to fish but still enjoy being outdoors near water, you can still try to join others on outings.

PLAYING SPORTS Some sports may be modified so that you can continue to actively participate, even from a wheelchair. More physically demanding sports may be harder to modify. To learn what is possible, ask your physical or occupational therapist for suggestions. Ask if there are any adaptive sports programs in your area. For ideas, you can also search online using terms like “adaptive tennis” or “adaptive skiing.”

GETTING OUTDOORS If you like to spend time in nature, you can still find ways to get outdoors as long as you have the right mobility devices and access to transportation. Walking or riding along accessible trails or scenic sidewalks, or even just sitting in your backyard, can provide a nice change of scenery.

​If you love going to the beach, there are special manual beach wheelchairs with wide wheels that can roll across the sand without sinking. You may be able to find them at beach entry stations or lifeguard stations and headquarters.

TRAVELING Taking trips when living with ALS will be more challenging, but with planning, patience, support, and the right equipment, you can find ways to visit loved ones, return to your favorite places, and explore new destinations.

​You can rent accessible vans for road trips and fly on commercial airlines as long as you can sit in a standard airplane seat for the duration of the flight. Learn more on our Traveling with ALS page.

If you find that you can no longer do a favorite activity, even with modifications, you can take the opportunity to try something new that you’ve been curious about but haven’t had the time to pursue. You might discover and develop new interests and pastimes.