The BAWSI Rollers program provides fun, adaptive physical activities for girls and boys with physical, cognitive and hearing disabilities.
Through a fun and active curriculum that includes games like basketball, soccer, and sharks and minnows, the BAWSI Rollers program helps participants develop hand-eye coordination, strength, confidence and a sense of independence.
Weekly sessions include activities focused on goal setting, teamwork, and healthy competition, as well as spirited conversations about self-respect, responsibility, and leadership.
The BAWSI Rollers Program
A.C.C.E.S.S.
to resiliency and opportunity…
BAWSI Rollers Framework
BAWSI Rollers Curriculum
Activity
fun, physical activity to move the body; and mindfulness to quiet the brain and combat the toxic stress of poverty.
• Introducing multiple sports and fun games for cardiovascular activity.
Connection
to a caring adult who provides unconditional encouragement, models positive choices and an alternative path for life.
• Children connect with the same two BAWSI staff members each week.
• Our ratio of role model coaches to BAWSI Rollers is kept low for attention and connection.
Contribution
belief that her/his own actions, beliefs, and ideas matter. Positive recognition for expressing, sharing, and leading.
• BAWSI Rollers are asked to think and share their own ideas about how to work together, be a good teammate and input to other “words of the week” topics.
Expectations
boundaries and routines that help set high expectations for her/his own behavior, accomplishments & achievements.
• “Words of the week” provide clear expectations for what it means to be a BAWSI Roller.
• Low coach to participant ratios allow for pull-outs and coaching around positive team behavior
Skills for Life
teamwork, collaboration, communication and more pro-social behaviors that enable success.
• Each week every game, team assignment, and exercise is intentionally selected to give our BAWSI Rollers direct experience with positive life skills
Sense of Belonging
feeling like a valued member of a positive group or community.
• Starting with a membership card and ending with a closing cheer and BAWSI song, each BAWSI session is about building an inclusive, engaging team environment and camaraderie that lasts well beyond our time together on the playgrounds.
BAWSI Rollers Site Model
Local Schools
Free to students and school, offered during school.
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Participants
Children with disabilities ages 5-12
5-25 participants per site
Athlete Leaders
2 BAWSI-paid part-time staffers manage and lead site
Volunteer Athletes
4-20 female athlete volunteers from local universities, junior colleges & high schools
Classroom Instructors
Teachers & Aides provide individual assistance with activities
Support Staff
School administrators help with recruitment, registration & retention
Current BAWSI Rollers Sites
Fammatre Elementary cognitive disabilities*
Oster Elementary hearing disabilities
Blackford Elementary physical disabilities
Pomeroy Elementary cognitive disabilities*
Saratoga Sub-Acute Hospital physical & cognitive disabilities
Hubbard Media Arts Academy cognitive disabilities*
Bracher Elementary cognitive disabilities*
Ellis Elementary cognitive disabilities*
*Cognitive disabilities site include but not limited to autism, downs syndrome, and emotional disabilities.
