By Kaydon Webber
OMAHA, Neb. — Severe spinal cord and brain injuries can prevent people from performing basic tasks in everyday life. Beyond the physical limitations are the mental and emotional challenges associated with neurological trauma. While physical rehabilitation aids recovery, many programs are now working to address the social and emotional aspects of healing. One major barrier beyond basic mobility is access to athletic participation.
Local rehabilitation center QLI is expanding its approach to therapy, shifting from a focus solely on strength building to one that emphasizes athletic empowerment through its adaptive sports program.
At QLI, rehabilitation has grown beyond traditional strength training to include a wide range of physical activities. Within its Life Path Services department is the Adaptive Sports program, led by Ed Armstrong. The program is designed to offer a variety of sports tailored to individual residents’ needs. One of its most ambitious offerings is adaptive rock climbing.
“They can climb and ascend even without the use of their legs,” Armstrong said. “We also do companion climbing, where team members climb alongside residents to support and encourage them.”
One resident, John Sizemore, has been at the facility since February. After a workplace accident, he lost feeling in his legs. After moving between facilities across the Midwest, Sizemore eventually arrived at QLI, where he began participating in the adaptive rock-climbing program.
“At first, everything seems pretty daunting,” Sizemore said.
He said the program has helped improve his mobility, given him a sense of achievement and restored some normalcy to his life.
QLI’s adaptive climbing program is facilitated through a partnership with Approach Climbing Gym, which provides climbing walls and specialized safety equipment designed to accommodate a range of physical abilities. The facility offers equipment such as the Arc Welman harness, which allows individuals with limited use of their arms and legs to ascend climbing walls.
“Adding adaptive climbers into the mix really just brings it all together and makes it even more welcoming for anybody,” said Brogan Weddum, operations and programs manager at Approach.
The partnership between QLI and Approach is expected to continue as construction progresses on an Adventure Tower on the Council Bluffs riverfront. The tower is projected to open June 5, 2026.
More information about QLI and Approach Climbing Gym is available at their respective websites.
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