A Life-Changing Journey

Eight years ago, Wilshim underwent back surgery, leaving him with balance issues. He would fall frequently and needed a walker to get around. His golf days seemed over. But then he met Anthony Netto, Founder of the Stand Up and Play Foundation, and co-developer of the ParaGolfer and now the VertaCat.

The Power of Adaptive Golf

“The VertaCat has given me my life back,” Wilshim exclaimed. “I had played golf all my life, played in many tournaments, and even won the Father/Son Championship in 1958 with my Dad at Sunningdale. With the VertaCat, I’m able to swing a club again and stand up, maintaining my balance. It’s made me incredibly happy!”

A Testament to Determination

Netto spends time on the course with Wilshim, witnessing his joy and excitement. “To see David’s smile and enthusiasm is fulfilling,” Netto says. “It makes all our hard work worth it. We need your help to continue empowering individuals with disabilities through adaptive golf therapy, standing wheelchairs, and accessible sports programs.”

Get Involved

Support the Stand Up and Play Foundation’s mission by:

1. Donating: Email mailto:Standupandplay3@gmail.com or call 941-320-9688.
2. Spreading the word: Share David’s inspiring story.
3. Volunteering: Contact Angelica Amador (760-212-0256) or Anthony Netto (941-320-9688).

Empowering Independence, One Swing at a Time

Join us in empowering individuals with disabilities to stand tall and play golf. Together, we can make a difference. Let’s Tee Off for a Brighter Future!

The post 95-year-old David Wilshim’s Inspiring Adaptive Golf Story appeared first on Stand Up and Play Foundation.

This charity event, now in its 13th year, brings together residents, staff, and supporters to raise vital funds for adaptive mobility equipment. Since 2012, the Legends Golf and Country Club community has rallied behind the Stand Up and Play Foundation, a 100% volunteer-based nonprofit organization. Their shared mission: provide active standing therapy for individuals with mobility challenges. Through golf and tennis tournaments, they’ve raised over $350,000.

Personal Connections with Veterans

Ranae Frazier, General Manager/COO of Legends Golf and Country Club, highlights the impact, “Seeing disabled veterans stand up with the ParaGolfer or VertaCat, swing a golf club, and regain independence is heartwarming. It’s a testament to our community’s compassion.”

Tom Michaud, retired Chief of Police and Army veteran, understands the significance firsthand. Living with Multiple Sclerosis, Michaud uses a ParaGolfer adaptive mobility device. “This event changes lives. Adaptive equipment restores mobility and normalcy.”

Expanding Reach

The Stand Up and Play Foundation has chapters nationwide. Last year’s beneficiary, US Army veteran Karen Atkinson, received a VertaCat. This year, Karen Atkinson along with Sonia Ilias and Charlene Williams will help direct a new, Stand up and Play foundation chapter at Rocky Point Golf course in Tampa, Florida for veterans, first responders and all those with mobility challenges in nearby communities.

Gratitude

Anthony Netto, Founder and adaptive golf instructor, expresses his gratitude, “Witnessing veterans’ joy when using our ParaGolfers or VertaCats is incredible. We’re proud to support those who sacrificed for our freedom.”

Get Involved
Join the movement empowering veterans and individuals with mobility challenges. Together, let’s support freedom and independence. Email admin@StandupandPlay.org or call 941-320-9688 to donate or learn more.

Stand Up and Play Foundation
https://standupandplayfoundation.org/

About Stand Up and Play Foundation
The Stand Up and Play Foundation provides adaptive golf equipment, training and support for individuals with mobility challenges, focusing on veterans and first responders.

The post Supporting Freedom and Independence for Veterans: Fort Myers Legends Golf and Country Club and Stand Up and Play Foundation’s 13th Annual Veterans Day Fundraiser appeared first on Stand Up and Play Foundation.

• Provided adaptive golf equipment and training to countless individuals including children with mobility challenges
• Supported military veterans and first responders through our programs
• Advanced adaptive sports technology through innovative solutions like the VertaCat

As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we invite you to join us in empowering adaptive golfers and promoting inclusivity in sports. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Please consider supporting Stand Up and Play Foundation and our mission throughout the USA and Canada. To donate visit https://standupandplayfoundation.org/donations/ or email Anthony Netto at admin@StandUpandPlay.org for more information.

The post Celebrating 14 Years of Empowering Adaptive Golfers appeared first on Stand Up and Play Foundation.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Getting On: Make sure the unit is in the OFF position and on a level surface. Know your capabilities of transferring for your disability. Ask for help when needed.
2. Adjusting the Fit: Adjust the armrests, seat height, and footrest to fit your body comfortably. A fitting and training demonstration must be done for first-time users, conducted by an authorized representative or trained professional.
3. Standing Up: Use the “Stand-Up” button to elevate the seat and stand up. Hold onto the armrests for balance.
4. Moving: Use the joystick or controls to move the VertaCat forward, backward, left, or right.
5. Speed: Start with a slow speed setting and gradually increase as you become more comfortable with the VertaCat. Adjust the speed to your comfort level using the controls.
6. Braking: Release the joystick to stop. For quick stop briefly pull back on joystick. 
7. Turning: Use the joystick to turn the VertaCat while driving. 
8. Getting Off: Use the “Sit-Down” button to lower the seat and sit down. Make sure the unit is turned off. Undo safety belts and proceed with caution. Rely on your transfer skills for your disability. 
   Ask for help when needed.

Additional Tips:

• Always wear a seatbelt while using the VertaCat.
• Keep your feet on the footrest and hands on the armrests while moving.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and navigate slowly in tight spaces.
• Use the VertaCat on flat, stable surfaces, always reducing speed to setting 1 and proceeding with CAUTION on steep slopes or uneven terrain.
• Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for potential hazards.

Remember: Consult the user manual and manufacturer’s guidelines for specific instructions and safety precautions. If you’re new to using a VertaCat, training, and fitting must be scheduled (This is mandatory.) Make sure to practice in a safe, open area before heading out on the golf course or trails.

By using the VertaCat, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the safety guidelines and operating instructions, and you assume all risks associated with its use.

The post Elevate Your Independence: Navigating the VertaCat Stand-Up Wheelchair appeared first on Stand Up and Play Foundation.

Key Features of the VertaCat:

• All-terrain capability: Navigate various terrains, including hills, sand, and woods
• Stand-up assistance: Elevates users into a standing position, providing a sense of freedom and independence
• Advanced safety features: Ensures a secure and stable experience, even on challenging terrain
• Adjustable design: Accommodates users of different sizes and needs
• Easy transportation: Compact size allows for simple loading/unloading into standard vehicles
• High-performance motors: Provides reliable and long-lasting power
• Playability features: Designed for comfort and convenience during outdoor activities

Benefits for Individuals with Mobility Challenges:

• Enhanced independence and confidence
• Expanded access to outdoor activities and environments
• Increased social interaction and community engagement
• Improved physical and mental well-being

The Stand Up and Play Foundation: A Valuable Resource

For those seeking more information on adaptive golf and mobility solutions, the Stand Up and Play Foundation is an excellent resource. Our organization is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in golf, providing valuable resources and support for individuals with mobility challenges.

To learn more about our programs and grants please email us at standupandplay3@gmail.com.

The post The VertaCat Advantage: Facilitating Mobility and Inclusion in Golf appeared first on Stand Up and Play Foundation.

The VertaCat is the brainchild of Anthony Netto, Founder of Stand Up USA Inc., and Tim Nicholson, Founder of Actus, a longstanding manufacturing business. Their collaboration led to the creation of ATINSPO, the company behind the VertaCat. Netto’s passion for adaptive sports and Nicholson’s expertise in manufacturing came together to revolutionize the golfing experience for individuals with mobility challenges.

Steve Doudt: Cairns Cup USA Team Victory

Steve Doudt, a bilateral above-the-knee amputee and ambassador of the Stand Up and Play Foundation, joined the USA team in The Cairns Cup: Disability Golf Matchplay Event, securing a thrilling 12 ½ – 11 ½ victory over Europe. Doudt praised the VertaCat, citing its reliability, power, and performance in adverse weather conditions.

“I’m proud to represent the Stand Up and Play Foundation and showcase the capabilities of the VertaCat,” said Doudt. “This vehicle has opened doors for me and many others, enabling us to experience the joy of golf in a whole new way.”

Max Togisala: Defending Champion in U.S. Adaptive Open

Max Togisala, paralyzed from the waist down, won the U.S. Adaptive Open in the seated category for the second consecutive year, using the VertaCat. Togisala credited the vehicle for its reliability and praised Anthony Netto for creating a machine that has changed his life and adaptive golf journey.

The VertaCat: Revolutionizing Adaptive Golf

The VertaCat, debuted at the U.S. Adaptive Open in 2023, has made a significant impact on adaptive sports. Its ability to elevate golfers into a standing position facilitates a more natural swing, offering numerous advantages for mobility-challenged athletes. This innovative vehicle exemplifies the commitment of Netto and Nicholson to empowering individuals with diverse abilities and promoting inclusivity in adaptive sports.

Learn More: Please contact Anthony Netto 941-320-9688 to discover how the VertaCat is revolutionizing adaptive golf and empowering athletes like Steve Doudt and Max Togisala.

The post Empowering Adaptive Golfers: Steve Doudt and Max Togisala’s Victorious Journey with VertaCat appeared first on Stand Up and Play Foundation.

Benefits of Standing Therapy:

1. Improved Circulation and Cardiovascular Health: Standing therapy enhances blood flow,
   reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, swelling, and pressure sores.
   
2. Increased Muscle Strength and Tone: Weight-bearing exercises strengthen muscles,
   particularly in the legs, hips, and lower back, leading to improved overall mobility.
   
3. Enhanced Bone Density: Standing therapy helps maintain or increase bone density,
   reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
   
4. Better Digestion and Bowel Function: Upright posture improves digestion, reduces
   constipation, and enhances bowel function.
   
5. Improved Respiratory Function: Standing therapy expands lung capacity, increasing
   oxygenation and overall respiratory health.
   
6. Boosted Mental Wellbeing: Standing therapy can elevate mood, reduce stress, and
   enhance overall mental wellbeing.
   
7. Increased Independence: By improving mobility and strength, standing therapy empowers
   individuals to participate in daily activities with greater ease.
   
8. Reduced Risk of Pressure Sores: Regular standing therapy helps prevent pressure sores
   by redistributing pressure points.
   
9. Improved Sleep Quality: Standing therapy can lead to better sleep patterns, essential for
   overall health and wellbeing.
   
10. Enhanced Quality of Life: By addressing physical and mental challenges, standing therapy
    significantly improves overall quality of life.

Incorporating Standing Therapy into Daily Life:

Standing therapy can be integrated into daily routines through various methods, including standing frames or devices, tilt tables, vertical therapy systems as well as assisted standing with caregivers and therapists.

In conclusion, standing therapy offers a wide range of benefits for individuals with mobility issues from improved physical health to enhanced mental well-being. By incorporating standing therapy into daily life, individuals can experience increased independence, improved overall health, and a better quality of life. If you or your loved one could benefit from standing therapy, consult with a healthcare professional to explore options and start unlocking the power of standing today!

Visit Stand Up and Play Foundation to learn more about our programs, find local events, and discover how you can get involved. Take the first step towards a healthier, more active life.

The post The Power of Standing Therapy: Unlocking Mobility and Wellness for All appeared first on Stand Up and Play Foundation.

Exercise is Essential for Wheelchair Users

Exercise provides significant health benefits, especially for wheelchair users. Regular physical activity can help prevent secondary conditions related to paralysis, such as heart disease, diabetes, pressure sores, carpal tunnel syndrome, obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, urinary tract infections, and respiratory diseases.

Research indicates that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who engage in aerobic exercise experience better cardiovascular fitness, improved bladder and bowel function, reduced fatigue and depression, and increased social participation as well as have a more positive outlook.

Benefits of Exercise

While not everyone may regain function through exercise, it offers numerous other benefits. Exercise supports brain health, promoting brain cell proliferation, fighting degenerative diseases, and improving memory. Studies show that exercise enhances alertness and cognitive clarity.

Weight loss is another compelling reason to exercise. Obesity is prevalent in the United States, and people with disabilities are more susceptible due to altered metabolism, decreased muscle mass, and generally lower activity levels. For wheelchair users, carrying excess weight can lead to shoulder pain, joint deterioration, and painful rotator cuff tears due to the stress placed on their arms. Reducing weight can alleviate this stress and decrease the risk of skin issues like pressure sores, which are exacerbated by excess moisture in the skin.

Inactivity can also lead to a loss of trunk control, muscle shortening or weakness, decreased bone density, and inefficient breathing. Despite these risks, many people with paralysis or mobility challenges do not engage in regular physical activity. According to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, people with disabilities are less likely to participate in moderate physical activity compared to those without disabilities. The challenge often lies in the perception of exercise as “work,” which can be a barrier to starting a fitness program.

How to Get Started with Your Fitness Program

Physical activity does not have to be strenuous to yield health benefits. You don’t need to be an athlete to see significant improvements in health from moderate physical activity, ideally performed daily. This can be achieved through longer sessions of less intense activities (such as 30-40 minutes of wheeling yourself in a wheelchair) or shorter sessions of more intense activities (such as 20 minutes of hitting balls at a golf range).

Greater health benefits can be obtained through higher degrees of physical activity. Those who maintain a regular routine of longer duration or increased intensity will likely see greater improvements. For previously sedentary individuals, it’s important to start with short intervals of physical activity (5-10 minutes) and gradually build up to the desired level.

Set realistic fitness goals and stick to your program. Stop exercising if you experience pain, discomfort, nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or clammy hands. Always stay hydrated.

Consult your physician before starting or modifying any exercise program. Overtraining or inappropriate activity can be counterproductive and potentially dangerous. Remember, moderation is key.

Visit Stand Up and Play Foundation to learn more about their programs, find local events, and discover how you can get involved. Take the first step towards a healthier, more active life today!

The post The Importance of Exercise for Wheelchair Users appeared first on Stand Up and Play Foundation.

Strokes
According to the American Stroke Association, strokes are the leading cause of serious long-term disability. According to the Stroke Awareness Foundation, there are over 7 million stroke survivors living in the United States and more than half of those 65 and older experience a reduction in their mobility. According to the CDC, more than 800,000 Americans have a stroke each year. Strokes often result in partial paralysis (Hemiplegia) or weakness (Hemiparesis) on the opposite side of the body from where the stroke occurred. Both conditions can result in the loss of muscle mass but physical therapy can help an individual rebuild strength in the case of hemiparesis. A 2021 Study found that stroke victims are surviving longer as nearly half survived at least five years.

Did you know more than 800,000 Americans have a stroke each year!

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
In the USA, there were approximately 223,135 TBI-related hospitalizations including 16,070 children in 2019. There are a significant number of Americans that have had a moderate or severe TBI resulting from Motor vehicle crashes, gunshot wounds, and assaults that often result in a mobility challenge.

Situational Analysis and Accessible Carts

For individuals with hemiplegia from a stroke or TBI, balance is a challenge that can make playing golf difficult. An accessible cart with a standing frame and belts can be used to ensure that the individual is able to stay balanced without the fear of falling. An accessible cart with a standing frame can also be used as part of the rehabilitation process helping the individual do regular standing therapy to help them begin the process of rebuilding strength in their affected side.

Accessible carts with a standing frame can assist in the rehabilitation process.
For these individuals, the ease of using the VertaCat’s joystick to steer the cart and then to hydraulically lift oneself into a standing position with just a few fingers will help make the golfing experience more enjoyable for millions of stroke survivors.

Please contact us at The Stand Up and Play Foundation for more information.

The post Accessible Carts for Stroke and TBI Recovery appeared first on Stand Up and Play Foundation.

There are a wide variety of disability types that affect one’s mobility including spinal cord injuries, strokes, traumatic brain injuries, leg amputations, and neurological conditions. Mobility disorders range from mild to severe with some individuals requiring a prosthetic, some a cane or walker, and others a wheelchair. When it comes to being able to play golf, many of these individuals can be accommodated with a golf cart from a course’s fleet with an access flag while millions of others will require an accessible golf car to be able to play.  

Here is a synopsis of the various mobility challenges:

Synopsis

There are currently nearly 9 million Americans living with a mobility challenge. Over the next few decades the pool of individuals (and golfers) with mobility challenges is expected to significantly increase.  Not everyone that has a mobility challenge needs an accessible cart but the baby boomer generation ages and stroke survivors live longer, golf can, and should be, an important part of helping to improve the quality of life for those with mobility challenges.

Accessible carts allow individuals with mobility challenges to play the game from tee to green with fewer restrictions. These single rider golf cars are equipped with pneumatic tires that are similar to triplex greens mowers where the pounds per square inch is less than a human footprint which allows them to be able to safely drive onto the green without causing damage.

Golf facilities should have a plan in place to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges that would like to be able to play golf at your facility.  As part of that plan, perhaps it is time for your golf facility to host an adaptive golf program and make a mobility-assisted cart available at your course.  To find a course near you please visit the Stand Up and Play Foundation ParaGolfer locations page.

The post Synopsis of the Number of Individuals with Mobility Challenges appeared first on Stand Up and Play Foundation.