Last Updated25 November 2024

Each person is unique, and each disability affects each person differently. The information in this section is a very simple overview of some common disabilities. It is aimed to provide a starting point for more research. Use the assessment tools to learn as much as you can about the individual. The person with the disability and/or their caregiver will understand their abilities better than anyone else.

Amputation

Partial or complete removal of a limb. The causes are varied including but not limited to: accident, congenital disorder, peripheral vascular disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Here are a number of example amputations:

AK – Above knee.
BK – Below knee.
AE – Above elbow.
BE – Below elbow.
Hip Disarticulation – Amputation at the hip joint, this preserves the pelvis and the soft tissue to the buttocks.
HP Hemipelvectomy – This amputation includes half of the pelvis and the limb leaving, only the soft tissue of the buttocks.
Shoulder Disarticulation – Amputation at the shoulder joint.
Unilateral Amputations – on the same side.
Bilateral Amputations – on both sides. This can include: 1) amputation of both legs, 2) amputation of both arms, 3) amputation of an arm on one side and leg on the other

For above knee amputations people will generally ski without their prosthesis. This is changing as new prosthesis technology allows more freedom to ski with a prosthesis.

Most snowboarders – above and below the knee will use a sport prosthesis with shock technology to snowboard with. Of importance is how new the amputation is, how good is circulation, how will the limb handle the cold, and protection from impact.

Teaching Considerations

The residual limb “Stump”may be sensitive to impact and may need to be protected to prevent further damage.
Students may fatigue sooner, take breaks if needed and use a chair on snow to rest between runs.

Below the Knee (BK)

If the ankle joint has no flexion, place a heel lift inside the boot and a spoiler to achieve a good stance, a standard ski boot has between a 13-15 degree forward lean.
Use sensations the student has in their lower leg and knee to describe the movements they would make with their foot.
Ensure that the prosthetic is firmly packed in the boot to prevent movement.
If the student has no dominant stance for snowboarding, place the prosthetic on the back.

Above the Knee (AK)

Generally above knee amputees will 3 track while skiing but with advancements in Prosthetics this may change.
When snowboarding, place the prosthetic leg in the back.
Ensure the prosthetic knee joint is locked in an appropriate stance and use movement of the leg above the knee to achieve the desired response from the board.
Aim to ensure the board is flat when setting up the rider. Avoid impact through the hip from the prosthetic leg. Outriggers and/or a hands on approach can assist in the early stages of learning to aid balance and give confidence in order to prevent injury.

Upper Limb

Watch for excess upper body rotation.

Common Red Flags

Balance problems
Fatigue
Cold susceptibility
Alignment