If you’ve spent time around pickleball courts, you’ve probably heard that pickleball is “for everyone.” But how often do we stop and ask: is it really?

At Empower Pickleball, we’re passionate about making this sport as inclusive as it can be. That means having honest conversations about adaptive pickleball, the opportunities it creates, and the barriers we still need to break down.

This isn’t just theory for me. I’m the adoptive mom of a child who is both intellectually disabled and deaf. Finding activities we can all do together as a family? It’s tough. But pickleball is one of the few places where my daughter lights up and we all feel connected. It’s a nice change from arguing around board games.

I’ve also been talking with some incredible advocates in this space: Taylor Nichols, an award-winning wheelchair player and adaptive coordinator at Chicken N Pickle, and Jordan Pintar, co-founder of Pickleball Superstars, which brings the game to players with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Here’s what I’ve learned.

Why Pickleball Can Be Great for Adaptive Play

The smaller court and slower pace (compared to tennis) make it highly adaptable.
Rules can be modified without changing the heart of the game.
It creates rare social and physical opportunities for people of all abilities.
The community aspect, when done right, is incredibly welcoming.

As Jordan shared:

“Pickleball brings movement, builds confidence, and fosters friendship. We’ve seen remarkable growth in our participants — not just in skills, but in happiness and self-esteem.”

Taylor told me:

“It’s one of the most inclusive sports I’ve found. When I started, there were almost no adaptive players on the court. Now at the U.S. Open, there are 30+ wheelchairs competing — and more coming.”

The Barriers We Still Need to Tackle

Court Design

Taylor ad crew at Baylor Scott & White Outpatient Rehabilitation

Many courts aren’t built for adaptive players:

Access to the court with lots of community courts being in parks, sometimes physical access (paved paths, ramps, etc) isn't there.
Too-narrow gates and fences prevent full wheelchair movement.
Insufficient space beyond the court makes it unsafe to chase balls.
Surface types (like rollout or cushioned courts) can be difficult to push on.

Taylor said it best:

“Sometimes I can get to a shot, but the fence gets in the way before I can make the play. That’s not how the game should be.”

Equipment & Financial Barriers

Sports wheelchairs cost $8,000 or more, in addition to daily chairs and medical equipment. (A large cost that makes play impossible for many.)
Tournament fees, travel, and accommodations add up fast. An adaptive player could spend $3,000 or more just to compete at the U.S. Open.
Players with IDD often need specialized coaching and equipment (Velcro mitts, targets, supports), which aren’t always provided.

Misconceptions

Too many players and organizers assume that:

Adaptive pickleball means completely changing the rules. (It doesn’t.)
Adaptive players can’t compete at high levels. (They absolutely can.)
Including adaptive divisions is enough, without making events fully accessible or affordable. (It’s not.)

Small Changes Make a Big Difference

Some simple changes in how we approach pickleball can make it more accessible to people with disabilities.

Using a softer ball that’s a different color can help players with visual impairments and struggles with dexterity.
Wheelchair players are allowed 2 bounces before returning the ball.
Players with sound aversions may require playtime that’s not so crowded.
Using braces makes it easier for players with limited mobility.

What’s Working and Where We Go Next

Success Stories

Chicken N Pickle now runs adaptive programs in 12 or more locations
USA Pickleball and the U.S. Open now includes adaptive divisions.
Grassroots programs like Pickleball Superstars are making the sport accessible to the IDD community.

Needed Changes

Accessible court design should be the standard, not the exception.
Coaching certifications and training for adaptive players must grow.
Funding and grants should help cover equipment and tournament costs. Traveling often requires multiple wheelchairs, rental cars with hand controls, and fully accessible hotel rooms.
Adaptive programs should be included in mainstream leagues and events, not siloed off. (Similar to the article we wrote about Ukraine, where all players wanted to compete together.)

A Personal Note

Kids of all abilities playing pickleball

As a mom of a daughter who struggles to find activities that include her fully, I can tell you this: pickleball is one of the few things our family can do together. It’s joyful. It gives her confidence. And when we’re out there on the court, the differences fade away.

That’s the magic of this sport. But only if we keep working to make it accessible to everyone.

Taylor said it perfectly:

“Adaptive players don’t need the game changed for them — we adapt every day. What we need is opportunity, access, and the chance to show what we can do.”

How You Can Help

Facility operators: audit your courts for accessibility.
Tournament organizers: offer grants or fee breaks for adaptive players.
Brands & sponsors: fund adaptive programs and player travel.
Everyday players: be welcoming, make space, and learn from adaptive athletes.

Pickleball can be for everyone, but only if we make it so.

Adaptive Pickleball: Why It Matters More Than You Think