Q&A with Children’s Mercy’s Dr. Mark Fisher

For decades, adaptive tennis has opened up the sport to those with disabilities. The USTA Heart of America was able to catch up with Children’s Mercy’s Director of Adaptive Sports Medicine, Dr. Mark Fisher, to ask a few questions about tennis accessibility.

USTA Missouri Valley: As you serve as Children's Mercy's Director of Adaptive Sports Medicine, how did adaptive sport become an interest of yours?

Dr. Fisher: I became specifically interested in Adaptive Sports during my Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation training. I saw the power that sports and fitness participation can have on the lives of individuals with impairments, whether it’s returning to an active lifestyle after a life changing injury or allowing a child with an impairment the opportunity to participate in sports like their peers. The passion to develop the Adaptive Sports Medicine program stemmed from the regional and national need for expert medical care tailored to support these athletes since their impairments and goals are unique. This is the only dedicated program in the region to offer this type of care and among only a few in the country. As a tennis player myself, I am especially  comfortable discussing the unique mechanics and needs of adaptive tennis players to train, prevent, and treat injuries.

USTA Missouri Valley: Can you touch on what makes adaptive sport so important in today's world?

Dr. Fisher: As we strive to create a society that is accessible and inclusive, adaptive sports, and the organizations that provide inclusive and adapted programing are at the forefront of this change. Even so, children and adults with an impairment are much more likely to be inactive and socially isolated because programs aren’t as widely available as for their able bodied peers. Adaptive athletes and their determination to participate and excel despite these barriers have a powerful ability to unite and inspire those that observe them. The value of having an elite para-athlete to serve as a role model for children with differences or newly injured adults is incredible. It can spark that determination in themselves to become more active and independent or to train harder to achieve their goals.  

USTA Missouri Valley: What opportunities are there for adaptive tennis in the Kansas City area?

Dr. Fisher: There are a few recreational level programs that are focused on fun, socialization, and physical activity. These include The Special Olympics, YMCA Adaptive Challenger Program, ACEing Autism, and Tennis for All Abilities. The No Coast Wheelchair Tennis program has beginner level clinics that provide a great entry point into wheelchair tennis as well as athlete development. The No Coast team also has ranked, elite level players that travel for national competition. Right now, many programs are still on hold due to the pandemic, but adaptive tennis is actually positioned very well because social distancing is a bit easier than many other adaptive sports.