Have you ever tried ramp bowling?
By Debs_place
@Debs_place (10520)
United States
September 28, 2008 10:43am CST
I took one of my guys (I work with developmentally disabled adults) to a Special Olympics bowling event. I have not been the regular person working with him, so this was my first time doing this.
Trust me, it is harder then it looks. The ramps are rickey and you can't tell if they are straight.
These ramps are supposed to be used for people with disabilities and children. I think they need something more stable and maybe with a laser pointer.
BTW - my guy enjoyed himself tremendously and got first place. I think the bowling was fun but he enjoyed the pizza and hot pretzel much more.
2 people like this
10 responses
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
29 Sep 08
Hi Debs_place,
I have never heard of ramp bowling, but I have played ten pin bowling and I had such fun, it was grea and I had a stike.
Tamara
2 people like this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
29 Sep 08
Ramp bowling involves a ramp that is 'aimed' at the pins, the bowler places the ball on the ramp and pushes it down the ramp to the pins.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (208890)
• United States
28 Sep 08
I think I have done that or something similar. I used to work with special needs kids and adults. They do benefit from accomodations. It's been so long though that I dont really rember that much what it was like. I kind of got burned out doing things like that. I'm concentrating mor on other activiites now.
2 people like this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
29 Sep 08
Yes, if you took them bowling you probably did use the ramps.
1 person likes this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
28 Sep 08
I never have, but the school took my son and used a ramp. He loved every minute of it. Unfortunately, the alley has closed and the closest one is 45 minutes away, and I have never checked to see if they had the ramps.
2 people like this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
29 Sep 08
Yes, it is a good thing, it enables the kids to bowl and minimizes the chance of gutter balls. If you can get them to put up the bumpers he will be hooked.
1 person likes this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
28 Sep 08
why don't you make a suggestion, sometimes these places are open to feedback like that.
2 people like this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
28 Sep 08
I spoke with other people there and they had commented on the state of these things and they were told this is the standard.
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
28 Sep 08
You would know if you bowled with a ramp. Yes, it is a fun game - I have not bowled myself in over 5 years
1 person likes this
@LouiseKnittel (4764)
• United States
28 Sep 08
That sounds like a very fun day. 
I am always very happy to hear that everyone is getting to have fun. I like the extra effort being put forth towards folks with disabilities.
I have never gone ramp bowling. Sounds very interesting!
I am always very happy to hear that everyone is getting to have fun. I like the extra effort being put forth towards folks with disabilities. I have never gone ramp bowling. Sounds very interesting!2 people like this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
28 Sep 08
It was fun, I met a lot of nice people and everyone enjoyed themselves. Yes, it was nice that all fo them got together for a fun day.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169455)
• United States
29 Sep 08
I helped last week on the ramps, my clients are all independent, and the time of day we go is transitional for most staff. I come in early to help with transportation. I did get to experience the ramp thing. I would like them to put up the things in the gutters too, cannot remember what they are called, my brain is shot, oh, yeah!bumpers. I think they need to put up the bumpers. We are also doing volleyball. State is next Saturday.
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
29 Sep 08
Yes, bumpers would be nice. Yes, I think we have Volleyball states next week too. They are in Rochester, NY this year. We do not have a volleyball team, but a friend is trying to talk me into coaching on hers.
@Grandmaof2 (7578)
• Canada
28 Sep 08
Although I've done my fair share of bowling as a young person, I have never heard of ramp bowling. Sounds like fun!!! I have never heard of hot pretzels either, guess I really don't get out a lot.LOL Good for you that you're a good caring person and can work with the less fortunate. I'm sure you're well loved and I'm happy to have you on my friends list. Have a great day!!!
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
28 Sep 08
Thank you for th compliment. The hot pretzels are great, they are soft like warm bread.
As for working with these guys, it is really a fun job if you are patient. Most of the people are very fine people and fun to work with. When I am not with them, I miss them. Each of them has a different personality. They unfortunately are misunderstood.
1 person likes this
@tyc415 (5706)
• United States
28 Sep 08
I have only seen ramp bowling on TV on our local news when it shows the special olympics bowling. I agree with you, they need something more sturdy and the laser pointer would be wonderful. Hey I don't blame him about the pizza and hot pretzel being his favorite part. hahaha
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
28 Sep 08
I don't either, he is a great guy too, basically non-verbal and gets to make very few choices especially in the area of his favorite foods. I asked him if he wanted a hamburger or chicken and he tried saying chicken as best as he could then I asked if he wanted chicken or pizza, he can't even try a p sound and got all excited trying every sign he could remember, then I said you want pizza and he signed yes like there was no tomorrow. So he got 2 pieces of pepsi and a coke. He smiled through the whole meal.
I had never even seen the ramp bowling before, I just heard about it. It certainly is harder then it looks.
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
29 Sep 08
I would love to be able to help you, but most of the special olympic folks are better bowlers then I am. The last time I bowled, I tore the cartilage in my knee. An athlete I am not
