Certified Adaptive Recreation and Sports Specialist (CARSS)™
Earn the Only Certification of its Kind!
The BlazeSports America Certified Disability Sport Specialist certification has been updated and replaced with the new Certified Adaptive Recreation and Sports Specialist (CARSS)™. This change ensures that the certification better aligns with the evolving field of adaptive sports and recreation. Developed with input from a variety of professionals, CARSS more accurately reflects current industry standards and best practices.
The CARSS certification covers several core content areas. Specifically, it includes the history of adaptive sports and related laws, understanding disabilities and disability awareness, and program planning, implementation, and evaluation. Additionally, it addresses risk management and injury prevention, partnership building, recruitment and promotion, as well as adaptive equipment and facilities. Most importantly, the curriculum is designed to meet the needs of children, youth, adults, and veterans with various physical disabilities.
CARSS is available as an online course with two certification levels. Unlike sport-specific certifications, CARSS enhances existing credentials in sport, physical activity, and therapeutic recreation. For example, it complements certifications such as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer (CIFT). Moreover, by completing the CARSS program, volunteers, coaches, and professionals can demonstrate their leadership in adaptive sports and recreation program development. As a result, they stand out to employers and organizations looking for experts in the field.
The Challenge and the Need
- There are more than 1.1 billion people worldwide with a disability, including more than 56 million Americans.
- Physical inactivity is a major public health issue and priority for many organizations, at the national, state and local levels.
- Individuals with physical disabilities are less physically active than their peers due to lack of access to opportunities and lack of trained professionals, among other factors.
CARSS Certification Core Areas
- History of Adaptive Sports & Related Laws
- Disabilities & Disability Awareness
- Adaptive Physical Activity & Recreation
- Program Planning, Implementation & Evaluation
- Marketing & Communication
- Partnership Building
- Risk Management & Injury Prevention
- Accessible Facilities
- Adaptive Equipment
CARSS Program Goals
- Prepare those new to adaptive sports and recreation to create and manage adaptive sport programs
- Increase the knowledge and core competencies of professionals currently working in the field
- Participants who complete the CARSS certification demonstrate to employers and organizations their commitment to serving as leaders in adaptive sports and recreation field and will enhance any existing credentials such as CTRS, CRRP, CAPE, PT, OT and others.
CARSS I
Level I Certification Fee: $150
For students and practitioners new to the field of adaptive sport, providing a basic level of content in each of the core areas.
QUALIFICATIONS
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- Must be at least 18 years old
CARSS II
Level II Certification Fee: $175
For the experienced adaptive sport and recreation practitioner providing more advanced information in all core content areas especially program planning, implementation & evaluation.
QUALIFICATIONS
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- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must have a Bachelor’s degree in a physical activity-related field from an accredited college or university and 100 hours of direct and verifiable adaptive sports experience (paid or voluntary) with individuals with physical disabilities.
Virtual Workshop: September 24th & 25th, 2025
Register for CARSS I & II
CARSS Renewal
Certification is valid for 1 year from award date. In order to renew the certification, the CARSS holder must pay a $75 re-certification fee and obtain the required number of Continuing Education Units (CEU) (4.0 for Level I/8.0 for Level II) at the end of each two-year certification period. See Renewal and CEU Policy for more information on how to renew your credential.
