Prairieland Adaptive Marks an Incredible Milestone

Cody Birely founded Prairieland Adaptive in 2024 with a vision for expanding access to coordinated, local adaptive sports, recreation, and fitness opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities in Central Illinois. During our first interview with Cody, he discussed his excitement for the upcoming Adapt and Conquer Expo, which he saw as “an opportunity to bring the community together, to bring all stakeholders to the forefront, and give people a chance to connect, to learn, and to try something new.” This September, it proved to be exactly that. 

An Exciting Milestone

The first-ever Adapt and Conquer Expo hosted by Prairieland Adaptive and Bradley University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program had an incredible 139 attendees spanning 70 communities across 3 states, 21 participating organizations, 64 volunteers, and 12 adaptive activitie. The day was full of energy, courage, and connectivity. 

“It truly meant a lot to share my story and see how it resonated with others, which I did not expect. The connections, conversations, and encouragement I received on that day reminded me why advocacy and visibility in adaptive sports are so important.”  - Expo Participant 

People of all ages and physical abilities joined and participated in wheelchair basketball, cycling, racing wheelchairs, disc golf, adaptive pickleball, para climbing, adaptive fitness, and equipment trials, including sled hockey, mono/bi-ski, kayaks, and running blades. This event gave “people a chance to participate in activities they haven’t been able to for a long time or maybe at all,” said one volunteer.

“Our area has limited access to adaptation experts and opportunities to connect with other disabled folks who share my interests… As a volunteer, it was a great opportunity to feel purposeful and part of something very important and very needed.” - Expo Volunteer

The PlanPerfect Partnership

Prairieland Adaptive was PlanPerfect’s first early-stage trial community member. Cody, Adam Wolford, and Sophia Shaw used the platform to outline Prairieland Adaptive’s initial goals and priorities, plan the organization’s first public program, and coordinate early collaborators. Currently, Prairieland Adaptive is utilizing the survey feature in our discovery tools for their “Community Needs Assessment” survey, allowing community feedback to inform the development of their long-term strategic plan. 

What’s Next

Using the momentum from this event, Prairieland Adaptive is going to begin seasonal and year-round programming, starting with a sustainable adaptive fitness program, an adaptive ski clinic, and a para-triathlon clinic this winter. They are excited to continue to grow their programming, develop deeper relationships with local organizations, and become a hub for adaptive sports, recreation, and fitness. 

Reflections

The Adapt and Conquer Expo marks an impressive accomplishment for Prairieland Adaptive and the Central Illinois adaptive sports community as a whole. We are thrilled that our service has supported Cody’s work and are excited to continue to be a part of Prairieland Adaptive’s story.

More About Cody Birely

Cody Birely is a licensed physical therapist with extensive training in neurologic rehabilitation. He currently practices at OSF HealthCare and is also the owner of Breaking Barriers Physical Therapy and Adaptive Performance, PLLC.

He works with individuals across the lifespan with stroke, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, lower extremity amputees, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and progressive neurological conditions.

Cody earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa in 2020. He then completed a neurologic clinical physical therapy residency program at Atrium Health in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2022. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and Spanish from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa and is a graduate of North Scott Senior High School in Eldridge, Iowa.

His mission is to empower individuals across the lifespan with neurologic conditions and physical disabilities to meet and exceed their rehabilitation goals by integrating best practice interventions in neurologic rehabilitation, community integration strategies, and a focus on health and wellness to optimize quality of life, regardless of physical ability level.

“I am blessed that I am able to provide the tools to help people achieve their goals while they teach me about life and how to be a better person. I could not have asked for a better profession to pursue.”

More About Prairieland Adaptive

Mission
To empower individuals with disabilities to achieve optimal health, wellness, and quality of life through innovative, adaptive programming, forging a path towards a more accessible and inclusive community.

Vision
To be front-line leaders in creating an accessible and inclusive community where everyone, regardless of disability, achieves optimal health, wellness, and quality of life.

Values
Prairieland Adaptive is rooted in resilience, tenacity, fortitude, and innovation. The organization strives to be a "yes" organization—viewing challenges as opportunities and working to over-deliver in all it does.

What We DoThe team is currently developing seasonal and year-round programming, with an aim to start formal programming in Winter 2026. In the meantime, the organization shares recommendations for existing adaptive activities in the Central Illinois region.