Breaking Barriers: Exploring Adapted Athletics in Tuscaloosa and Rama Jama’s

Discover the intersection of sports and accessibility through an all new podcast exploring Adapted Athletics in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and where to eat on campus if you’re visiting the University of Alabama.

Listen here to the podcast on iHeart to hear the full experience or head to Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Audible or your favorite platform and search for “Travels with Darley” to listen! If you’re heading to the University of Alabama or Tuscaloosa, why not stay for a game! Have you thought about seeing women’s wheelchair basketball? Don’t know much about the sport?

Join us on a journey to learn about University of Alabama’s Adapted Athletics program, where Dr. Margaret Stran is a driving force behind its inception. Over breakfast at the iconic Rama Jama’s, we delved into the program’s origins and evolution, hearing firsthand accounts of its growth from humble beginnings to a world-class facility.

Rama Jama’s is a must-stop to eat if you’re visiting the University of Alabama’s beautiful campus. You will definitely enjoy hearty Alabama diner-style fare. If you’re really interested in eating something big, vie for the National Champ Breakfast. Located in the shadow of the Bryant-Denny Stadium, this restaurant is chock full of Alabama memorabilia and local flavors. 

Dr. Margaret Stran and I talked over breakfast about the importance of inclusivity in sports and the misconceptions surrounding Adapted Athletics. From wheelchair basketball to wheelchair tennis, we uncovered the dedication and athleticism of these athletes, challenging stereotypes and pushing for greater recognition and support.

I was then able to step inside the Stran-Hardin Arena, the largest dedicated facility for Adapted Athletics globally, to witness the intensity and skill of wheelchair basketball practice. Dr. Stran shared more on the intricacies of the sport and the specialized equipment required for optimal performance.

We also went behind the scenes in the thoughtfully designed locker rooms to see how accessibility extends beyond the court, with every detail meticulously planned to accommodate athletes of all abilities. From wider benches to storage solutions for adaptive equipment, every aspect of the facility reflects a commitment to inclusivity.

If you’re visiting Tuscaloosa, you may also want to go for a steak and strong drink at Nick’s in the Sticks, which you can learn more about in this podcast. We also dive into Dreamland BBQ.

Learn more about visiting other Alabama destinations in the “Travels with Darley” podcast on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, and beyond and by watching “Alabama for Foodies Part I” free online.

Learn more about Tuscaloosa attractions at VisitTuscaloosa.com.