Enhancing Fitness Center Inclusivity and Accessibility

Research has indicated the individuals with a disability experience low levels of physical activity. This may be due to the overabundance of barriers throughout the fitness industry as documented through numerous research studies.

This presentation intends to address many of those barriers which prevent fitness inclusivity and accessibility while also advocating for athletes with a disability within the fitness environment. It is the goal of this presentation to provide the audience with knowledge and resources which can be utilized for barrier removal within the fitness setting. That goal will be achieved through the guides and resources provided throughout the presentation with the intention to create a more prepared fitness environment. This course will go over up-to-date research regarding fitness center accessibility through a detailed literature review and needs assessments. That information was utilize to guide artifact development which will be discussed throughout this course. The artifacts developed will cover the following topics: barriers, program considerations and templates, scaling and modifications, low tech adaptions, and progress monitoring will be discussed.

Despite all the barriers in which this population experiences throughout the fitness environment, individuals with a disability continue to be a growing consumer; thus, demonstrating an increasing need for barrier elimination through education and enhanced preparation.