Using a Fitness Center Does Not Have to Be an Exercise in Frustration: Tips for People With Mobility and Visual Disabilities
By Kailes, June Isaacson; Center for Disability Issues and the Health Professions(Pages: 30) Publication Date: August 2008, Version 1
Handbook offers advice for removing or reducing barriers experienced by people with mobility or visual disabilities when using fitness facilities. Common barriers are identified involving the building, the equipment, classes, and staff training and attitudes. General tips for improving access offered include taking an initial tour of the fitness facility to identify accessibility problems, locating the staff member responsible for resolving the problems, bringing pertinent Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines regarding public facilities to the attention of management, and suggesting accessibility solutions and following up on requests. Specific advice is given to people with visual disabilities for dealing with issues such as locating and setting up equipment, participating in classes, and navigating areas such as the swimming pool and the dressing room. Accessibility issues for people with mobility disabilities discussed include parking accommodations, availability of ramps and elevators into and within the building, sufficient space in locker rooms and between equipment to accommodate a wheelchair, and transfer to training equipment and swimming pool. Charts of common barrier problems and their suggested low cost as well as high-cost solutions, and a list of ADA and Fitness Center Accessibility resources are also included.
Published by:
Center for Disability Issues and the Health Professions (Website:http://www.CDIHP.org)
Link to text: http://www.cdihp.org/products.html#fitness
