Project Description:
Children and adolescents with disabilities have the same potential for physical fitness and motor skills as their nondisabled peers, yet their access to physical activity opportunities is often restricted. These youth face barriers that make it difficult to participate in community-based programs. The goal of this project was to promote physical activity participation of youth with disabilities. Objectives were to provide opportunities for: 1) youth with disabilities to participate in a community-based adapted physical activity program and to develop new skills through individualized instruction, support, and encouragement from trained university students; 2) UMass Boston students to gain skills, experience and confidence teaching youth with disabilities so that they are prepared to meet the physical activity needs of all people; 3) a YMCA to expand their program offerings through implementing a physical activity program that targets youth with disabilities; and 4) families to enroll their child with a disability in a specialized physical activity program conducted in a safe and supportive environment by trained personnel. All Abilities Active was a 10-week program for youth with disabilities 7-16 years of age. The program was conducted at the Oak Square YMCA 1 day per week, and included a structured program of age-appropriate games, sports and physical activities. All Abilities Active is grounded in a university-community partnership that meant sharing resources and collaboration. The program was a service learning opportunity for UMass Boston students who were trained to plan and implement activities that are modified to meet the needs of all participants. All Abilities Active has the potential to have an immediate impact on youth with disabilities, and to be sustainable and replicable.
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Geographic Areas, Urban, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Single-County
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
