Adaptive Gymnastics is an outreach program that provides physical fitness and fun activities for children with various physical, developmental, and neurological disabilities throughout Hampton Roads. The student volunteers work with the child’s family to develop goals for each athlete and then create lessons and activities to meet each athlete’s developmental goals.
The Need
- The cost of early intervention programs can be a barrier to entry for many families; providing these classes as a free service eliminates the cost of an additional therapy session for our participants.
- Fostering friendships amongst young people with disabilities can improve overall well-being, help them learn important norms and values, and contribute to improved outcomes as they enter adulthood.
- Learning how to effectively communicate and develop relationships with individuals with varying levels of intellectual and speech disabilities is a vital skill for healthcare providers. This program provides an optimal opportunity for developing those communication skills.
Student Activities
- Students will volunteer at weekly gymnastics classes helping to guide participants through two classes with 24 athletes each
- Student volunteers will be assigned 1-2 participant(s) and work with the participant’s guardians to define specific goals.
- Students will follow lesson plans for weekly classes with the participant’s goals in mind.
- Student volunteers will learn coaching, spotting, communication, and behavior management techniques.
Community Partners
- Excalibur Gymnastics
- Eliza Hope Foundation
- Jump Start Social Skills Program
- Special Olympics Virginia
- Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters Developmental Clinic
Community Outcomes/Results
- Promotion of inclusion of individuals with disabilities in sports and recreational activities.
- Improved physical abilities and social skills for participants.
- Improved self-esteem, resiliency, and determination in our participants
For additional details on Adaptive Gymnastics, contact facility coordinator Kaitlin Hardy, MD. You may also contact Community-Engaged Learning for any additional questions.
Students, report your CEL hours: HERE
