Fits In: An Inclusive Fitness and Wellness Technical Assistance and Evaluation Program
Overview
Fits In was a technical assistance and evaluation (TA/E) project in support of the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council's Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI), which sought to increase community-based wellness opportunities for people with developmental and other disabilities. The goals of the project included assisting sites at Daemen College and the Research Foundation at SUNY-SUNY Upstate Medical Center, in creating avenues for individuals with disabilities to try fitness/wellness activities and help them identify and access community-based wellness offerings.
A key component of the project was providing training for fitness professionals to enhance their ability to serve people with developmental and other disabilities.
Project Activities
The Yang-Tan Institute provided technical assistance and evaluation services through an array of both on-demand and planned activities. Data were collected through surveys and interviews with participants, family members, project advisory board members, and fitness professionals.
The Institute created The Inclusive Fitness Toolkit and provided the NYS DDPC with a thorough analysis of the strengths of each demonstration project and promising practices for creating and sustaining inclusive fitness/wellness programming.
Contact Information
LaWanda Cook
Email: lhc62@cornell.edu
Funding Agencies
NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC)
Principal Investigator
LaWanda Cook
Collaborating Partners
Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research