Kennett Middle School introduces Uniquely Abled Fitness for inclusive student exercise program
September 30, 2024 | Kennett Consolidated SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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During the recent Communications and Curriculum Committee meeting of the Kennett Consolidated School District, Ashley Long, an autistic support teacher at Kennett Middle School, presented an innovative initiative aimed at fostering inclusivity in physical education. The program, titled "Uniquely Abled Fitness," seeks to integrate students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) into a unified gym class alongside their peers without disabilities.
Long explained that the program is designed to create a safe and supportive environment where all students can engage in functional fitness activities. The curriculum emphasizes essential movement skills, such as safely getting up and down from the floor and lifting objects, which are crucial for everyday life. The initiative also aims to combat the high rates of obesity within the disability community by promoting regular exercise as a vital practice for health and well-being.
The financial framework for the program includes a one-time startup fee of $500 and a monthly fee of $69, which covers ongoing programming and mentorship. Long highlighted that the program has already secured a $10,000 grant from CrossFit Foundations to purchase necessary equipment, such as rowing machines and medicine balls. This funding will help establish the program's foundation while ensuring that it remains accessible and adaptable to the school's existing resources.
Long also discussed the potential for community engagement through partnerships with local CrossFit gyms and fundraising opportunities, such as merchandise sales and competitions. These collaborations could further enhance the program's sustainability and reach within the community.
The meeting concluded with a positive reception to Long's presentation, emphasizing the program's potential to create meaningful fitness opportunities for students of all abilities. The initiative not only aims to improve physical health but also to foster social connections and build a sense of community among students. As the district moves forward, the implementation of Uniquely Abled Fitness could serve as a model for inclusive education practices in physical fitness across the region.
Long explained that the program is designed to create a safe and supportive environment where all students can engage in functional fitness activities. The curriculum emphasizes essential movement skills, such as safely getting up and down from the floor and lifting objects, which are crucial for everyday life. The initiative also aims to combat the high rates of obesity within the disability community by promoting regular exercise as a vital practice for health and well-being.
The financial framework for the program includes a one-time startup fee of $500 and a monthly fee of $69, which covers ongoing programming and mentorship. Long highlighted that the program has already secured a $10,000 grant from CrossFit Foundations to purchase necessary equipment, such as rowing machines and medicine balls. This funding will help establish the program's foundation while ensuring that it remains accessible and adaptable to the school's existing resources.
Long also discussed the potential for community engagement through partnerships with local CrossFit gyms and fundraising opportunities, such as merchandise sales and competitions. These collaborations could further enhance the program's sustainability and reach within the community.
The meeting concluded with a positive reception to Long's presentation, emphasizing the program's potential to create meaningful fitness opportunities for students of all abilities. The initiative not only aims to improve physical health but also to foster social connections and build a sense of community among students. As the district moves forward, the implementation of Uniquely Abled Fitness could serve as a model for inclusive education practices in physical fitness across the region.
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