Fitness for All: Education for Gym Staff Supporting People with Disabilites

Authors

• Bianca Loor, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences- DallasFollow
• Mary Jan Greer, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
• Alison Skean, University of TampaFollow

Files

Description

This capstone project, “Fitness for All: Education for Gym Staff Supporting People with Disabilities,” focuses on improving accessibility and inclusion within community fitness settings through staff education. Individuals with disabilities often encounter barriers in gyms due to limited staff training, lack of confidence, and insufficient knowledge of adaptive fitness practices.

To address this gap, a comprehensive, evidence-based training program was developed and implemented for gym staff at Crunch Fitness Orange Park. The program incorporated occupational therapy frameworks, including the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model and the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF-4), to promote inclusive and client-centered fitness practices.

Using a mixed-methods approach, the project evaluated staff knowledge, confidence, and attitudes before and after training. The program included modules on disability awareness, communication strategies, condition-specific considerations, and hands-on application. Results demonstrated a significant improvement in staff knowledge (from 62% to 88%) and increased confidence in supporting individuals with disabilities.

This project highlights the critical role of education, advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration in reducing barriers and fostering inclusive fitness environments. It underscores the contribution of occupational therapy in promoting equitable access to health and wellness opportunities for all individuals.

Publication Date

Spring 4-23-2026

Publisher

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Keywords

Exercise, Disabilities, Humans, Fitness

Medical Subject Headings

Occupational therapy, Disabled persons, Communication, Exercise

Disciplines

Accessibility | Disability and Equity in Education | Disability Studies | Health and Physical Education | Occupational Therapy

Comments

Poster presented at the OTD Capstone Symposium held at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences April 22, 2026.

Recommended Citation

Loor, B., Greer, M. J., & Skean, A. (2026, April 23). Fitness for All: Education for Gym Staff Supporting People with Disabilites. Poster presented at the Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences. Retrieved from https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2026/36