DID YOU KNOW only 9% of people with disabilities meet the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 150 mins of physical activity per week? 

People with disabilities experience social and environmental barriers which limit their participation in fitness and physical activity. Social barriers include negative attitudes from other people and a lack of support from fitness instructors. This results in people with disabilities feeling as if their dignity and autonomy is not being respected, which can discourage them from joining physical activity programs or activities.

Environmental barriers such as inaccessible fitness programs, inaccessible recreation centres, and high costs of fitness memberships limit opportunities to participate in physical activity. Finding disability-friendly recreation centres can be challenging because of how rare they are. Additionally, there are very few affordable and accessible transportation options to visit these centres. Even spaces like community parks, playgrounds, and trails are inaccessible because of uneven terrain, a lack of paved paths, and play structures that do not accommodate physical disabilities. 

At Steer Friends, we believe all people deserve the opportunity to participate in fitness regardless of differences in ability. We recognize that regular physical activity is important to maintain physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing. That’s why Steer Friends provides our members a variety of accessible and health-promoting physical activities every single week! You might see our members playing various sports and fitness activities including baseball, hockey, basketball, golf, and much more right at our building. Steer Friends also plans regular outings for our members year-round. Members can enjoy a morning hike around Stouffville, trips to the park and splash pad, and swimming and skating at the local community center. The possibilities for accessible fitness and physical activity are endless at Steer Friends. 

Stay tuned to learn more about other ways Steer Friends support friends with developmental disabilities!