Be prepared for a bit of chaos and unpredictability – not just from one person to the next person , but for one person from one minute to the next .
9 . Identify barriers
It is easy to think about physical barriers that prevent people from accessing a building or a piece of equipment or other aspect of our gym facility . While physical access is important , there are other barriers that we must also consider in order to understand what prevents people with neurological conditions from exercising . For example , people with Parkinson ’ s often struggle with cluttered spaces , and people with MS often struggle with heat . A tidy gym and an air conditioner might be game changers . Some people struggle with crushing fatigue and may have very limited times in the day where exercise is an option . Some people will have cognitive challenges in addition to their physical challenges . Some people are coping with stress , apathy , anxiety and / or depression . Some will lack confidence ; some will be really self-conscious . Some will have continence issues . Some will be battling myths about exercise which might be coming from a doctor or a well-intentioned family member . It is impossible to pre-emptively address all of these ; try to think beyond the ramp leading to the door to understand what stops people from coming in .
10 . Work from your heart , wear your business hat
I don ’ t have the answer to how you balance out a genuine desire to help someone with the running of your business . I don ’ t have the answer to the dilemma of offering services to people who need them most but that only some can afford . The honest truth is that , while there will be lots of people who can afford you , money will be an issue for many . While this is true of the general population , it is a much bigger issue in disability – that is fact . While you may choose to do some pro bono work , you should not feel obliged . You are a valuable professional ; your contribution makes a huge difference , you deserve to be paid for your time and services , and the more specialised you are the more your time is worth .
I raise this here because , while there is no right or wrong answer , there is certainty that , if you open your business to this population , the issue will come up . How can you make it work ? What funding can you help someone access or can your services qualify for ? Can you include someone in a more cost-effective way , such as a group ? Does working with that person showcase your talents and attract other clients into your services ? Is that person ’ s parent or spouse also a potential client ? Is there some bartering you can do ?
I am very proud to have been asked to write this , because it means you are interested in disability and that , as an industry , we are growing and expanding . We are opening our gyms and our hearts to people who need us most . In the words of one of my favourite octogenarians , “ I don ’ t expect exercise to cure me of Parkinson ’ s , but I know it makes my journey through life with Parkinson ’ s a better one .”
I look forward to hearing about your trials and tribulations with this amazing , special population .
Lisa Gombinsky Roach Lisa is the head coach and founding director of Counterpunch Parkinson ’ s and a senior conductive educator , specialising in teaching movement strategies and skills to people with motor disorders . She has been working in this field for over 20 years in various group and private rehabilitation settings in countries including NZ , Australia , Norway , Canada and England . Lisa is also a personal trainer , working exclusively with people with disabilities in clinical and mainstream fitness settings .
54 | NETWORK SPRING 2021