#020 - Applying the Social Model of Disability to Adaptive Training Environments with Dane Stairs

For our 20th episode, Brendan Aylward is joined by Dane Stair, an adaptive exercise specialist at NeuAbility. Dane and Brendan shared their experiences working in the adaptive fitness space, and discussed how the social model of disability is an essential facet of the sustainment of accessibility in a fitness environment.

For more on Dane Stair and NeuAbility, visit their website and Instagram page.

Episode 20 Timestamps:

00:39 - Dane’s Introduction to Adaptive Exercise

02:05 - Finding NeuAbility

02:34 - Membership Base and Training Structure

05:46 - The Line Between Physical Therapy and Athletic Training

**09:18 - Creating a Positive Gym Environment

10:42 - Using Representation to Incentivize Fitness Engagement

13:35 - Small Group Models for Adaptive Training

14:57 - NeuAbility’s Facility and Equipment Barriers

19:16 - Recommended Equipment to Increase Gym Access

20:50 - The Development of NeuAbility Training Strategies

24:50 - Building a Trainable Menu

27:22 - Outcome of Training Clients Post-SCI

29:51 - The Impact of Compassionate Training

31:34 - Economic and Insurance Barriers During Recovery

34:08 - Referral Networks

36:36 - Monitoring Progress within Specific Populations

39:57 - Compensation Patterns in Adaptive Fitness

41:56 - Breaking Down Barriers for Trainers and Staff

44:18 - Learn More About and Support NeuAbility

Key Takeaways:

1. Athletic training is often an effective and more sustainable extension of physical therapy, particularly for clients with disabilities, as the continuation of PT practices through strength and conditioning exercises allows clients to rediscover their identity within a fitness environment. Transitioning from PT to an adaptive fitness setting helps to redefine exercise as an elective practice that promotes enjoyment and health over normative standards of functioning.
2. While there is much discussion over whether or not adaptive equipment is becoming inaccessible from a socioeconomic standpoint, there are small solutions that fitness facilities can utilize to increase physical accessibility. Active Hands are a strongly recommended product to have available in gyms, as these portable gripping aids can greatly increase the accessibility of a variety of different machines and equipment. Additionally, a gym’s investment in wheelchair-adapted cardiovascular equipment, like a Ski Erg with an adapted base, will alleviate some of the challenges of creating an accessible environment.
3. Promoting holistic training for staff and trainers is essential to creating a safe, adaptive environment for clients with disabilities. Knowledge of disability literature and training concepts alone is not enough- hands-on, practical experience is invaluable. Exposing trainers to clients with varying abilities allows them to learn how to train safely and effectively within the context of a training environment.