#029- Ableism and Accessibility in Healthcare: Sarah Skeels on Models of Disability, Diversity, and How Patients Become Participants

Sarah Everhart Skeels, an expert in adaptive exercise and public health, shares her personal journey and professional insights in this conversation with host Brendan Aylward. She discusses her early interest in adaptive populations and the impact of disability on her identity while exploreing the Medical Model versus the Social Model of Disability. She also highlights the importance of the SCI-FI assessment protocol, the value of assistive technology, and the need for inclusive training environments and addresses the relationship between loneliness and health outcomes. They discusses the benefits of having people with and without disabilities training together, as it promotes education and breaks down barriers. The transition from being a patient to being a participant is explored, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond a medicalized approach to fitness. This episode provides holistic, valuable insights into creating a more accessible and diverse fitness environment.

Episode 29 Takeaways:

• Inclusive environments that bring together people with and without disabilities promote education and break down barriers.
• Personalized support and guidance are essential in coaching individuals with disabilities, as it allows for tailored training and ensures safety.
• The transition from patient to participant is crucial in promoting independence and a sense of belonging in fitness and recreation.
• Measuring the impact of training should go beyond the number of gyms or programs created and focus on attitude change and improved accessibility.
• Changing expectations and attitudes towards disability is a slow process that requires continuous education and exposure. Fitness programs and facilities should strive to include different disability populations, including those with hidden or invisible disabilities.
• Utilizing client ideas for marketing and promoting inclusive fitness can lead to innovative and effective strategies. Creating a more accessible and diverse fitness environment requires ongoing collaboration and leadership.

Episode 29 Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

00:18 - Early Interest in Adaptive Exercise

03:18 - Impact of Disability on Identity

05:22 - Applying Exercise Science to Adaptive Populations

06:14 - The Medical Model vs. the Social Model of Disability

09:35 - Barriers to Accessibility in Healthcare

13:45 - The Paradox of Physical Therapy

19:52 - The SCI-FI Assessment Protocol

23:48 - The Pursuit of Walking and the Value of Assistive Technology

26:31 - Transitioning to Adaptive Sports

32:31 - The Power of Peer Mentoring

38:09 - Navigating Resistance to Support

42:39 - The Role of Peer Health Coaches

43:08 - Addressing Loneliness and Health Outcomes

43:32 - Creating Inclusive Training Environments

43:33 - Inclusive Environments

45:11 - Coaching vs. Gym Environment

48:09 - Personal Trainers vs. Physical Therapists

50:40 - Transitioning from Patient to Person

53:39 - Measuring the Impact of Training

57:21 - Expanding Access to Fitness

01:01:16 - Belonging in the Gym

01:04:08 - Changing Expectations and Attitudes

01:07:07 - Physical Therapy vs. Occupational Therapy

01:12:09 - Making Fitness and Recreation More Accessible

01:19:48 - Challenges of Inspiration Porn

01:23:29 - Moving Forward and Trusting the Process

01:24:35 - Inclusion of Different Disability Populations

01:25:45 - Continuing to Foster Inclusion