Accessibility of Health Clubs for People with Mobility Disabilities and Visual Impairments

Rimmer, James H.; Riley, Barth B.; Wang, Edward; Rauworth, Amy

doi:10.2105/ajph.2004.051870

Cited by 134 publications

(98 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…7 In contrast, Rimmer et al reported that fewer than 25% of the facilities in their study were willing to adjust or pro-rate membership fees for persons with disabilities. 12 The study results indicate that none of the facilities provided training in wheelchair transfer techniques. This outcome is in stark contrast to the Rimmer et al study that indicated that 50% of the participating facilities provided training to new staff members on how to assist individuals in transferring from wheelchairs to exercise equipment or swimming pools.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 89%

“…This outcome is in stark contrast to the Rimmer et al study that indicated that 50% of the participating facilities provided training to new staff members on how to assist individuals in transferring from wheelchairs to exercise equipment or swimming pools. 12 Forty-five percent of individuals with SCI report needing assistance with transfers. 6 This means that individuals with mobility impairments who may need minimal assistance to use existing facility equipment cannot do so due to lack of staff training.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Outdoor physical activity environments have an inherently high level of inaccessibility for individuals with physical and sensory disabilities and therefore indoor fitness facilities may be the only viable alternative for physical activity participation. 12 Barriers within the social environment include poor attitudes of facility staff and members without disabilities, as well as the lack of staff/owner awareness of the needs of people with disabilities. 11 Many people with disabilities also perceive that fitness facilities are unfriendly environments for them.…”

Section: A Lmost 1 In 5 People Living In the Unitedmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…11,15 Previous fitness facility accessibility research has been conducted in Kansas, 7,16 Oregon, 17 and a small national representative sample. 12 There is a need for studies in other geographic regions to provide a better picture of fitness facility accessibility and accurate normative information for future benchmarking. 12,17 The estimated adult (aged 18+ years) population living in Wisconsin with a disability is 18%.…”

Section: A Lmost 1 In 5 People Living In the Unitedmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…12 There is a need for studies in other geographic regions to provide a better picture of fitness facility accessibility and accurate normative information for future benchmarking. 12,17 The estimated adult (aged 18+ years) population living in Wisconsin with a disability is 18%. 18 Currently, there are very limited data on the accessibility of fitness facilities in this geographic region.…”

Section: A Lmost 1 In 5 People Living In the Unitedmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

ADA Compliance and Accessibility of Fitness Facilities in Western Wisconsin

Johnson

Stoelzle

Finco

et al. 2012

Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

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Purpose:The study expands the research on fitness facility accessibility by determining how compliant fitness facilities in rural western Wisconsin were with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Comparisons were made with 4 other studies that were conducted in different geographical regions. The study also examined fitness professionals' disability knowledge and awareness. Method: An ADA fitness facility compliance instrument and a fitness professional disability awareness survey were used. Direct observation and physical measurements were taken during on-site visits to 16 of 36 eligible fitness facilities in rural western Wisconsin. Ten fitness professionals from participating facilities completed an online survey. Frequencies were used to analyze the results. Results: None of the participating facilities were in 100% compliance with ADA. Customer service desk (84%) and path of travel throughout the facility (72%) were the highest compliance areas. Telephone (6%) and locker rooms (32%) were the lowest compliance areas. No fitness professional was trained in wheelchair transfers and very few had received training in providing services to individuals with disabilities. Conclusion: Fitness facility accessibility remains a concern nationally. Continued efforts need to be made to raise the awareness of ADA compliance among fitness professionals across the United States, especially in rural areas where fitness facility availability is limited.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 89%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%