REM Ohio, YMCA Team Up to Offer Fitness Classes Tailored to the Needs of Persons with Developmental Disabilities

LANCASTER, OH – In an effort to improve the health and wellness options available to persons with intellectual or other developmental disabilities (I/DD), REM Ohio, a local service provider to individuals living with disabilities, announced they are teaming up with the Lancaster Area YMCA to offer a twice-weekly, fitness class “Ready, Fit & Able”. These are open to the community, beginning January 13th at the Opportunities Center, located at 1560 Sheridan Drive.

The fitness class will be led by professional fitness instructors from the Lancaster Area YMCA every Monday and Friday, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m., and will feature low impact, aerobic exercises that can be customized to fit each person’s level of ability.

It was discovered through research conducted that in 2005, the Surgeon General issued a Call to Action to Improve the Health and Wellness of Persons with Disabilities, recognizing the link between health and quality of life. This Call to Action encourages health care service providers, community leaders, advocates, and the public to work together to address the challenges facing people with disabilities in accessing health care and wellness services so that all people can live long, healthy, productive lives.

Answering the Call to Action, REM Ohio, a human services provider for persons with I/DD, developed the vision for the wellness and recreation program, “Ready, Fit & Able”.

“We began the ‘Ready, Fit & Able’ program in 2009 at the Opportunities Center in the greater Akron community with the help of the Akron Area YMCA. We are excited to have an opportunity to expand the program into the Lancaster area,” said Carla Parker, REM Ohio Executive Director. “All too often, adults with developmental disabilities live a sedentary lifestyle due to their disabilities. Our hope is to continue in expanding this much needed initiative throughout the state of Ohio. It is time for health care providers and members of our communities to come together and assist in putting an end to unhealthy and often sedentary lifestyles of those with developmental disabilities.”

In addition to offering this free-of-charge fitness program to persons enrolled in the Opportunities Center program, REM Ohio is opening it’s doors to the community even wider. Persons interested for a complementary “try it free for a day” is open by appointment to any adult with developmental disabilities that would like to join in the fun for a day.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating or learning more about the “Ready, Fit & Able” fitness class, please call the REM Ohio Opportunities Center on Sheridan Drive at 740.654.4227.

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About REM Ohio

REM Ohio provides an array of high-quality services for people with developmental disabilities and other complex conditions throughout the state, with a state headquarters located in Akron, Ohio and additional locations in Akron, Cambridge, Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus, Troy, and Cincinnati. The company currently employs 394 part time and 857 full time employees. The individuals and families supported by REM Ohio have a variety of needs, all of which are met within the communities where they live, work, and play. Because each person’s needs and preferences are different – and often change over time – REM Ohio offers a range of community-based residential and non-residential programs and supports.

REM Ohio is a member of The MENTOR Network, an organization dedicated to providing high-quality, community-based services to adults and children of all abilities. Founded in 1980, The MENTOR Network has evolved from a single residential program to a national network of local human services providers, offering an array of services to adults and children with developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries or other catastrophic injuries and illnesses; youth with emotional, behavioral and medically complex challenges; and elders in need of home care.

About the Lancaster Area Robert K Fox Family YMCA

At the Robert K Fox Family Y it is believed that a knowledgeable staff uses all programs to help members and participants build a healthy spirit, mind and body. In addition, key partnerships with the United Way of Fairfield County and Fairfield Medical Center allow the Family Y to do their part in the community to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

The Lancaster Area YMCA provides opportunities for families to strengthen their spirit, mind and body through hundreds of programs, services and volunteer opportunities. YMCAs are for people of all faiths, races, ages, incomes and abilities and are the nation’s largest community service organization and charity of choice.

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