Joining the Gym

FlexABLE Resources *

About this Project

DDWA's 'Joining the Gym' Project has resulted in the launch of "FlexABLE" course: online resources for gym professionals.

An ILC funded grant initiative aimed to build capacity with community fitness centres and gyms to support the participation of people with intellectual disability and complex communication needs.

Making gyms accessible and inclusive for people with intellectual disability.

In 2023 we launched the "FlexABLE" course with online resources for gym professionals.

What we did

Many people who go to the gym not only enjoy the sense of achievement of working out - from getting stronger to losing weight - but also the social aspects of getting to know other gym goers.

DDWA's Joining the Gym Project developed an online training package for staff in fitness centres and private gyms to address gaps in knowledge and increase skills and confidence to support people with intellectual disability and complex communication needs at their centres.

We also developed easy to understand resources for people with disability to answer common questions about going to the gym. View the Easy Read documents and videos for people with intellectual disability who want to know more about joining the gym:

ddwa.org.au/joining-the-gym-easy-read

person with intellectual disability at the gym

How people with disability were involved

We included the views of people with an intellectual disability and complex communication needs, their family members and support workers by creating a short, confidential survey for people to share their ideas with us.

We also invited people with intellectual disability to participate in a Joining the Gym Project focus group to help explore, test and shape the content of the online resources during the development phase.

To learn more about FlexABLE, please contact the DDWA Main Office on 9420 7203.

The result

FlexAble Online Learning course (videos) and
"FlexAble - Handbook for Gym Professionals" (downloadable PDF)

picture of gym shoes and gym equipment