Move United Offers Over 1,000 Virtual Programs to Individuals with Physical Disabilities During Coronavirus Pandemic
As an adaptive sports organization, Move United knows all about adapting, so the organization was quickly able to pivot its programs and activities online when the Coronavirus pandemic hit the nation back in March 2020. In the last six months, the national nonprofit organization has offered over 1,000 virtual programs to individuals with physical disabilities to encourage health and fitness.
Move United, the national leader in community adaptive sports, focuses on providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports, recreation, and educational programs. Through its activities and its network of nearly 200 member organizations across the country, these past several months would normally be filled with clinics, practices, competitions, regional games, and other adaptive sports programming. But COVID-19 altered many of those activities.
According the American Psychological Association, emerging research on COVID-19 shows that the coronavirus pandemic has increased psychological distress particularly among people with disabilities. The pandemic not only impacted access to local sports, fitness, and wellness programs in communities across the country, but the physical distancing guidelines also led to higher levels of social isolation. “This isn’t the time for people to be sidelined,” said Move United Executive Director Glenn Merry. “Particularly during trying times like these, we know how important it is to maintain physical and mental health. These reasons immediately drove our attention to host sports, fitness, and wellness activities across digital platforms with our #AdaptAtHome program.”
The 1,000+ live and on-demand sessions hosted by Move United, its member network, and partners had over 250,000 engagements since April 1. Participants hailed from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. By offering programming virtually, the organization was able to reach beyond its existing network. “We know not everyone has access to an adaptive sports program in their community,” Merry said. “By offering virtual programs, we are changing what people experience as barriers to access.”
As another way to support individuals who may not have access to fitness equipment, Move United created an #AdaptAtHome Fitness Kit, which includes a ball, exercise band, cordless jump rope, and other resources so individuals can exercise wherever they are. By December, over 1,500+ fitness kits will be distributed free of charge. Live programs and recorded fitness sessions also showcase how each item can be utilized.
Participants in the virtual programs included adaptive athletes, disabled veterans, youth and adults with disabilities, adaptive sports coaches, program volunteers and staff, health providers, and others. 90% of participants agreed that the programming helps increase the overall level of physical fitness and 97% agree participating in virtual adaptive sports improves their mood and mental health. “We know the power of sports. Sports make us stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally,” said Merry.
60 different organizations have been part of the #AdaptAtHome initiative, providing online programming in 45 different sports. The top offerings have included strength and conditioning, yoga, cycling, dance, and fitness. The virtual programs are offered free of charge to all participants. Move United has curated a resource library through the #AdaptAtHome page on its website. To learn more, visit https://moveunitedsport.org/adaptathome.
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