Guest columnist: Jessica Madrigal
The substantial health benefits of regular physical activity are well documented and actively promoted among the general population. Historically, people with disabilities have not been included in these efforts to increase physical activity and promote healthy lifestyles. Yet, the more than 50 million people with disabilities in the United States face even far greater health risks associated with sedentary lifestyles. Even if people with disabilities want to exercise, participate in a sport, go to a gym, or just enjoy the outdoors, they often confront barriers to participation. The Inclusive Fitness Coalition (IFC) was formed to address policy, environmental, and societal issues associated with the lack of inclusion and access to physical activity among people with disabilities.
For the full column, go to http://www.ncpad.org/755/3992/F~I~T~T~~Column~~Inclusive~Fitness~Coalition~Call~for~
Members~and~Advocates~for~Change~.