A recent audit conducted by the University of Alberta's Steadward Centre, and its subsequent report, has led to improvements in University of Alberta fitness and wellness centres.
Based on a research project funded by the Human Rights Education and Multiculturalism Fund, The Steadward Centre used the AIMFREE (Accessibility, Instruments Measuring Fitness and Recreation Environments) survey tool to conduct an audit of 25 Edmonton and region fitness facilities, including facilities at the U of A, to identify barriers to accessing community fitness centres for people experiencing disability.
Steadward Centre AIMFREE Report
Developed by the National Centre on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) to assess the accessibility of recreation and fitness facilities and swimming pools, the AIMFREE tool evaluates every aspect of the facility from parking, entrances and exits, locker rooms and weight room layout, as well as the behavior and training of facility staff.
The Steadward Centre, the U of A's high-calibre Adapted Physical Activity and Para-sport Research Centre based in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, used the information gathered from the audit to develop a report so that Edmonton and region stakeholders could work together towards building healthy inclusive community recreation and fitness centres.
"The AIMFREE audit and report were done to provide clarity regarding the barriers that exist at fitness and recreation facilities in the Edmonton region for people experiencing disability," explained Karen Slater, Director of The Steadward Centre. "To our knowledge, it is the only audit and report of its kind within Alberta, and we are tremendously grateful to the Human Rights Education and Multiculturalism Fund for generously supporting the audit and report, and to the Edmonton and region facilities that were invested in this process and cooperated and worked with us."
"We realize our facilities serve a broad audience of people with all levels of ability," noted Cheryl Harwardt, Director of Campus and Community Recreation for the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation. "Our goal for our fitness centres is to serve as much of our community as is possible, and the AIMFREE audit helped guide our planning and decision making in the new Hansen Fitness & Lifestyle Centre. Everything from the location, to equipment spacing, and the accessibility of equipment were all key factors in the design and development of the new facility."
Some of the changes that resulted include a reduced rate, to ensure pricing is not a barrier, improved staff training policies, and the layout of the centre was specifically designed to allow better access for all persons, including those who use wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids.
"Great care was taken in the placement of the weight equipment," explained Harwardt. "Appropriate space between and around each piece of equipment was carefully considered, allowing room for wheelchairs and other mobility aides as well as personal aides and assistants. In order to accomplish this, an equipment design layout was proposed early in the construction design which allowed the design and layout criteria to be assessed hand in hand."
"Although fortunate to have a brand new facility, the advancements made to enhance access and inclusion within the new space extended well beyond removal of physical barriers such as stairs and turnstiles," said Slater. "The welcoming and inclusive environment that they continue to strive to create is certainly making a difference to the campus community and community as a whole-- with a visible increase in students, staff, and community members experiencing disability now making this facility part of their regular physical activity routine."
"The Hansen Fitness and Lifestyle Centre at the University of Alberta," she continued, "serves as an excellent example of a facility that was open to learning how they could improve and commit to making real change."
Hansen Fitness and Lifestyle Centre
For more information about the AIMREE report or for interview requests contact: Karen Slater, Director The Steadward Centre: 780-‐492-‐7158, karen.slater@ualberta.ca
Bobbi-‐Jo Atchison, Community Transition coordinator (available until August 27): 780-‐ 492-‐9389, bobbijoa@ualberta.ca
Jessica Imppola, Steadward Centre Consultant and Audit Team Member 780-‐492-‐5759, imppola@ualberta.ca
Heather Crowe, City of Edmonton Special Needs Recreation Liaison780-‐496 - 4917, recreationdisabilities@edmonton.ca