Stronger Together Newsletter: What’s New at Gathering Strength – Spring 2024
Since January, 2024, we have provided 7 series of FREE online, adapted exercise and yoga classes–48 individual classes total–for people with disabilities. In March, a spinal cord injury survivor who participated in our Seated Cardio & Core class told us:
“Thanks for putting on these virtual classes. It has improved my life and exercise goals tremendously. Being able to work out at home is such a blessing. It takes so much effort to get to the gym I am pooped by the time I get there so this is great. Thank you all.”
With the help of our donors, Gathering Strength’s unique, free health and wellness programs have had 149 participants with disabilities so far in 2024. We couldn’t do it without you! If you’d like to help us continue these online health and wellness classes, donate here.
There were 22 participants in online stress-reduction Mindful Movement classes in January – April, 2024.
There were 127 participants in online adapted exercise classes in January – April, 2024.
Why this work is important:
In Kentucky, where Gathering Strength is located, 35% of adults have a disability, and adults with disabilities are three times more likely to have heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. According to the CDC, in the U.S., people with disabilities are three times more likely to have heart disease and two times more likely to have diabetes than their able-bodied peers.
The good news is that exercise can improve the risk factors for all of these life-threatening conditions. However, exercise is only possible for people with disabilities if it is accessible. A focus group of people with disabilities led by University of Louisville professors in 2019 found that the most common barriers to participating in exercise are lack of transportation, inaccessibility of facilities, and the cost of participating. Gathering Strength’s free, online, adapted classes address all of these barriers.
Upcoming Classes:
We have several upcoming events.
- Three new series of online adapted exercise classes are happening now (April – June). It’s never too late to join us. Learn more and register
We are planning online financial empowerment classes this year. - We also are planning in-person social get-togethers in Louisville.
Follow us on Facebook and bookmark the Gathering Strength website to stay informed about our upcoming events and classes.
Gathering Strength’s Advocacy Work:
Gathering Strength is actively advocating for corporate and governmental change to improve accessibility in:
1. Public Parking — Since 2021, we have worked to amend and increase compliance with, and enforcement of, the Louisville Metro Accessible Parking Ordinance. People with disabilities deserve equal access to community amenities as every other citizen. Too often, accessible parking spots are taken by people who don’t need them, or as you see in the picture, people park in the striped access aisle blocking our use.
2. Public Transit — Since 2022, we have worked with the Metro Disability Coalition to improve paratransit services for people with disabilities in Louisville. Public transportation is vital for a first-class city. In cities like Louisville, transportation is a basic need — to manage one’s health, purchase necessities like food, and live a safe, healthy, and full life. Public transit systems are required by law to provide comparable services to people with disabilities.
3. Healthcare — 33 years after the passage of the ADA, a majority of healthcare facilities retain obstacles to accessibility. A study in Louisville found that 93% of exam rooms were noncompliant with the ADA, 70% of clinics reported not having a height-adjustable exam table, over 70% of wheelchair users were examined only in their wheelchair, and the majority of them felt they received incomplete care. These conditions are found nationwide. Inaccessibility contributes to poorer health outcomes for people with disabilities
Stay informed with Gathering Strength’s newsletter, Stronger Together. Use the contact form on the website to let us know you would like to be emailed our newsletter.
— Elizabeth Fust, Founder and Executive Director
