13 Able: Exercise Therapy for Everyone: Family Fitness that Includes Special Needs!

This guide is written for those living with any diagnosis that impacts their functional movements and/or learning abilities. This guide is designed for caregivers, aides, instructors, parents, and/or guardians to better understand what fitness means to this population, why it is important, and what activities can be done to improve cognitive and functional movement; whether a person is ambulatory or not or uses walking-assistant devices, there are multiple challenges available for every person. Physical and cognitive exercise routines are provided at the end of the book to empower. These are simply guides for multi-directional, transitional challenges, as well as muscle-, stamina- and balance-building exercises. It is imperative that all participants be given clearance for such activities by their attending physicians. The entire premise behind this program is to empower, never break down. That said, not only were the exercises presented here used throughout a multi- year study with occupational therapy students but also were "Kid tested! Kid approved!" by our amazing participants. Ultimately, what will fully empower and benefit its users comes when caregivers, instructors, aides, parents/guardians, and coaches also participate. A wellness program for those living with disability or impairment works best when everyone buys in. Good luck, have fun, and believe that positive change is possible. Welcome to the greatest program on earth!